Cuerdas (English: Strings) is a 2013 Spanish animated short film written and directed by Pedro Solís García. The film tells the touching story of María, a young girl in an orphanage, who forms an unbreakable bond with Nicolás, a boy with cerebral palsy who cannot speak. Through the use of a simple string, the two children communicate and play, creating a friendship that transcends physical and verbal barriers. The story is deeply personal to Solís, as Nicolás was inspired by his own son, who also had cerebral palsy. Tragically, the real Nicolás passed away before the short film was completed, adding a layer of poignancy to the production.
Cuerdas received widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards, including the Goya Award for Best Animated Short Film in 2014. It also holds the Guinness World Record for the most awarded animated short film. The short film is celebrated for its emotional depth, innovative storytelling, and its sensitive portrayal of disability and friendship. Its success laid the groundwork for a feature-length adaptation that would expand on the themes of connection and resilience.