The world of animation is set to broaden its horizons with the upcoming release of \u201cI\u2019m Frankelda\u201d<\/strong>, the first stop-motion animated feature film produced entirely in Mexico. Slated for a Netflix release on June 12<\/strong>, this ambitious project, under the creative direction of Guillermo del Toro<\/strong>, showcases a rich tapestry of handcrafted artistry.<\/p>\n The journey of “I\u2019m Frankelda” began in 2021<\/strong> with the release of \u201cThe Hidden Scares of Frankelda,\u201d<\/strong> a semi-unknown anthology miniseries that captivated audiences during its premiere on HBO Max<\/strong>, although it’s currently unavailable in Spain. Produced by the Mexican studio Cinema Fantasma<\/strong>, founded by brothers Arturo and Roy Ambriz<\/strong>, the miniseries centered around a ghost writer who narrates chilling tales to children.<\/p>\n 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<\/strong>. Remarkably, the brothers financed the entire production from their personal savings, showcasing their dedication and belief in the project.<\/p>\n In \u201cI\u2019m Frankelda,\u201d<\/strong> viewers will meet Francisca Imelda<\/strong>, 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<\/strong>. Her journey into the depths of her imagination takes a twist when a tormented prince named Herneval<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n As Roy Ambriz articulated, this narrative is steeped in the historical struggles of female writers: \u201cWhen 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?\u201d<\/p>\n Guillermo del Toro’s involvement has been pivotal to the success of \u201cI\u2019m Frankelda.\u201d 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<\/strong>, when del Toro produced the short film \u201cRevoltoso.\u201d<\/strong> In \u201cI\u2019m Frankelda,\u201d he took on the role of creative advisor, perfectly suited given his expertise in the stop-motion medium.<\/p>\n Del Toro’s accolades, including an Oscar<\/strong> for his version of \u201cPinocchio\u201d<\/strong> 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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m Frankelda\u201d represents not just an artistic achievement but a cultural milestone for Mexico. With more than one hundred hand-built puppets<\/strong> crafted over a span of four years, the film embodies meticulous craftsmanship and creativity. As it launches on Netflix, \u201cI\u2019m Frankelda\u201d<\/strong> is set to capture the imagination of audiences worldwide, proving that Mexican animation can stand toe-to-toe with global giants.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\nOrigins and Development<\/h3>\n
A Tale of Horror and Creativity<\/h3>\n
Guillermo del Toro’s Involvement<\/h3>\n
A Celebration of Mexican Craftsmanship<\/h3>\n