Simón Mesa Soto's 'Un poeta' Wins Cannes Jury Prize, Selected as Colombia's Oscar Entry

'Un poeta,' directed by Simón Mesa Soto, debuted in the Un Certain Regard section at the 78th Festival de Cannes, where it secured the Jury Prize. This film serves as Colombia's official entry for the Academy Awards and has also earned a nomination for Best International Feature at the Spirit Awards. Mesa Soto previously won the Palme d'Or for Best Short Film in 2014 with 'Leidi' and received acclaim at the Semaine de la Critique for 'Amparo' in 2021. The narrative centers on Óscar Restrepo, a Medellín poet, portrayed by Ubeimar Ríos, who declines a teaching position. His journey takes a turn when he begins mentoring gifted student Yurlady, played by Rebeca Andrade. Shot on 16mm film, it explores themes of failure as a form of resistance against cultural norms.