Get ready for a groundbreaking cinematic experience! Netflix is bringing Mexico's very first stop-motion feature film, 'I Am Frankelda,' to screens worldwide in 2026, marking a monumental moment for animation from Latin America.
This isn't just any animated movie; 'I Am Frankelda' (originally titled 'Soy Frankelda') is a testament to the incredible talent of Mexican filmmakers Arturo and Roy Ambriz. Their Mexico City-based studio, Cinema Fantasma, has poured their hearts into this project, and it's already generating significant international acclaim. The film recently snagged a nomination for best independent feature at the prestigious Annie Awards and has captivated audiences at major festivals like Annecy, Guadalajara (FICG), and Animation Is Film.
But here's where it gets truly exciting: 'I Am Frankelda' is an expansion of the Cartoon Network Quirino Award-winning series, 'Frankelda’s Book of Spooks.' And guess who's lending his creative magic? The legendary Guillermo del Toro! A huge advocate for stop-motion animation and a mentor to the Ambriz brothers, del Toro has called the film "a landmark in Mexican stop-motion animation and a true triumph of vision, tenacity and love for the craft." His endorsement alone tells you this is something special.
And this is the part most people miss... The story itself is a journey into the imagination. Set in 19th-century Mexico, it follows a talented writer whose dark tales are unfortunately overlooked. When she's drawn into her own subconscious, the monsters she's created come to life, blurring the lines between what's real and what's imagined. With the help of the tormented prince Herneval, Frankelda must confront her inner demons and reclaim her power as a storyteller before shadowy forces take over. It's a powerful narrative about finding your voice and embracing your creativity!
The film's stunning visual world is brought to life by the incredible work of Ana Coronilla and Bruce Zick on production design, Beto Petiches on animation direction, and a captivating original score by Kevin Smithers.
What do you think? Does the idea of a stop-motion film exploring the power of imagination and storytelling in 19th-century Mexico pique your interest? Are you excited to see Mexico's first feature-length stop-motion film gain global recognition? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below – do you agree that this is a significant step forward for Latin American animation?
