A grumpy maestro, a kid named Albert, and 14 minutes to save music itself.
At a music academy, veteran Professor Victor faces challenges as he prepares to conduct his final concert with a choir of children who lack passion for music. The arrival of the academy director complicates matters, and Victor learns of his dismissal just before the performance. Determined to overcome adversity, Victor, with the help of former student Angelica and the child Albert, manages to lead the choir to a heartfelt performance, rekindling their connection with music.
Acting
Roberto Oropeza's gruff vulnerability in under 15 minutes.
Direction
Velázquez squeezes a lifetime of regret into one rehearsal room.
Writing
Economical storytelling — every line earns its keep.
Director
Raúl Alberto Velázquez
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The title 'Ritardando' is a musical term for gradually slowing down — Victor's career and the film's runtime mirror this perfectly.
The film quietly critiques Mexico's defunding of arts education; Victor's dismissal reflects real policies shuttering music programs nationwide.
MX
