What is Colombia's Oscar entry 'A Poet' about?

'A Poet' is a darkly humorous film about a disillusioned poet in Medellín who gets a chance at redemption by mentoring a young student.

When will Simón Mesa Soto's 'A Poet' be released?

The film 'A Poet' is scheduled for release in select theaters on January 30, 2026.

Did 'A Poet' win any awards at Cannes?

Yes, 'A Poet' won the prestigious Un Certain Regard Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Poet's Plight: Dark Comedy Hits Screens

Poet's Plight: Dark Comedy Hits Screens

18 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Colombia's Oscar entry 'A Poet' blends dark humor with artistic depth.
The film features a first-time actor in the lead role of a struggling poet.
'A Poet' won the Cannes Un Certain Regard Jury Prize and opens January 30, 2026.

Colombia's official Oscar entry, "A Poet," offers a blend of biting humor and profound art, focusing on the life of a struggling poet. Directed by Simón Mesa Soto, the film stars Ubeimar Rios in his acting debut as Oscar, a middle-aged writer living in Medellín, who feels disillusioned with the literary scene.

The narrative takes a turn when Oscar gets the chance to mentor a young student, presenting an opportunity for redemption that he might just sabotage. This darkly comic story, marked by Ubeimar Rios's performance, has already garnered attention, winning the Cannes Un Certain Regard Jury Prize earlier this year.

Set to arrive in select theaters on January 30, 2026, "A Poet" has been praised for its efficient filmmaking and its art-world send-up. The film's caustic wit and unexpected pathos are drawing comparisons to graphic novelists and indie comedies, promising a unique cinematic experience.