Colombia is making a strong presence at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, with the entry of “A Poet” (“Un Poeta”) by filmmaker Simón Mesa Soto in the Un Certain Regard category. Mesa Soto’s connection to Cannes dates back to his debut feature “Amparo,” which premiered at Cannes Critics’ Week in 2021. The talented director, who studied Audiovisual Communications in Colombia and later pursued a Master’s degree at the London Film School, first made waves at Cannes in 2014 when he won the Palme d’Or for his short film “Leidi.” His following short film, “Mother,” was also selected to compete at Cannes two years later.
“A Poet” tells the story of Oscar Restrepo, a poet whose dedication to his craft has left him in obscurity. When he meets Yurlady, a young and talented poet from humble beginnings, he finds purpose in guiding her on her poetic journey. However, as he becomes more involved in her life, he questions whether introducing her to the challenging world of poetry is truly beneficial.
The film explores various tones, including comedy, drama, parody, and tragedy, making it Mesa Soto’s most personal work to date. Inspired by his own struggles as an artist and filmmaker, he wanted to create a film that reflected the challenges and joys of creating art in Colombia. He wanted to break free from traditional expectations of Latin American cinema and explore a more unrestrained and comedic approach to storytelling.
Colombia’s film industry has been growing rapidly, with an increase in local production and international projects filming in the country. The Colombian Film Fund and generous tax incentives have attracted filmmakers from around the world to shoot in Colombia. Projects like “Paddington in Peru,” “Shadow Force,” and “Titan” have all taken advantage of these incentives to film in the country.
Despite the growth in production, local box office earnings have declined, impacting the size of the film fund. However, the industry is optimistic about the future, with a clear rebound in project development and consolidation across the country. Last year saw a record number of Colombian films released, covering a range of genres including dramas, documentaries, comedies, horror, suspense, and experimental films.
At Cannes this year, Colombia is represented by a diverse selection of films, including “Black Snake,” “We Were a Great Family,” and “Floating with Spirits.” These films explore themes of homecoming, family ties, survival, and ancestral wisdom, showcasing the rich storytelling and talent coming out of Colombia. With a mix of genres and styles, Colombian filmmakers are making their mark on the international stage at Cannes.
