The upcoming feature documentary, *El Canto de las Manos* (Song Of The Hands), is set to showcase the incredible story behind a deaf choir’s interpretation of Beethoven’s opera Fidelio. This groundbreaking project is a collaboration between Spanish actress and director María Valverde and superstar conductor Gustavo Dudamel. The documentary will shed light on the choir’s journey as they prepare for a performance in their native Venezuela, following their successful production in Los Angeles.
Gustavo Dudamel, known for his work as the music and artistic director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, orchestrated a unique production of Fidelio at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in 2022. The performance brought together members of the LA Phil orchestra, opera singer-soloists, a vocal choir, signing actors from the Deaf West Theatre company, and the Venezuelan Deaf choir, Coro de Manos Blancas (White Hands Choir). This iconic performance captured the hearts of audiences and inspired the creation of the documentary, *El Canto de las Manos*.
The documentary, directed by María Valverde, will follow three members of the choir – Jennifer González, Gabriel Linarez, and José Gabriel Abarca – as they navigate the challenges of learning to perform at a world-class level. Through their daily lives and struggles, viewers will witness the transformative power of music and sign language in bringing communities together and empowering individuals.
*El Canto de las Manos* aims to celebrate the resilience and creativity of Deaf talents as they are given the opportunity to shine on a global stage. The documentary highlights the profound possibilities that sign language and Deaf culture offer to the world. It is a testament to the transformative power of performance and the magic that happens when diverse talents come together to create something truly extraordinary.
An Important Message
For María Valverde, this project marks a significant step into the world of directing. She sees the documentary as an opportunity to bridge the gap between the hearing and Deaf communities, showcasing the transformative power of music and art for individuals who are often marginalized and misunderstood. By sharing the story of the Coro de Manos Blancas, Valverde hopes to inspire audiences to see the beauty and strength in diversity.
*El Canto de las Manos* was shot in both Venezuela and Los Angeles, capturing the essence of the choir’s journey and the impact of their performance. The 90-minute film is expected to have a festival run, bringing the powerful message of unity and resilience to audiences around the world. With a stellar lineup of producers and executives, this documentary is poised to make a lasting impact in the world of cinema and beyond.
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