Directed by Sonia Fritz and based on research spearheaded by biologist Rafael Joglar, the 60-minute documentary film Los coquíes de Puerto Rico (in Spanish with English subtitles), will begin screening on Thursday, September 17, 2026, in theaters such as Fine Arts Popular and Fine Arts Miramar, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

This documentary was filmed in the Carite Forest Reserve, in the Cayey mountain range; in El Yunque rainforest; at the Indigenous Ceremonial Center of Caguana, in Utuado; and on Mona Island. Climate change and how it affects the frogs serves as the backdrop. Out of 17 species, three are extinct and five more are critically endangered. Read article from El Calce (and see trailer) below.

Puerto Rican documentary Los coquíes de Puerto Rico— directed by Sonia Fritz and developed based on research by biologist Rafael Joglar— begins screening on Thursday, September 17, at Fine Arts Popular and Fine Arts Miramar. The film examines the various species of this amphibian and the threats they face due to climate change.

“The coquí is beloved by Puerto Ricans. It is the ambassador, the soul of our people and our culture,” Joglar said in a written statement.

With a runtime of 60 minutes, the production explores Puerto Rico’s different coquí species, their ecological importance, and the impacts of climate change, blending science, history, and conservation.

From a historical perspective, the documentary traces the coquí’s relationship with Puerto Rico from the Taíno era to the present day and showcases the animals in their natural habitats, including forests, plateaus, and caves.

“As a filmmaker, it was a unique experience to be able to film coquís at night in forests, plateaus, and caves, and to watch expert biologists handle them while explaining the details of each species and the threats they face,” Fritz said.

Part of the scientific content is based on the work of Joglar, who has been researching coquís for over 52 years and participates in the production by explaining the characteristics of the species and their habitats.

Beyond its commercial release, the filmmakers envision the production serving as an educational resource to address topics related to biodiversity, conservation, and climate change. [. . .]

Excerpts translated by Ivette Romero. For the original article, see https://www.elcalce.com/tendencias/2026/09/14/documental-sobre-el-coqui-llega-a-los-cines-de-puerto-rico/ and https://www.metro.pr/entretenimiento/2026/09/14/documental-sobre-los-coquies-llega-a-los-cines/

Also see https://home.caribbeancinemas.com/movie/los-coques-en-puerto-rico/