Colombia selects Simón Mesa Soto’s ‘A Poet’ for Oscars

Colombia’s selection committee has named Cannes Un Certain Regard jury prize-winner A Poet as this season’s Oscar submission in the international feature film category.

Writer-director Simón Mesa Soto said: “Since its release in Colombian theatres, A Poet has been beautifully received by audiences. Many Colombians have seen it and have connected with our poet. That’s what has excited us the most. Now, knowing that we will represent Colombia on the road to the Oscars is a huge honour and the beginning of a journey that we hope will open a new chapter for Colombian cinema.”

A Poet stars first-time actor Ubeimar Rios in the darkly comedy tale about a failed writer who wanders the streets of Medellín in a drunken stupor until he sees the opportunity to mentor a young student as his shot at redemption.

The cast includes Rebeca Andrade, Guillermo Cardona, Allison Correa, Margarita Soto, and Humberto Restrepo. The feature shot in Medellín with a cast largely made up of non-professionals.

Soto, Juan Sarmiento G., and Manuel Ruiz Montealegre served as producers for Ocultimo and Medio De Contencion Producciones.

Fledgling arthouse distributor 1-2 Special will release the film in North America. Luxbox handles international sales 

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