ArtistDirect News
Netflix to Release Mexican Stop-Motion Feature I Am Frankelda on June 12, 2026
Netflix is set to debut Mexico’s first feature‑length stop‑motion film, I Am Frankelda (Spanish: Soy Frankelda), on its streaming platform on June 12, 2026. The announcement, made on April 20, 2026, follows the company’s February 20 acquisition of worldwide rights to the movie.
Written and directed by brothers Arturo and Roy Ambriz, I Am Frankelda is a prequel to the television series Frankelda’s Book of Spooks. The story follows Francisca Imelda, a young writer living in mid‑19th‑century Mexico, who is summoned by a prince to help save his kingdom. Blending dark fantasy, musical interludes and a romantic subplot featuring a bird‑like character named Herneval, the film showcases the Ambriz brothers’ ambition to create a narrative that resonates with both Mexican audiences and a global viewership.
The film premiered on June 6, 2025, as the opening feature of the 40th Guadalajara International Film Festival. It competed in the Best International Animation Feature Film category and was praised for its intricate puppetry and atmospheric design. Since its festival debut, I Am Frankelda has been screened at several international festivals, earning accolades for its detailed craftsmanship.
Netflix will stream the film in its original Spanish version, accompanied by subtitles, and will also offer an English‑language dub. The platform’s announcement highlighted that the release is part of its broader 2026 animation slate, which includes a mix of original productions and acquired titles.
Stop‑motion animation remains a niche format because each frame must be captured by photographing a physical model, a labor‑intensive process that rewards meticulous detail. The Ambriz brothers’ work demonstrates the technique’s capacity for expressive nuance and a unique visual style. Critics have compared the film’s aesthetic to Laika’s 2009 feature Coraline, noting similarities in tone and the use of a surreal, otherworldly setting.
Coraline, directed by Henry Selick and based on Neil Gaiman’s novella, was Laika’s first feature and helped popularize stop‑motion in mainstream cinema. It earned $126 million at the box office and won several Annie Awards. The comparison underscores the cultural impact of I Am Frankelda as a new entry in the genre.
Industry observers see the film’s Netflix release as evidence of the streaming giant’s expanding support for international animation. The platform has previously acquired and distributed stop‑motion titles such as Isle of Dogs, ParaNorman, and Kubo and the Two Strings.
The Ambriz brothers have stated that their goal was to create a film that would appeal to a wide demographic by weaving folklore, music, and fantastical adventure into a cohesive narrative. Their ambition is reflected in the film’s rich visual palette and layered storytelling.
As of the announcement, the release date is confirmed and no additional dates for theatrical or other distribution have been disclosed. Netflix’s global rollout will make the film accessible to subscribers worldwide.
In summary, I Am Frankelda’s June 12 premiere on Netflix marks the arrival of Mexico’s first stop‑motion feature on a major streaming platform. The film’s narrative, production background, and stylistic parallels to Coraline position it as a noteworthy addition to the 2026 animated film landscape.
Written and directed by brothers Arturo and Roy Ambriz, I Am Frankelda is a prequel to the television series Frankelda’s Book of Spooks. The story follows Francisca Imelda, a young writer living in mid‑19th‑century Mexico, who is summoned by a prince to help save his kingdom. Blending dark fantasy, musical interludes and a romantic subplot featuring a bird‑like character named Herneval, the film showcases the Ambriz brothers’ ambition to create a narrative that resonates with both Mexican audiences and a global viewership.
The film premiered on June 6, 2025, as the opening feature of the 40th Guadalajara International Film Festival. It competed in the Best International Animation Feature Film category and was praised for its intricate puppetry and atmospheric design. Since its festival debut, I Am Frankelda has been screened at several international festivals, earning accolades for its detailed craftsmanship.
Netflix will stream the film in its original Spanish version, accompanied by subtitles, and will also offer an English‑language dub. The platform’s announcement highlighted that the release is part of its broader 2026 animation slate, which includes a mix of original productions and acquired titles.
Stop‑motion animation remains a niche format because each frame must be captured by photographing a physical model, a labor‑intensive process that rewards meticulous detail. The Ambriz brothers’ work demonstrates the technique’s capacity for expressive nuance and a unique visual style. Critics have compared the film’s aesthetic to Laika’s 2009 feature Coraline, noting similarities in tone and the use of a surreal, otherworldly setting.
Coraline, directed by Henry Selick and based on Neil Gaiman’s novella, was Laika’s first feature and helped popularize stop‑motion in mainstream cinema. It earned $126 million at the box office and won several Annie Awards. The comparison underscores the cultural impact of I Am Frankelda as a new entry in the genre.
Industry observers see the film’s Netflix release as evidence of the streaming giant’s expanding support for international animation. The platform has previously acquired and distributed stop‑motion titles such as Isle of Dogs, ParaNorman, and Kubo and the Two Strings.
The Ambriz brothers have stated that their goal was to create a film that would appeal to a wide demographic by weaving folklore, music, and fantastical adventure into a cohesive narrative. Their ambition is reflected in the film’s rich visual palette and layered storytelling.
As of the announcement, the release date is confirmed and no additional dates for theatrical or other distribution have been disclosed. Netflix’s global rollout will make the film accessible to subscribers worldwide.
In summary, I Am Frankelda’s June 12 premiere on Netflix marks the arrival of Mexico’s first stop‑motion feature on a major streaming platform. The film’s narrative, production background, and stylistic parallels to Coraline position it as a noteworthy addition to the 2026 animated film landscape.