Netflix Welcomes the Dark Tales of I Am Frankelda
Netflix today announced the acquisition of I Am Frankelda (aka “Soy Frankelda”), a stop-motion film from directors Arturo and Roy Ambriz, slated for global release in 2026.
The film recently secured a nomination for Best Independent Feature Film at the 53rd Annie Awards, which will be held this weekend on Saturday, February 21.
Developed by the Ambriz brothers and their Mexico City-based studio, Cinema Fantasma, the film marks a historic milestone as Mexico’s first-ever feature-length stop-motion production.
The Ambriz brothers, as protégés of Academy Award winner Guillermo del Toro, crafted the film with del Toro serving as a creative guide to the filmmakers. “Frankelda is a landmark in Mexican Stop-Motion animation and a true triumph of vision, tenacity, and love for the craft,” said Guillermo del Toro (Frankenstein, Pan’s Labyrinth).
I Am Frankelda is officially described as follows: “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.”
Arturo and Roy Ambriz wrote, directed, and produced the Netflix film, which features the voices of Mireya Mendoza, Arturo Mercado Jr., and Luis Leonardo Suarez.
Ana Coronilla and Bruce Zick are the production designers. Beto Petiches is the animation director. Irene Melis and Fernanda G. Manzur are the directors of photography, and the original score is by Kevin Smithers.
