Cuelgamuros, Between the Difficult and the Impossible

Cuelgamuros, Between the Difficult and the Impossible (2026)



Cuelgamuros, entre lo difícil y lo imposible

9.0 2026 63 min —

Director: Belén Alonso Fernández-Pacheco

Documentary
Step inside an unprecedented visual record of the Cuelgamuros crypts, carefully concealed behind the sanctuary walls. This profound resting place contains the remains of more than 33,800 individuals, marking Spain’s largest shared burial ground. Guided by a dedicated forensic unit active since 2023, the film follows their meticulous campaign to recover and formally confirm the identities of 214 forgotten souls. Viewers uncover startling evidence alongside accounts of intense public backlash, political denunciations, and mounting administrative delays. Tackling a monumental historical puzzle that initially seemed completely unfeasible, the investigators push through systemic barriers to finally illuminate a buried past.

More About This Film

Cuelgamuros, Between the Difficult and the Impossible is a Spanish documentary that enters the crypts of the Cuelgamuros complex alongside forensic specialists working to locate and identify human remains. The investigation concerns more than 33,800 people buried at the site and focuses on the effort to identify 214 of them.

The film combines forensic work, historical investigation, and the experiences of families connected to the remains. Its unusual access to the hidden crypts gives the documentary a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on a difficult historical and scientific task.

  • Directed by Belén Alonso and Manu Diéguez.
  • Runtime is approximately 63 minutes.
  • It premiered at the 2026 San Sebastián International Film Festival.
  • The documentary features forensic specialists including Francisco Etxeberria and Lourdes Herrasti.
  • RTVE produced and premiered the documentary through DocumentaRTVE.

Where to Watch

Cuelgamuros, Between the Difficult and the Impossible is available through RTVE's documentary and streaming services in Spain.