From Personal Struggles to the Oscars: Colombian Film ‘A Poet’ Shines
The Devil Smokes Blurs Reality Through a Haunting Family Tale
C’est Si Bon Revisits the Passion and Turmoil of Montand–Signoret
27 November 2025: Three films from three continents shone at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), where filmmakers from France, Colombia, and Mexico came together at a press conference today to present their work and share their creative journeys. Two titles—A Poet and C’est Si Bon—are competing for the prestigious Golden Peacock Award, while the third, The Devil Smokes, is competing for Best Debut Feature Film.
The event featured A Poet from Colombia, presented by director Simón Jairo Mesa Soto and producer Sara Nanclares; The Devil Smokes by Mexican filmmaker Ernesto Martínez Bucio; and C’est Si Bon from veteran French director Diane Kurys.
Ernesto Marks a Bold Feature Debut
Speaking at the conference, Ernesto Martínez Bucio noted that The Devil Smokes marks his debut as a feature filmmaker, describing the shift from short films to a full-length production as a significant creative leap. The film follows five stoic siblings abandoned by their parents and left in the care of their grandmother, who suffers from schizophrenia, blurring the boundaries between reality and imagination. He explained his meticulous casting process, including extensive masterclasses designed to build trust and emotional authenticity among the child actors. Addressing questions from the media, he emphasized his commitment to telling local stories that resonate universally, saying he prefers to focus on the story itself rather than overthinking on its global appeal.
“The Poet” Draws from Director’s Personal Journey
Colombian director Simón Jairo Mesa Soto shared that A Poet is only his second feature film, for which he also wrote the screenplay. He revealed that the story draws from personal experiences and early-life struggles. The film centers on an aging poet who finds renewed purpose while mentoring a gifted teenager, even as he worries about exposing her to the challenges of the poetry world—challenges that once stalled his own ambitions. Expressing delight at the film’s warm reception in Colombia—especially after his first film’s modest performance—he noted that A Poet has also been selected as Colombia’s official entry to the Oscars. Mesa discussed the evolving landscape of Colombian cinema, remarking that local audiences are slowly becoming more receptive to domestic films. He also reflected on the contrasting distribution experiences between his pandemic-era debut and his current release.
Kurys Highlights Real Stories in Latest Film “C’est Si Bon”
Veteran French filmmaker Diane Kurys spoke about her film C’est Si Bon, highlighting her passion for adapting real stories with authenticity. The film recounts the tumultuous love story between cinema icons Yves Montand and Simone Signoret, whose deep bond is overshadowed by Montand’s affair with Marilyn Monroe. Set against the evocative backdrop of old Paris, the film captures an era of love, betrayal, and artistic glamour. Kurys shared that her first film—based on her own family—remains her most successful work. She emphasized that cinematic craft evolves continually and reflected on the strong institutional support provided by French society and the French film industry, which has helped elevate French cinema to global prominence.
The conference highlighted the diversity, depth, and international spirit of contemporary filmmaking showcased at this year’s IFFI.
