Mu-Ki-Ra: A Heartwarming Animated Adventure with a Powerful Message
The animated musical adventure, Mu-Ki-Ra, is set to captivate audiences at the Locarno Festival, showcasing the talent of Colombian creative Estefania Pineres Duque and Spanish producer Ábano Producions. This film, inspired by Latin American childhood experiences, offers a unique blend of storytelling, music, and visual artistry.
In Mu-Ki-Ra, we follow the journey of Cleo, a 13-year-old girl, and her little brother Martín, who live in a world filled with monsters that attack at night. When Martín is kidnapped, Cleo embarks on a daring mission into the jungle, accompanied by an elderly witch and a mischievous anteater. As she navigates this perilous journey, Cleo discovers a hidden truth about the monsters, challenging the preconceived notions of fear and darkness.
Estefania Pineres Duque, the creative mind behind Mu-Ki-Ra, shares her vision: "Inspired by Latin American childhood experiences, often immersed in complex environments, Mu-Ki-Ra aims to celebrate the light and reflect on the darkness. My goal was to create a tale that has its own voice, representing its background, and to comment on it through its music and visual universe. I hope it connects with children who live in similar contexts through hope."
Duque's previous work includes the Netflix psychological family thriller Delirio, as well as writing and story editing credits on Palace and En diciembre llegaban las Brisas, which are part of Netflix's 2026 production slate. Her involvement in these projects showcases her impact on the industry and her commitment to shaping narratives that resonate with audiences.
Ábano Producions, based in Galicia, Spain, is led by Chelo Loureiro, a renowned filmmaker with multiple Goya awards to her name. The company has produced acclaimed titles such as Valentina, Decorado, and Unicorn Wars, solidifying its reputation for delivering exceptional animated content.
Latido Films, represented by Antonio Saura, will bring Mu-Ki-Ra to market at Locarno. Saura describes the film as "a delightful, exquisite, and beautifully crafted family film that intelligently presents the idea that 'others' and 'different' are often the parts of ourselves we miss. We hope that everyone who watches this film will experience the joy and fascination we felt when representing it."
The trailer for Mu-Ki-Ra showcases a captivating blend of 2D animation and vibrant Caribbean tropical tones. It follows Cleo's adventure into a trippy forest world, where she learns that fear is in the eye of the beholder. The musical number, with the forest creatures singing about empathy and tolerance, emphasizes the film's underlying message.
Mu-Ki-Ra is not just an animated adventure; it's a powerful commentary on diversity, empathy, and the ability to transform fear into friendship. With its captivating storytelling, stunning visuals, and meaningful themes, Mu-Ki-Ra is poised to become a beloved classic, leaving a lasting impact on audiences of all ages.
