Netflix is continuing its investment in international animation with the acquisition of I Am Frankelda, also known as Soy Frankelda. The film marks a historic milestone as Mexico’s first-ever feature-length stop-motion animated movie.
Directed, written, and produced by brothers Arturo Ambriz and Roy Ambriz, the gothic dark fantasy musical will debut globally on Netflix in 2026. While an exact streaming date has not yet been announced, the film previously premiered theatrically in Mexico on October 23, 2025 through Cinépolis.
TL;DR
Netflix has acquired I Am Frankelda, Mexico’s first feature-length stop-motion animated film, for a global streaming release in 2026. Directed by Arturo and Roy Ambriz and developed with guidance from Guillermo del Toro, the gothic fantasy musical is already earning awards attention.
For Netflix subscribers and animation fans worldwide, this acquisition positions I Am Frankelda as one of the most distinctive animated titles on the 2026 slate.
A Gothic Fantasy Rooted in Mexican Storytelling
Set in 19th-century Mexico, the film follows Frankelda, a gifted young writer whose dark and imaginative tales are repeatedly dismissed by those around her. Frustrated and creatively stifled, she is suddenly thrust into her own subconscious world.
Inside this dreamlike realm, the monsters she created in her stories come alive. As fiction and reality begin to blur, Frankelda must confront the very creatures she imagined.
At the center of this surreal world is Prince Herneval, a tormented royal figure trapped between dreams and nightmares. Together, they attempt to restore balance before chaos consumes both realities. Lurking in the shadows is the villain Procustes, whose manipulations threaten to collapse the fragile divide between imagination and the real world.
The film runs 113 minutes and is presented in Spanish, embracing its cultural roots while delivering a universal coming-of-age story about creativity, fear, and self-acceptance.
Handcrafted at Cinema Fantasma
The film was painstakingly created at Cinema Fantasma, the Mexico City-based studio founded by the Ambriz brothers. Known for their meticulous stop-motion craftsmanship, the studio has spent years developing a distinctive gothic visual identity.
Every character and set piece in I Am Frankelda was handcrafted, reinforcing the tactile, textured quality that stop-motion animation is celebrated for. The production design was led by Ana Coronilla and Bruce Zick, blending Mexican folklore influences with European gothic aesthetics.
Animation direction was handled by Beto Petiches, while the musical score was composed by Kevin Smithers, helping elevate the film’s dark fantasy tone into a full musical experience.
Backed by Guillermo del Toro’s Guidance
The Ambriz brothers have previously been described as protégés of Guillermo del Toro, who guided the development of the project. Del Toro, a longtime champion of stop-motion as an art form, reportedly called the film “a landmark in Mexican stop-motion animation.”
For many animation fans, that endorsement carries significant weight. Del Toro’s own stop-motion feature, Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, demonstrated that handcrafted animation can achieve both artistic acclaim and global audience reach. While I Am Frankelda stands on its own stylistically, viewers who admired the atmospheric richness of Pinocchio may find similar creative ambition here.
Voice Cast and Creative Team
The Spanish-language voice cast includes Mireya Mendoza as Frankelda, Arturo Mercado Jr., and Luis Leonardo Suárez. Their performances anchor a story that moves between grounded emotional vulnerability and heightened fantasy spectacle.
Behind the scenes, the project reflects a collaborative effort across Mexico’s growing animation community. From sculpting and puppet fabrication to lighting and musical composition, the production showcases the depth of talent within Latin American stop-motion.
Awards Recognition and Industry Buzz
Even before its Netflix debut, I Am Frankelda has begun attracting industry recognition. The film received a nomination for Best Independent Feature at the 53rd Annie Awards, held on February 21, 2026. The Annie Awards are widely regarded as one of the most important honors in the animation industry.
While awards outcomes remain to be seen, the nomination alone signals international respect for the craftsmanship and ambition behind the project.
Why This Is a Major Moment for Latin Animation
Mexico has a rich cinematic tradition, but feature-length stop-motion animation at this scale represents a new chapter. By acquiring I Am Frankelda for a worldwide release, Netflix is amplifying a milestone for Mexican filmmakers.
The film also expands Netflix’s animation catalog beyond mainstream studio productions. It offers something visually bold, culturally specific, and narratively ambitious.
For viewers searching for unique animated experiences in 2026, this is not just another fantasy film. It is a landmark production that reflects years of creative perseverance.
What to Expect on Netflix in 2026
While Netflix has not yet confirmed a specific release date, I Am Frankelda is expected to premiere globally sometime in 2026. Given its gothic tone and musical elements, it could become a standout in seasonal viewing windows.
For fans of dark fantasy, stop-motion artistry, and internationally produced animation, this release is one to watch closely.
As more promotional materials, including trailers and first-look images, become available, we will continue tracking updates on Netflix’s 2026 animation lineup.
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