The enchanting I am Frankelda is a heady brew of stop-motion animation and layered storytelling. The film makes its North American premiere at the Fantasia Film Festival 2025.
Arturo and Roy Ambriz, the writer/producer/directors of the singular I am Frankelda (Soy Frankelda), showcase their heritage and unique voice in equal measure in their debut feature film. The immensely entertaining and visually inventive gothic musical tells the story of a would-be writer and a prince of the underworld set in 19th-century Mexico.
Francisca Imelda is orphaned at an early age, leaving her with a curiosity for the dark and fantasy. With a grandmother who has no understanding of children, let alone grief, Francisca buries her emotions in writing stories from her dreams and nightmares. What Francisca does not know is how tied she is to Herneval, the young owl prince of the underworld. Their connection grows as the years pass. Now with his world and family in danger, Francisca may be the only hope. However, the treacherous overlord of nightmares has other, more devious plans.
I am Frankelda is a story of independence, learning your voice, young love, and standing against evil. The Ambriz brothers have created a story with as many layers as their visual compositions have depth. It would surprise no one that Guillermo del Toro mentored them as their use of fantasy/horror as a delivery system is as refined and loaded as del Toro’s films. Though make no mistake, the Ambriz have their own unique visual style that is as ornate and refined as del Toro’s. Working with cinematographers Fernanda G. Manzur and Irene Melis, the duo creates a warm, handcrafted, imperfectly perfect world that is truly awe-inspiring.
Although a fairy tale, I am Frankelda is not limited to a “children’s story” but rather falls within the same genre that del Toro and Tim Burton’s work occupies. Gothic stories that detail worlds will attract children, but are not made exclusively for children. I am Frankelda’s themes are as mature and complex as anything in del Toro’s masterful Pinocchio. That is to say that this stop-motion film is made for an audience that isn’t necessarily the under-teen age group.
I am Frankelda, and its unique visual splendor and beautiful story are sure to strike a chord with its audience. Those for whom it does will find a new animated film to obsess over.
Stay for the end credits as they show some truly wonderful behind-the-scenes footage of the animators making this truly wonderful film.
I am Frankelda, shows at the Fantasia Film Festival 2025, July 20th
The enchanting I am Frankelda is a heady brew of stop-motion animation and layered storytelling. The film makes its North American premiere at the Fantasia Film Festival 2025.
Arturo and Roy Ambriz, the writer/producer/directors of the singular I am Frankelda (Soy Frankelda), showcase their heritage and unique voice in equal measure in their debut feature film. The immensely entertaining and visually inventive gothic musical tells the story of a would-be writer and a prince of the underworld set in 19th-century Mexico.
Francisca Imelda is orphaned at an early age, leaving her with a curiosity for the dark and fantasy. With a grandmother who has no understanding of children, let alone grief, Francisca buries her emotions in writing stories from her dreams and nightmares. What Francisca does not know is how tied she is to Herneval, the young owl prince of the underworld. Their connection grows as the years pass. Now with his world and family in danger, Francisca may be the only hope. However, the treacherous overlord of nightmares has other, more devious plans.
I am Frankelda is a story of independence, learning your voice, young love, and standing against evil. The Ambriz brothers have created a story with as many layers as their visual compositions have depth. It would surprise no one that Guillermo del Toro mentored them as their use of fantasy/horror as a delivery system is as refined and loaded as del Toro’s films. Though make no mistake, the Ambriz have their own unique visual style that is as ornate and refined as del Toro’s. Working with cinematographers Fernanda G. Manzur and Irene Melis, the duo creates a warm, handcrafted, imperfectly perfect world that is truly awe-inspiring.
Although a fairy tale, I am Frankelda is not limited to a “children’s story” but rather falls within the same genre that del Toro and Tim Burton’s work occupies. Gothic stories that detail worlds will attract children, but are not made exclusively for children. I am Frankelda’s themes are as mature and complex as anything in del Toro’s masterful Pinocchio. That is to say that this stop-motion film is made for an audience that isn’t necessarily the under-teen age group.
I am Frankelda, and its unique visual splendor and beautiful story are sure to strike a chord with its audience. Those for whom it does will find a new animated film to obsess over.
Stay for the end credits as they show some truly wonderful behind-the-scenes footage of the animators making this truly wonderful film.
I am Frankelda, shows at the Fantasia Film Festival 2025, July 20th
Share this:
Like this:
Discover more from The Movie Isle
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.