VC Artist María Dueñas Features in New Film "Measures for a Funeral"

The film centers on Kathleen Parlow, a forgotten violin virtuoso, and features Dueñas performing two movements of the Halvorsen Violin Concerto

The new film Measures for a Funeral, directed by Sofia Bohdanowicz, follows a young academic as she uncovers the forgotten story of Canadian virtuoso violinist Kathleen Parlow — and attempts to escape from her frustrations with her dying mother, herself a failed violinist.

VC Artist María Dueñas made her acting debut in the film, in which she plays a violinist named Elisa — whose character acts as a bridge between Parlow and the present day. At the close of the film, Dueñas plays two full movements of the Halvorsen Violin Concerto (of which Parlow was the dedicatee), with the Orchestre Métropolitain de Montréal and conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin.

The film received its premiere in September 2024 at the Toronto International Film Festival, and it will be released in cinemas in 2025.

The film's theme carries a personal connection to Bohdanowicz, in that her grandfather was a violin student of Parlow. As such, Bohdanowicz has included a great deal of Parlow's personal ephemera — such as letter, diaries, and photos — to infuse the film with her presence.

"It’s my first time working in a movie, and at first I didn’t know what to expect," Dueñas said. "I didn’t feel like acting is my thing — I’m a violinist first of all, of course. But then I was sent the script and was told about how personal this story was for Sophia, and it seemed a very meaningful story to tell."

"This film is for musicians and for music-lovers," Bohdanowicz said. "It was very much made in the spirit of remembrance and resilience, and it’s our attempt to revive the legacy of the violinist Kathleen Parlow. María’s role in this film was absolutely invaluable: I think everyone would agree with me that she was the key ingredient to resurrect Op. 28 and Kathleen Parlow."

You can watch a trailer for the film below.