
Manual Wind follows Carlos, a funeral home worker who steals possessions from the dead. After he sells his late father’s watch, the object passes through Mexico City, linking several lives as family tensions with his brother intensify.
Manual Wind is a 2026 Spanish-language drama short written and directed by Gustavo Obregón. The 21-minute film centers on Carlos, a young funeral home worker whose actions set an unusual chain of connections in motion.
At the center of the story is a watch that once belonged to Carlos’s late father. After Carlos secretly sells it, the object travels through Mexico City while his strained relationship with his brother continues to develop.
Manual Wind movie details
| Title | Manual Wind |
|---|---|
| Original title | Cuerda Manual |
| Release date | |
| Runtime | 21m |
| Genres | Drama |
| Director | Gustavo Obregón |
| Writer | Gustavo Obregón |
| Languages | Spanish |
| Status | Released |
Story without spoilers
Carlos works at a funeral home and secretly takes belongings from people who have died. Among the objects connected to him is his late father’s watch, which he chooses to sell without telling others.
That sale gives the watch a new path through Mexico City, where it becomes a link between several lives. At the same time, Carlos faces growing tension with his brother, adding a personal conflict to the watch’s wider journey.

What to expect
Manual Wind is identified as a drama with a compact 21-minute runtime. Its premise combines a morally complicated central character, a significant personal object and an expanding chain of connections across Mexico City. The film’s Spanish-language setting and focus on family tension place Carlos’s actions within a distinctly personal and urban story.
Cast and creative team
Gustavo Obregón serves as both director and writer. Santiago Sandoval plays Carlos. The cast also includes Cristina Alanis, Juan Luis Medina, Rodrigo Olguín, Mónica de la Isla Yáñez, Ana Lorena Rodríguez and Ana Victoria Mendoza.
- Santiago Sandoval as Carlos
- Cristina Alanis
- Juan Luis Medina
- Rodrigo Olguín
- Mónica de la Isla Yáñez
- Ana Lorena Rodríguez
- Ana Victoria Mendoza
Release and production context
Manual Wind, also known by its original title Cuerda Manual, is listed as a 2026 release with a release date of October 20, 2026. It has a runtime of 21 minutes and is classified as a drama. The spoken language is Spanish. The listed production companies are Patreon and Laterna Film.
Production companies: Patreon, Laterna Film
Manual Wind official trailer
Watch the official trailer on YouTube
Movies Dock view
With its short runtime and focused premise, Manual Wind builds its story around the movement of one watch and the personal consequences surrounding Carlos. The film may appeal to viewers looking for a concise Spanish-language drama grounded in family strain and interconnected lives.
Frequently asked questions
What is Manual Wind about?
It follows Carlos, a young funeral home worker who steals belongings from the dead. After he sells his late father’s watch, the object connects several lives across Mexico City while tensions with his brother grow.
What is Manual Wind’s original title?
The film’s original title is Cuerda Manual.
Who directed Manual Wind?
Manual Wind was directed by Gustavo Obregón, who also wrote the film.
How long is Manual Wind?
Manual Wind has a runtime of 21 minutes.
What language is Manual Wind in?
The film’s spoken language is Spanish.
Film data:
TMDB















