Koati is a hand-drawn animated feature film directed by Rodrigo Perez-Castro and produced by Upstairs Animation, Los Hijos de Jack, and Latin We.[1] It was released in theaters on October 15, 2021.[2] Executive produced by and starring Sofía Vergara, Koati tells a story of adventure, environmental awareness, and cultural pride.[3] The film is produced simultaneously in both English and Spanish.[4]
Plot
editThe film follows the adventures of three unlikely heroes from the fictional rainforest world of Xo: Nachi, a free-spirited coati (voiced by Sebastián Villalobos); Xochi, a fearless monarch butterfly (voiced by Evaluna Montaner); and Pako, a hyperactive glass frog (voiced by Eduardo Franco). Together, they embark on a mission to stop the nefarious coral snake Zaina (voiced by Sofía Vergara) from destroying their homeland. Along the way, the characters learn lessons about unity, resilience, and the importance of protecting their ecosystem.[3]
Production
editKoati is the first animated feature film produced by Upstairs Animation. The production presents a primarily Latin American creative team, with key contributors from various countries in the region, including Venezuela, Colombia, Mexico, El Salvador, and Argentina. Director Rodrigo Perez-Castro, known for his work on Ferdinand and Rio 2, envisioned a film that would pay homage to Latin America's natural beauty while rekindling the nostalgic charm of traditional 2D animation.[3]
The animation was created by Toon City Animation, a studio with a long history of collaboration with Disney. According to Perez-Castro, the team drew inspiration from classics like The Little Mermaid and Bambi, aiming to create a visually rich and naturalistic portrayal of the animal kingdom.[3]
Latin singer Marc Anthony was the executive musical producer.[5][1]
Cast
edit- Sofía Vergara
- Adriana Barraza
- Joe Manganiello
- Eduardo Franco
- Evaluna Montaner
- Sebastián Villalobos
TV series
editThe TV series, Koati: Animated Series, was announced in 2022 and is also to be voiced by Sofía Vergara.[4]
References
edit- ^ a b "Marc Anthony and Sofia Vergara collab in the animated film, 'Koati'". Al Día News. 2024-11-15. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
- ^ Leone, Sarah (2021-10-15). "2D Animated Film Koati in Theaters October 15th". CFTV. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
- ^ a b c d "'Koati's Timeless 2D Captures the Heart of Latin America's Biodiversity". Animation World Network. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
- ^ a b Steinberg, Brian (2022-05-17). "Sofia Vergara Lends Boost To TelevisaUnivision Streaming Debut (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 2024-12-08.
- ^ Milligan, Mercedes (2021-03-11). "Marc Anthony Joins Tropical Comedy 'Koati' as Exec & Musical Producer". Retrieved 2024-12-08.