“A MI VIEJO” - Santa Fe Klan
Directed by Arturo Manrique
“A MI VIEJO”…
by Santa Fe Klan , is a deeply personal and cinematic music video that transforms grief into gratitude. Through an intimate black-and-white visual language, the piece serves as a heartfelt tribute to a father who is no longer present, honoring his guidance, love, and lasting legacy. Supported by the nostalgic sounds of Mexican cumbia, the piece reflects on love, guidance, and the values that remain long after a parent is gone.
Director’s statement
The song approaches loss with a quiet sense of melancholy rather than overt grief. When I first heard it, I felt the visuals needed to be restrained and cinematic, allowing the emotion to unfold naturally. My intention was to create an image that moved in harmony with the music: subtle, intimate, and precise.
We filmed in an abandoned early 20th-century factory, a space shaped by time and absence. The location became an extension of the song’s emotional landscape, reinforcing themes of memory and legacy. Through this simplicity, I aimed to honor the song’s tone and offer a contemplative visual experience.
“The visual aesthetic was built with light conceived as an additional character within the narrative. Rather than illustrating emotions literally, the lighting was designed to subtly amplify the artist’s inner state, shaping mood and presence without becoming overt or illustrative. This approach allowed emotion to emerge through atmosphere and restraint, reinforcing the song’s intimate tone.”
Director: Arturo Manrique
Director of Photography: Ernesto Madrigal
Artist: Santa Fe Klan
Producer: Carlos Eguiluz
AD: Everson Báez
Editor: Arturo Manrique
Production Company: Pirotecnia Films
Year: 2025
Country: Mexico
Music Company: Prajin Parlay, 473 Music
