Mexico’s animation industry hits a historic milestone as Netflix acquires I Am Frankelda (Soy Frankelda), the country’s first-ever feature-length stop-motion film, set for a global debut in 2026.
Directed by brothers Arturo and Roy Ambriz and produced through their Mexico City studio Cinema Fantasma, the film has already secured a nomination for Best Independent Feature Film at the 53rd Annie Awards. The project was developed with creative mentorship from Academy Award winner Guillermo del Toro, who praised the film as:
“A landmark in Mexican Stop-Motion animation and a true triumph of vision, tenacity and love for the craft.”
Del Toro, who championed handcrafted animation with Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio, served as a creative guide to the filmmakers.
About I Am Frankelda
Set in 19th-century Mexico, the gothic fantasy follows a gifted writer whose dark stories are dismissed until she’s pulled into her own subconscious, where the monsters she created come to life. Guided by a tormented prince, she must restore balance between fiction and reality while confronting forces determined to silence her imagination.
With awards buzz and del Toro’s backing, I Am Frankelda marks a major breakthrough for Mexican stop-motion on the global stage.
About I AM FRANKELDA:
Synopsis
In 19th-century Mexico, Frankelda is a gifted writer whose dark tales are ignored and dismissed. Forced to suppress her voice, she refuses to give up, even as many try to silence her. But when she is thrust into her subconscious, the very monsters she created come to life. Guided by Herneval, a tormented prince trapped between dreams and nightmares, she must restore balance between fiction and reality before both realms collapse. Meanwhile, the sinister writer Procustes and his conspirators plot to seize control. As Frankelda and Herneval grow closer, their bond becomes both a strength and a curse. To rewrite their fate, she must confront a love that defies existence and reclaim her power as a storyteller—before dark forces consume her imagination and reveal horrors beyond her creation.
Directors: Arturo Ambriz, Roy Ambriz
Writers: Arturo Ambriz, Roy Ambriz
Producers: Arturo Ambriz, Roy Ambriz
Production Design: Ana Coronilla, Bruce Zick
Animation Director: Beto Petiches
Directors of Photography: Irene Melis, Fernanda G. Manzur
Original Score: Kevin Smithers
Cast: Mireya Mendoza, Arturo Mercado Jr., Luis Leonardo Suarez
