Image provided by Netflix
Netflix continues to strengthen its already world-class animation slate. The streamer has officially announced a global acquisition i am frankelda (Soy Frankelda), a groundbreaking new stop-motion animated film is set to hit our screens in 2026.
This acquisition marks a historic milestone for Latin American cinema i am frankelda Officially Mexico’s first feature-length stop-motion production. there was one in the movie Theatrical release in Mexico last October.
The film is the brainchild of directors, writers and producers Arturo and Roy Ambriz, who developed the film at their Mexico City-based animation studio, Cinema Fantasma.
If you’re a fan of deep, beautifully crafted stop-motion, this project has the ultimate seal of approval. The Ambriz brothers are disciples of Academy Award-winning visionary Guillermo del Toro (pinocchio, cabinet of curiosities), who served as a creative guide to the filmmakers throughout production. Praising the upcoming feature, del Toro said in a statement released by Netflix today, “Francelda is a milestone in Mexican stop-motion animation and a true triumph of vision, perseverance, and love for the craft.”
Industry is also already taking notice. The film is entering the fray this weekend fresh off the back of scoring a coveted nomination for Best Independent Feature Film at the 53rd Annie Awards, which will be held this Saturday, February 21. This is in addition to some positive reviews already published by English-speaking outlets, which have praised the film at various festivals. Kambole Campbell for IndieWire Wrote in November, “The magic of ‘I Am Frankelda’ lies in how its form reflects its function, as the notion of art taking on a life of its own becomes more concrete when it is expressed through this brilliant and lifelike puppetry.”
what is the plot of i am frankelda?
Here’s the official summary of the upcoming feature:
“In 19th-century Mexico, Frankelda is a talented writer whose dark stories 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 pushed into her subconscious, the monsters she has created come alive.
Guided by Harneval, a tormented prince caught between dreams and nightmares, she must restore the balance between fantasy and reality before both realms collapse. Meanwhile, the sinister writer Procastes and his conspirators plot to seize control. As Frankelda and Harneval grow closer, their bond becomes both a strength and a curse. To rewrite her destiny, 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.
who is behind i am frankelda?
Along with the Ambriz brothers who run the ship, the film features a talented crew of artists and animators who bring Frankelda’s monsters to life:
- Director/Writer/Producer: Arturo Ambriz and Roy Ambriz
- production design: Ana Coronilla and Bruce Zick
- Animation Director: beto petitches
- Director of Photography: Irene Melis and Fernanda G Manzoor
- original score: Kevin Smithers
Confirmed voice cast for the feature includes mireya mendoza, Arturo Mercado Jr.And luis leonardo suarez.
when will it happen i am frankelda Release on Netflix?
Netflix hasn’t set an exact release date yet, but the streamer has confirmed that the film will make its global debut sometime soon 2026.
We’ll keep this page updated with all the latest news, trailers and release dates i am frankelda As soon as we receive them. Are you excited to see Mexico’s first stop-motion feature on Netflix? Let us know in the comments below!