“I’m Frankelda”: A Milestone in Mexican Animation
The world of animation is set to broaden its horizons with the upcoming release of “I’m Frankelda”, the first stop-motion animated feature film produced entirely in Mexico. Slated for a Netflix release on June 12, this ambitious project, under the creative direction of Guillermo del Toro, showcases a rich tapestry of handcrafted artistry.
Origins and Development
The journey of “I’m Frankelda” began in 2021 with the release of “The Hidden Scares of Frankelda,” a semi-unknown anthology miniseries that captivated audiences during its premiere on HBO Max, although it’s currently unavailable in Spain. Produced by the Mexican studio Cinema Fantasma, founded by brothers Arturo and Roy Ambriz, the miniseries centered around a ghost writer who narrates chilling tales to children.
The audience’s enthusiasm for the series spurred the Ambriz brothers to expand the concept into a feature-length film. Initially conceived as a 30-minute special, the project blossomed into a captivating two-hour animation. Remarkably, the brothers financed the entire production from their personal savings, showcasing their dedication and belief in the project.
A Tale of Horror and Creativity
In “I’m Frankelda,” viewers will meet Francisca Imelda, a 19th-century Mexican writer whose haunting horror stories are sadly overlooked by her contemporaries. In a bid to assert her voice, she adopts the pen name Frankelda. Her journey into the depths of her imagination takes a twist when a tormented prince named Herneval appears, leading her on an introspective quest. This eerie narrative unfolds as she discovers that the monsters she created in her writings have come to life, posing a unique threat to the balance between fiction and reality.
As Roy Ambriz articulated, this narrative is steeped in the historical struggles of female writers: “When Mary Shelley published her books, she had to do so under the name of her husband, Percy Shelley. So we asked ourselves: how many Mary Shelleys would there have been in Mexico?”
Guillermo del Toro’s Involvement
Guillermo del Toro’s involvement has been pivotal to the success of “I’m Frankelda.” After viewing a preliminary montage, he recognized the film’s potential, offering his congratulations and subsequently sponsoring the project. Their collaboration traces back to 2015, when del Toro produced the short film “Revoltoso.” In “I’m Frankelda,” he took on the role of creative advisor, perfectly suited given his expertise in the stop-motion medium.
Del Toro’s accolades, including an Oscar for his version of “Pinocchio” on Netflix, underscore his commitment to furthering the art of stop-motion animation. He has actively promoted the genre through initiatives like the creation of a stop-motion studio-laboratory in partnership with Netflix and the Parisian animation school Gobelins.
A Celebration of Mexican Craftsmanship
“I’m Frankelda” represents not just an artistic achievement but a cultural milestone for Mexico. With more than one hundred hand-built puppets crafted over a span of four years, the film embodies meticulous craftsmanship and creativity. As it launches on Netflix, “I’m Frankelda” is set to capture the imagination of audiences worldwide, proving that Mexican animation can stand toe-to-toe with global giants.
As viewers prepare for its release, this film promises to be an enthralling blend of horror, history, and heart, showcasing the tremendous potential of Mexican storytellers on the global stage.