In a groundbreaking collaboration, Spanish actress and director María Valverde and world-renowned conductor Gustavo Dudamel are joining forces to create a captivating feature documentary titled El Canto de las Manos (Song Of The Hands). This film will shed light on the extraordinary journey of a deaf choir as they prepare to perform the Beethoven opera Fidelio. The project is set to be directed by Valverde herself, with DJ Kurs, the Artistic Director of the acclaimed Deaf West Theatre company, serving as an executive producer.
Gustavo Dudamel, the music and artistic director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, has long been fascinated by Beethoven’s Deafness. In 2022, he orchestrated a one-of-a-kind production of Fidelio at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, bringing together a diverse ensemble of performers including 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 was met with critical acclaim and led to a European Tour that included stops in Barcelona, London, and Paris.
The documentary follows the members of Coro de Manos Blancas as they embark on the challenging journey of preparing for and starring in a production of Fidelio in Caracas, Venezuela. Through the lens of three choir members – Jennifer González, Gabriel Linarez, and José Gabriel Abarca – the film captures their daily lives and the dedication required to perform at a world-class level. This verité style approach provides an intimate look at their struggles, triumphs, and the transformative power of art.
For María Valverde, this project represents a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between the hearing and Deaf communities. By showcasing the transformative power of music in the lives of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, the documentary aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for their talents. The collaboration between the two communities in the film creates a space where the members of El Coro de Manos Blancas can truly shine as leaders and artists.
“The film is a celebration of the transformative power of performance, and the magic that happens when Deaf talents are offered the chance to perform on the world stage,” DJ Kurs expressed. This sentiment is echoed throughout the documentary, which portrays the resilience, creativity, and profound possibilities that sign language and Deaf culture bring to the forefront. The project serves as a testament to the richness of diversity in the arts and the endless potential for collaboration and innovation.
Behind the scenes, a team of dedicated producers including Cristina Oliva and Martí Font from Barcelona-based Forty Entertainment, along with support from The DeNovo Initiative and The Breathe Project, have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. The project has also drawn the expertise of industry veterans such as former AMC and Blumhouse executive Marci Wiseman, who serves as an executive producer for DeNovo, alongside Paula P. Manzanedo, Ana Pinós, Dawn Bonder, MJ Peckham, and Daniel J. Chalfen.
El Canto de las Manos stands as a testament to the enduring power of art to transcend boundaries and unite communities. Through the lens of the deaf choir’s journey, this documentary showcases the transformative and life-affirming impact of music, creativity, and inclusion. It is a beacon of hope and inspiration for audiences around the world, reminding us of the boundless possibilities that arise when we come together in celebration of our shared humanity.