Francisca Imelda (Mireya Mendoza) wants to become the next great horror author. Unfortunately, she lives in a time and place – a male-dominated 1880s Mexico – that prevents her from doing so. Frustrated, she assumes the pseudonym “Frankelda” to publish her story about the Topus Terrenus, a mystical realm full of weird and wonderful creatures – and unknown dangers. Much to Francisca’s surprise, this realm is actually real, and she’s magically transported to a dimension where kingdoms are ruled by fear and a handsome prince needs her help to save his land. Francisca’s adventures inspire her to write more stories, but she’ll have to survive long enough to do so.

Directors Arturo and Roy Ambriz have said in interviews that they were inspired by Guillermo del Toro, and it shows. Del Toro, who also served as a mentor to the young filmmakers, has a distinctive fascination with the fantastical and how it can mirror our worries and fears in real life, and this imaginative children’s film creates strange, magical worlds you’ve never seen before. Utilizing beautiful stop-motion animation and imaginative visual effects, I Am Frankelda convincingly transports you to another world you don’t want to leave any time soon.