Guillermo del Toro-Backed El Taller del Chucho, Fasten Films, Martfilms Team on ‘Sira and the Secret of the Park,’ From Adrià García, Ángeles Cruz (EXCLUSIVE)

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In collaboration, Guillermo del Toro’s Mexico-based studios El Taller del Chucho and Martfilms are teaming up with Spain’s Fasten Films for the development of an animated feature titled “Sira and the Secret of the Park.” This project is being led by award-winning director Adrià García (“Nocturna”) and writer-director and actress Ángeles Cruz (“Nudo Mixteco”), who have both won prestigious awards in their respective fields.

Supported by ICEC, Creative Europe MEDIA, and Ibermedia, this Spanish-Mexican collaboration uniquely combines the genres of fantasy and coming-of-age in a visually striking production. This project delves into themes of identity, generational memory, and ancestral mythology.

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The Spanish-Mexican co-production, funded by ICEC, Creative Europe MEDIA, and Ibermedia, artfully blends fantasy and coming-of-age genres in a visually impressive endeavor. This ambitious project delves into the topics of identity, generational memory, and ancestral myth.

Located within the expansive city park of Barcelona, ‘Sira and the Mystery of the Park’ tells the story of a 12-year-old girl residing in a humble abode nestled among the trees. After discovering a bewitched locket, Sira is whisked away into a mystical realm that mirrors her inner struggles. As both worlds become intertwined, she finds herself needing to traverse a delicate path between them to reestablish harmony, a task only she can perceive due to her unique sensitivity.

In the story ‘Sira’, the setting of the park serves as a reflection of the characters’ inner selves, according to García. It’s not just about fleeing into another realm; it’s about imbuing that world with significance, weaving it with who the character is and their experiences.

To reflect that duality, the film will employ a hybrid animation approach.

Sira’s daily life, characterized by its rigidity, structure, and formality, could be portrayed through stop-motion animation, lending it a solid and tangible quality,” García explained. “On the other hand, Sira’s mystical hideout in the park would be hand-drawn, offering an organic, flowing, ever-changing aesthetic. The blending of these two distinct worlds will result in a one-of-a-kind visual journey.

As a movie enthusiast, I can tell you that the screenplay was penned by none other than Cruz herself. Her writing is profoundly rooted in her rich Indigenous Mixtec ancestry and personal mythos, making every line resonate with depth and authenticity.

Cruz stated that the narratives he’s created are influenced by the unique viewpoint that defines him – a perspective passed down from his grandmothers, his community, and the forest that has spiritually sustained him. As a result, he believes ‘Sira’ mirrors his own story – the folklore and mythology that nourished him as a child, the guardian spirit that shields him, and the profound aspects of life that require soulful perception.

Garcia deemed Cruz’s viewpoint “crucial” for the project, explaining that her profoundly human outlook infuses a tender empathy and a link to the ancient and enchanting, which is invaluable to us.

The movie is developed from an innovative concept by Spanish writer Aixa de la Cruz. Notable production houses, including Fasten Films (Adrià Monés Murlans, known for “The End of It”), Cuba (Claudia Calviño, who worked on “Yuli”), Martfilms (Martha Orozco, with credits in “Pornomelancholia”), and El Taller del Chucho (Angélica Lares, associated with Guillermo del Toro’s “Pinocchio”) are collaborating on this project.

According to Lares, this project is more about the creators taking charge. When Adrià Monés proposed the idea to Martha Orozco, she immediately contacted him to initiate the creation of Sira’s universe. Our goal is to narrate a profoundly emotional journey of a young character discovering her way while immersed in a fantastical world teeming with mythical creatures inspired by various cultures. This aligns perfectly with El Taller’s vision. Furthermore, inviting Ángeles Cruz to be part of the team felt like a logical step to give Sira a voice. We are thrilled to collaborate with her on this project.

At present, “Sira and the Secret of the Park” is actively looking for more international collaborators before its planned release for production.

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2025-06-08 13:16