The Three Wise Men: Mexico’s First Animated Film

Mexico City, January 6, 2026 — In 1976, a groundbreaking animated film emerged from Mexico, becoming the nation’s first full-length animated feature and one of the earliest in Latin America: The Three Wise Men. The beloved film remains a Christmas and Three Kings Day tradition for families across the country.

Animated movie scene The Three Wise Men (1976). © Procine. Government of Mexico City.

A Poetic Foundation

The Three Wise Men isn’t just a charming animation; it’s a thoughtful adaptation of the work of celebrated poet and novelist Rosario Castellanos (1925-1976). Her exploration of the journey of the Kings of the East provided the narrative backbone for the film. Emilio Carballido (1925-2008) then skillfully transformed Castellanos’s text into a compelling screenplay. Fernando Ruiz and Adolfo Torres Portillo directed and produced the feature.

The Story Unfolds

The film recounts the Archangel Gabriel’s announcement to the Virgin Mary regarding the birth of the Son of God. The Star of David then guides the Three Wise Men toward Bethlehem, illuminating their path. However, the Devil, disguised as Prince Olbaid, attempts to thwart their mission by advising King Herod to locate the Messiah, enlisting the help of the little devil Murcia to stop the wise men.

A text by Rosario Castellanos and its adaptation by Emilio Carballido are the script of the animated film. © James Tissot. National Geographic.

A Truly Mexican Tradition

Moisés Velasco served as the artistic director, imbuing the animation with a distinctly Mexican aesthetic. Gonzalo Gaviria handled the sound design, while José Antonio Zavala led the musical composition and direction, performed by The Zavala Brothers. Victor Pena and Francisco Mortera were responsible for the film’s photography.

• Animation Pioneers: The Three Wise Men was Mexico’s first animated feature film.
• Literary Roots: The story is based on the writings of Rosario Castellanos.
• Cultural Integration: The film’s characters and designs draw inspiration from traditional Mexican nativity scenes.
• Voice Talent: The film featured a cast of renowned Mexican voice actors.

The animators who brought this vision to life included Claudio Baña, Rafael Escudero, Ismael Linares, Juan Manuel Macías, Daniel Martinez, and Jose Marin. Francisco Mortera oversaw the coloring process.

Interestingly, Velasco designed all the characters based on handmade figures from traditional Mexican nativity scenes. This influence is evident in the clothing and vibrant colors throughout the animation, featuring little shepherds with hats and jorongos—traditional garments—and other distinctly Mexican elements. This gives The Three Wise Men a unique personality, deeply rooted in Mexican culture and customs.

The voice cast included Victor Alcocer, known for voicing Officer Matute in Don Gato and his Gang; Alberto Gaviria, the voice of the magic mirror in Snow White; and José Lavat, the iconic narrator of Dragon Ball. David Reynoso, Gloria Rocha, Antonio Raxel, Monica Serna, and Rocío Villagarcía also lent their voices to the film.

movie poster The Three Wise Men. © IMDb.

Recognition and Lasting Impact

Production of The Three Wise Men began in 1974, with the film premiering in 1976. It received the “Silver Goddess” award from the Film Journalists of Mexico (PECIME), recognizing its artistic merit.

Perhaps most importantly, The Three Wise Men paved the way for Mexican animation, becoming the nation’s first animated feature film. Though it would be three decades before another animated film was produced in Mexico, The Three Wise Men remains an essential reference point for Mexican creators.