Colombian filmmaker Simon Mesa Soto has emerged victorious at the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF), claiming the top prize of $140,000 for his film, A Poet. This dramedy tells the story of a washed-up middle-aged poet who finds a path to redemption through the influence of a talented young student. The film was selected by a seven-member jury led by Charlotte Wells, known for her acclaimed work on Aftersun, as the winner of the Bright Horizons competition, which is noted for offering some of the richest cash prizes in the film industry.
Mesa described the project as deeply personal, drawing inspiration from a crisis of faith akin to that of his protagonist, Oscar, portrayed by Guillermo Cardona. He expressed his delight at winning, stating, “I will pay my debts” with the prize money, highlighting the financial challenges faced by filmmakers in Colombia.
Making his first film five years ago, Mesa recounted the difficulties encountered during production, particularly during the pandemic, which delayed the release. He also works part-time as a film instructor at a university in Medellin. Reflecting on his career path, he considered whether to commit to teaching full-time, fearing he might end up like some of his professors who lived a “bohemian kind of life.” This concern inspired him to create a narrative about the “worst version of himself,” finding humor in the world of poetry.
The film has garnered significant acclaim, having previously won the jury prize in the Un Certain Regard category at the Cannes Film Festival. It currently boasts an impressive score of 8.2 on IMDb, where Col Needham, the founder, served on the jury at MIFF.
Impact of the Bright Horizons Prize
Charlotte Wells, who returned to MIFF after being a contender for the Bright Horizons prize in 2022, emphasized the importance of the financial support for emerging filmmakers. “It’s such a substantial financial prize,” she noted, “it gives people the scope and freedom to either make something, if they’re ready, or it gives you the time to write another film.”
During the awards ceremony, another significant honor was presented: the Black Magic Design Award, which includes $50,000 and camera equipment valued at $27,500. This award went to James Robinson for his film First Light.
Robinson’s film, shot in the Philippines, explores a Catholic nun’s crisis of faith. For Robinson, who grew up speaking Tagalog in Melbourne, the project was a means to reconnect with his heritage. He stated, “The film was almost an excuse for me to go back to my mother’s country and reconnect with the culture.”
He acknowledged the complexities of his relationship with the Catholic Church, expressing a desire to create a film that balances respect for the religion’s core values while critiquing its political influences.
Looking Ahead
The Melbourne International Film Festival concludes on Sunday, featuring encore screenings of several Bright Horizons contenders. For emerging filmmakers like Mesa and Robinson, the recognition and financial support from festivals like MIFF can be pivotal in their careers, allowing them to pursue their artistic visions while navigating the financial realities of the film industry.
As the festival wraps up, it celebrates not only the achievements of individual filmmakers but also the vibrant storytelling that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. For more information on the festival and its events, visit miff.com.au.
