Manuelita

Manuelita is born in the town of Pehuajó, beginning a life defined by curiosity and adventure. From her hatch, she displays a free spirit and a readiness to explore beyond her family’s expectations. The Patriarch of the Birds begins the tale by narrating her origin.

Manuelita starts school with her best friends Topi and Bartolito. The trio faces bullying from three dogs, who mock their dreams and try to steal Manuelita’s backpack. Despite the taunts, the friends stick together and keep moving forward.

Bartolito bravely confronts the bullies, pouncing on one crook to shield Manuelita. The scuffle draws in the other two bullies, but the school janitor and Larguirucho intervene, ending the altercation. The incident strengthens their bond and foreshadows Bartolito’s protective feeling.

That night, Manuelita dreams of Bartolito as a knight rescuing her from danger, with the bullies imagined as a three-headed dragon. The dream cements the sense that Bartolito will be a guardian figure in her life. The Patriarch’s narration hints at a growing romance.

Years pass and Manuelita blossoms into a beautiful teenager. Bartolito harbors feelings for her and sends a heartfelt letter, but the town prepares for a carnival in Pehuajó, delaying romance as families plan their trip. The stage is set for a pivotal moment in their relationship.

Manuelita asks to ride in a giant hot air balloon during the carnival. Grandpa convinces her parents, but the wind yanks the balloon away and Larguirucho loses his grip. Manuelita soars above the town, then falls into the vast Atlantic after a seabird disrupts the ascent.

In the Atlantic, Manuelita is taken aboard a pirate ship by the crew of pig pirates who mistake her basket for treasure. She befriends three mice, Veni, Vidi and Vici, whose song lifts their spirits as they are locked in a brig. The ship sinks after the pirates’ weight pulls it down, and the trio escapes clinging to a plank.

The trio meets a giant elderly sea turtle who guides them to land. They reach a French coast town where Manuelita is separated from the mice and meets François, who introduces her to Coco Liché and hints at a career in Paris.

Back in Pehuajó, Bartolito, Topi, Larguirucho, and Manuelita’s grandfather build an airship to search for her. After several failed attempts, they finally succeed in sending the airship on its mission toward Paris, while Bartolito and Grandpa stay behind to find a compressor.

In Paris, Manuelita discovers François has lied about sending money and letters. He sabotages a fashion show to humiliate her, hoping to derail her career and keep control of her money and future.

Panicked and betrayed, Manuelita confronts the reality of François’s deceit and, finding no money left, leaves the agency with only a few dollars. She wanders through Paris and reaches Notre-Dame de Paris, feeling abandoned and alone.

The next day, a Piaf-like bowerbird sings about Manuelita as she walks, and Manuelita discovers it is Larguirucho and Topi playing nearby. The trio reconciles through music, rekindling hope to return home.

With little money, Manuelita, Larguirucho, and Topi buy a plane and travel back to Pehuajó to reunite with their families. The long-anticipated homecoming brings relief and joy after their ordeal.

Manuelita finally reunites with Bartolito, now head teacher, and the families rejoice at their return. He and Manuelita prepare for a wedding that unites their two communities and cements their bond.

Manuelita and Bartolito marry in a joyful ceremony attended by familiar characters from their world. The Patriarch breaks the fourth wall to remind the audience of their bright future, and the couple sets off on a honeymoon together in a new hot air balloon.