From Kickstarter Dreams to Venice Spotlight: The Ambriz Brothers' Animated Empire

The Birth of a Dream

When Roy and Arturo Ambriz first set out to create Mexico's first stop-motion animated feature film, they weren't just chasing a dream — they were rewriting the rules of what was possible in Mexican cinema. Their story is one of grit, determination, and an unshakeable belief that their unique vision could not only survive but thrive.

"Nobody thought we could do it," Roy Ambriz recalls with a mixture of disbelief and pride. That sentiment echoed through the early days of their venture, when crowdfunding campaigns were met with skepticism from investors who doubted whether Mexican audiences would embrace animated storytelling rooted in their own cultural myths.

"The idea that a Mexican animation studio could compete on the global stage was almost laughable at the time," Arturo adds. "But we weren't just making another movie — we were building a new kind of cinema."">

The Frankelda Effect

It wasn't until their stop-motion short, I Am Frankelda, captured international attention that the brothers found themselves on the cusp of something extraordinary. The film's box-office success — becoming Mexico's highest-grossing animated release of 2025 — proved that audiences were ready for stories told with Mexican authenticity.

But the journey didn't end there. The success of I Am Frankelda gave them the leverage to develop their sophomore effort, Ballad of the Phoenix, which now stands as a testament to their evolution as artists and storytellers. This film represents not just a sequel or spin-off, but a bold step forward in expanding the visual language of Mexican animation.

A Visionary Mentor

Guillermo del Toro, whose own films have long championed the power of imagination and cultural storytelling, played an instrumental role in shaping the Ambriz brothers' artistic journey. When they reached out nearly two decades ago as young film students, del Toro took notice — not just of their ambition, but their potential.

"He's more than a mentor; he's a friend," Roy explains. "We've talked with him daily since then, and his guidance has been invaluable. When we thought about our next move, he reminded us: 'You have to go bigger.'" Those words became the driving force behind Ballad of the Phoenix, pushing them to create something even more ambitious than their debut.

The Phoenix's Flight

Set against the backdrop of Mexican folklore and mythology, Ballad of the Phoenix follows Virian, a fire-wielding princess who flees her kingdom after discovering her father's dark secret. With the help of her spirit guide, Phoenix, she embarks on a journey that will challenge not only her understanding of power but also her place within her own family.

The film explores themes of transformation, emotional complexity, and empathy — qualities often overlooked in mainstream animated features. As Arturo puts it, "This is about more than just spectacle; we're creating worlds where children can see themselves reflected in stories that resonate with depth and meaning."

• Themes: Identity, family bonds, grief, transformation
• Aesthetics: Mexican folklore, cultural motifs, visual storytelling
• Target audience: Children, families, international film festivals

By grounding their narrative in rich mythological traditions while pushing the boundaries of what animation can achieve, the Ambriz brothers are not just making a film — they're building an empire of imagination.

Building a New Cinematic Universe

Each of the brothers' films serves as a building block in their larger project: creating a distinctively Mexican cinematic universe that speaks to both young viewers and adults seeking emotional depth. They're crafting worlds where the familiar — from cooking styles to dance forms — becomes part of the storytelling.

This approach has already begun influencing how producers think about investing in animated content. "Now that we've proven these productions can be made in Mexico, and that Frankelda was a hit on the theatrical release... I really hope that this will help new filmmakers realize that these productions can be made," Roy notes.

"We want to show that there's a market for this kind of storytelling, that these films are not just niche products but can reach a global audience," Arturo adds. "Our goal is to inspire others to take risks, to push boundaries, and to tell stories from their own perspective."">

Looking Forward

The upcoming Venice Gap-Financing Market is more than just another opportunity for funding — it's a chance to introduce the world to the Ambriz brothers' vision of what Mexican animation can become. With the backing of major studios like Cinema Fantasma, Woo Films, and Cine Vendaval, they're poised to bring their story to a broader audience.

But perhaps most importantly, they're showing that success in cinema isn't about copying formulas — it's about daring to be different, about creating something that reflects your own experiences and perspectives. In a world where global blockbusters often dominate the box office, the Ambriz brothers are proving that there's still room for stories that feel uniquely authentic.

Conclusion

As we watch the Ambriz brothers navigate the challenges of bringing their animated dreams to life, one thing becomes clear: their journey is not just about making movies. It's about redefining what it means to be an artist in today's globalized world. They've shown us that when passion meets persistence, even the most unlikely stories can soar — and that's a message worth celebrating.