Ambriz Brothers' 'Ballad of the Phoenix' Soars to Venice, Fueled by Del Toro's Encouragement
Mexican animation trailblazers Roy and Arturo Ambriz, renowned for their country's inaugural stop-motion animated feature, are set to captivate audiences with "Ballad of the Phoenix." This ambitious project, now making its debut at the prestigious Venice Gap-Financing Market, follows in the footsteps of their critically acclaimed gothic musical, "I Am Frankelda," which achieved significant box office success and marked a pivotal moment for Mexican animation. The brothers' latest endeavor promises a captivating journey into Mexican folklore, infused with profound themes of transformation and self-discovery.
Animators' Journey to Venice: Crafting a Mexican Cinematic Universe
In September 2026, Mexican animators Roy and Arturo Ambriz showcased their latest stop-motion fantasy, "Ballad of the Phoenix," at the Venice Gap-Financing Market. This event, which spanned from September 4th to 6th, provided a crucial platform for the Ambriz brothers to secure funding and partnerships for their ambitious project. The film centers on Virian, a fire-wielding princess who embarks on a quest for truth after discovering her father's immortality is fueled by stolen souls. Accompanied by her spirit guide, Phoenix, Virian delves into the ancient art of alchemy, mastering her inner self while pursued by her power-hungry father.
Produced by Cinema Fantasma, the Mexico City-based studio founded by the Ambriz brothers in 2011, along with Andrea Toca, Rafael Ley, and Mario Savino for Woo Films, and Marta Hernaiz Pidal for Cine Vendaval, "Ballad of the Phoenix" is more than just a fantasy film. It represents the Ambriz's vision to forge a unique Mexican cinematic universe that speaks to children and resonates with broader audiences through its emotional and philosophical depth. They describe the film as an exploration of transformation, responsibility, grief, the passage of time, and the intricate dynamics of family. Virian, the protagonist, embodies a quiet strength, reflecting the internal journey required for self-transformation and the transcendence of fear and ego, ultimately highlighting empathy, service, and inner peace as true purposes.
The path to "Ballad of the Phoenix" has been a remarkable one for the Ambriz brothers. Their initial crowdfunding efforts for a short animation caught the attention of the legendary Guillermo del Toro. Despite facing significant financial challenges, including mortgaging their home to produce "I Am Frankelda," they persevered. That film, a prequel to their successful Cartoon Network Latin America and HBO Max series "Frankelda's Book of Spooks," became Mexico's third highest-grossing film of 2025 and found global distribution on Netflix. With "Ballad of the Phoenix," they aim to expand on this success, pushing the boundaries of animation with diverse aesthetics and exploring a distinctly Mexican visual language. Roy Ambriz shared that del Toro, their mentor and friend, encouraged them to "go bigger" following "Frankelda's" triumph, urging them to defy conventional wisdom and embrace greater risks. This advice has profoundly influenced their current project, as they strive to inspire future filmmakers and investors to recognize the potential of Mexican animation.
The journey of the Ambriz brothers stands as a powerful testament to perseverance and artistic vision. Their dedication to crafting a unique Mexican animated universe, coupled with the invaluable mentorship of Guillermo del Toro, underscores the rich potential within diverse storytelling. This endeavor not only enriches global animation but also serves as an inspiring call for aspiring filmmakers to embrace their cultural heritage and push creative boundaries, demonstrating that authentic narratives can achieve both critical acclaim and commercial success.
