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[title]Some children’s movies have stayed in our hearts forever, like Toy Story, Inside Out, or Shrek, for example. We enjoy watching them over and over with our kids—or alone, why not—and we keep laughing and getting emotional as if it were the first time, right? Well, get ready because Robotia, an Argentine-Spanish co-production hitting theaters on August 29th, is following the same path.
Does the title “Robotia” sound familiar? It’s likely because of the popular children’s series on which the film is based, created by the same team. Although it premiered in 2017, it’s still airing on PakaPaka and remains a hit. Set in the same universe, the movie focuses on one of the show’s secondary characters, Bibi. But fans of Alex, the main character, will also be pleased.
What is Robotia about?
In a world populated by robots that live, grow, and dream just like us, Robotia follows Alex and Bibi, who were created in the same factory but take very different paths. While Alex struggles with a manufacturing defect and the limitations it brings, Bibi faces the restrictions of a conservative environment that forbids her from playing soccer because she’s female.
United by their passion for soccer, Alex and Bibi, along with a group of robot friends, defy the rules and show that dreams can be achieved with determination, effort, and a little help from friends.
Here are four reasons why Robotia deserves a trip to the cinema:
1. It teaches a powerful message about teamwork.
In an era where individualism is glorified, Robotia reminds us of the importance of companionship. The movie shows how Alex and his friends do the impossible to get Bibi into a children’s soccer tournament, conveying the message that obstacles are best overcome when working as a team.
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“We believe and want to convey that our achievements are never solely our own. Whether it’s winning a match or making a movie, someone always helped us get there. We believe winning is pointless if there’s no one to share it with; and if we lose, it’s much better to have friends around to support us,” says Mariano Rojo, the film’s screenwriter, and we were sold. As adults, it’s nice to know that simply choosing content for our kids helps them absorb a positive value like the power of friendship.
"We believe that winning doesn’t really mean anything if there’s no one to share it with"
2. It challenges gender and class stereotypes.
With Bibi’s storyline, the movie invites us to reflect on gender and class struggles, delivering an empowering message to kids. According to Rojo, Robotia gave them the opportunity to make space for these important conversations, which are often assumed to be long past but are still very much relevant.
"It invites us to reflect on gender and class struggles"
Also, the story shows that with their simpler way of seeing things, kids have a lot to teach us adults. Always a good reminder.
3. It makes us proud of our soccer culture.
Soccer is considered the quintessential team sport in our country and serves as the perfect excuse to showcase the values of friendship, loyalty, and teamwork within the group of friends. That’s why, as a special nod, fans of this sport will find moments that they’ll recognize from real life.
“We were lucky to be directing the film while the 2022 World Cup was happening, and it was almost inevitable to incorporate some of the key moments from the World Cup, like Lionel Messi’s celebration, Dibu Martínez’s save, or Ángel Di María’s goal,” shared Diego Gagide, one of the directors of Robotia.
And Diego Lucero, also a director of the film, added: “These are football milestones that have become symbols of our culture, so ingrained in our identity that we felt the need to recreate them in the movie.” So, if you see a robot celebrating like Messi, you’ll know it’s no coincidence… And you can allow yourself to relive that glorious moment.
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4. It’s worth supporting national cinema.
Going to see Robotia is not just about enjoying a good movie; it’s also about supporting national cinema in tough times, especially in a market dominated by international productions with huge budgets for advertising and marketing.
“The truth is, we managed to finish the film literally with the last penny,” shared the producers of Robotia, Dolores Montaño and Nicolás Couvin. “Delays at INCAA - the National Institute of Cinema and Audiovisual Arts - due to changes in leadership and policies were an additional problem to an already challenging economic situation.”
There you have it: four reasons to head to the cinema to see Robotia. And here’s a bonus: you’re going to have a BLAST, truly. Because Robotia is not just another movie. It’s one of the most significant animated productions of recent years, the result of a collaboration between major international production companies. After its local release, it’s set for an international run that will be talked about. Don’t miss it!