In a landmark moment for Latin American animation, the Mexican stop-motion animated film I Am Frankelda (Spanish: Soy Frankelda) has been acquired by Netflix and is set for global release in 2026. This historic deal marks the first time a feature-length stop-motion movie produced entirely in Mexico will be distributed around the world.

The announcement comes after the film made waves on the festival circuit and earned critical recognition. It is already nominated for Best Independent Feature Film at the 53rd Annie Awards, a major honor in the animation industry.

Watch here.

A Dark Fantasy with Heart

Directed, written, and produced by Mexican siblings Arturo and Roy Ambriz of the animation studio Cinema Fantasma, I Am Frankelda blends elements of fantasy, horror, and drama against the backdrop of 19th-century Mexico.

At the heart of the story is Frankelda, a talented but overlooked writer whose dark tales are dismissed by society. When she is thrust into the depths of her own imagination, the very monsters she created come alive — forcing her to confront both internal and external struggles.

As Frankelda navigates her subconscious world, she teams up with Herneval, a troubled prince caught between dreams and nightmares, and must recover her creative power before fiction and reality collapse together.

From Festival Premiere to Netflix

I Am Frankelda premiered internationally in 2025, opening the 40th Guadalajara International Film Festival and screening at major animation events such as the Annecy International Animation Film Festival. It enjoyed a theatrical release in Mexico in October 2025, offering audiences there the first chance to see this groundbreaking work.

In February 2026, Netflix officially announced it had purchased worldwide rights to the film, meaning audiences everywhere will be able to stream it later this year — though an exact global release date has not yet been confirmed.

A Milestone in Mexican Cinema

This film represents more than just an animated story. It’s a cultural landmark — the first full-length stop-motion animated movie produced in Mexico — and a major step forward for the region’s film industry.

The production was not an easy journey: the Ambriz brothers and their team worked for years refining techniques and building intricate puppets, sets, and characters by hand. The result is a richly detailed world that reflects a strong artistic vision and a deep love for traditional animation craft.

Creative Support from Guillermo del Toro

The film also drew support from acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, who served as a creative guide during the production process. Del Toro, known for his passion for stop-motion animation (especially through works like Pinocchio), praised I Am Frankelda as “a landmark in Mexican stop-motion animation and a true triumph of vision, tenacity and love for the craft.”

Cast, Crew, and Style

The voice cast includes Mireya Mendoza, Arturo Mercado Jr., and Luis Leonardo Suárez, among others, bringing life to a story filled with gothic imagery, whimsy, and emotional depth.

With its dark fantasy tone, imaginative visuals, and heartfelt storytelling, the film has drawn comparisons to beloved stop-motion works from studios like LAIKA, while remaining uniquely Mexican in its narrative and cultural roots.

What Fans Can Expect

While Netflix has not revealed the exact release date, I Am Frankelda is expected to debut on the platform sometime in 2026, giving global audiences the chance to experience a movie that has already been celebrated for its creativity, artistry, and groundbreaking place in cinema history.

For animation fans, especially those who love handcrafted techniques and bold storytelling, I Am Frankelda promises to be one of the most exciting releases of the year.