In-Edit Cine-Documental: El canto de las manos (Song of the Hands)

In her directorial debut, María Valverde follows Jennifer, Gabriel, and José, three deaf musicians from Venezuela, as they take on the challenge of bringing Beethoven’s opera Fidelio to the stage in sign language for the first time. They are joined by the special education programme Coro de las Manos Blancas and work under the direction of Gustavo Dudamel.

Through rehearsals and performances in Caracas and Los Angeles, the film explores how they experience and feel music through the body, vibration, and community. With sensitivity and remarkable expressive subtlety, it reveals not only the creative process behind the production but also the lives of its protagonists beyond the stage.

The documentary highlights how music can transcend the simple act of hearing, offering a profound reflection on inclusion, artistic expression, and human connection. In doing so, it invites audiences to understand Beethoven’s music in its fullest dimension.

The Instituto Cervantes, in partnership with the IN-EDIT festival, presents the music documentary series “Música para tus ojos” (Music for Your Eyes).

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Part of In-Edit Cine-Documental Screened in partnership with Instituto Cervantes Maria Valverde, Spain, 2025, 90m.