Dudamel and Valverde Illuminate FIFA with “Song of the Hands”

The International Film Festival on Art (FIFA) will host a special presentation of María Valverde’s documentary, “Song of the Hands” (original title: El canto de las manos), featuring appearances by Valverde and conductor Gustavo Dudamel. The screening, scheduled for March 15th, will be followed by a discussion with the director, Dudamel, and Rafael Payare, Music Director of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra.

A Unique Artistic Collaboration

“Song of the Hands” chronicles the artistic journey of the Coro de Manos Blancas, a Venezuelan ensemble comprised of deaf and hard-of-hearing musicians. The film documents their ambitious undertaking: a new interpretation of Ludwig van Beethoven’s opera Fidelio in sign language. Under Dudamel’s guidance, the project explores innovative ways to experience and convey music beyond the realm of sound.

Behind the Scenes of a Groundbreaking Project

The documentary provides an intimate appear at the creative process, from auditions and rehearsals to production preparation. It focuses on the lives of three young musicians – Jennifer, Gabriel, and José – as they prepare to perform this unique rendition of Beethoven’s function. The film similarly addresses the challenges faced by deaf individuals, including social exclusion and prejudice.

A Project Rooted in Inclusion

The project began in Los Angeles in 2020, with Dudamel envisioning a performance of Fidelio accessible to both deaf and hearing audiences. The initial concert took place in 2022, following pandemic-related delays. The collaboration involved Deaf West Theatre, a professional theater company dedicated to promoting sign language, and the Coro de Manos Blancas, with support from the Dudamel Foundation. The project toured in 2024, with performances in Los Angeles, Barcelona, Paris, and London.

The Venezuelan Adaptation

The film specifically follows the Venezuelan adaptation of the project, undertaken in 2023, which involved selecting choir members to portray the characters of Florestan, Leonore, Rocco, and others. The documentary captures this selection process and offers glimpses into the daily lives of the musicians involved.

Beyond the Performance: Addressing Social Issues

“Song of the Hands” highlights the obstacles faced by deaf individuals, such as difficulties finding employment and navigating societal biases. The film draws parallels between Beethoven’s own hearing loss and the experiences of the choir members, as well as the theme of confinement present in Fidelio.

Other FIFA Highlights

Alongside “Song of the Hands,” FIFA will showcase four other classical music documentaries: Maxim Derevianko’s Turandot, Victoire Bonin Grais and Lou Du Pontavice’s The Watchman, Mario Côté’s Earth, Stone, War and Fire, and Jonathan Kellerman’s Goodbye Opera. Goodbye Opera, in particular, offers a poignant look at the challenges faced by dancers as they approach the end of their careers.

Sources: Le FIFA, ctvm.info, Le Devoir, Ludwig Van