The Colombian cinematic production ‘A Poet’ has achieved remarkable international recognition, securing multiple prestigious awards at global film festivals. Directed by Simon Mesa, this dramatic feature earned both the Coral Award for Best Feature Film and the Coral Award for Best Actor for Ubeimar Rios’ compelling performance.
The film’s acclaim extended beyond these honors to include the Don Quixote Award, presented by the International Federation of Film Societies, and the Signis Award from the World Catholic Association for Communication. This multi-national co-production between Colombia, Germany, and Sweden has demonstrated exceptional staying power in Colombian theaters, maintaining a three-month theatrical run—the longest of any Colombian film.
At a press conference held at Hotel Nacional de Cuba in Havana, Professor Ubeimar Rios, who portrays the central character Oscar Restrepo, reflected on the film’s universal themes. He noted that while the narrative explores specific family dynamics in particular locations, the story resonates internationally as similar situations occur in numerous other communities worldwide.
Rios revealed his personal connection to the role, explaining that much like his character, he shares a passion for poetry, works as a professor, and has experienced similar literary frustrations—a parallel he acknowledged with humorous self-awareness.
The film’s narrative centers on Oscar Restrepo, whose obsessive pursuit of poetic glory has yielded little success or recognition. His life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Yurlady, a talented teenager from humble circumstances. While guiding her artistic development brings newfound purpose to his existence, the film thoughtfully examines whether introducing her to the demanding world of poetry represents the most appropriate mentorship approach.
‘A Poet’ stands as a significant achievement in international cinema, blending authentic local storytelling with themes that transcend cultural boundaries, earning both critical acclaim and audience appreciation across multiple continents.