Simon Vélez’s Cinematic Debut 'Precious Stones' Captivates Audiences at the 76th Berlinale

The 76th Berlin International Film Festival, widely recognized as the Berlinale, served as the prestigious stage for the world premiere of "Piedras Preciosas" (Precious Stones). This film marks the feature-length debut of Colombian filmmaker Simon Vélez. The 70-minute production was showcased within the Forum section, a category renowned for its commitment to avant-garde and daring cinematic expressions that push the boundaries of the medium.

A collaborative effort between Colombia and Portugal released in 2026, the film features dialogue in Spanish and French, accompanied by English subtitles. The immediate buzz surrounding the project was palpable from the start of the festival. This interest was confirmed by the rapid sell-out of tickets for its high-profile gala screening, signaling a strong reception from international film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.

The narrative centers on Machado, a young Colombian immigrant working as a grape harvester in the French countryside. His life takes a dramatic turn when he is recruited by a female gangster into a high-stakes criminal enterprise. Machado is tasked with returning to his homeland to steal a priceless emerald from a church located near Medellín. To complete this heist, he must navigate his home country while maintaining the elaborate and risky disguise of a priest.

The screenplay, penned by Paulo Carneiro, and the direction by Vélez—who also served as a producer—reimagine the traditional gangster genre. The film utilizes a sophisticated non-linear storytelling structure and a vibrant pop aesthetic. By doing so, the creators intentionally steer clear of the tired clichés and established stereotypes often associated with Colombian cinema in international productions, offering a fresh perspective on the nation's identity.

Visually, "Precious Stones" is defined by its striking and expressive cinematographic language. The camera work, handled by Mauricio Reyes and Liberman Arango, embarks on visual "expeditions" through Colombia’s diverse flora. The natural landscape is depicted with a brilliance that mirrors the coveted emerald itself. The film features a talented ensemble cast including Laura Taurines, Sofia Jaramillo, Ira Plaza, and Daniel Cortés, who bring the complex characters to life.

Through the use of bold color palettes and energetic dance sequences, the film cultivates a distinct and timeless atmosphere. Critics have hailed this ambitious first feature as the arrival of a significant new voice in Latin American film. The project has been praised for its profound exploration of landscape and destiny, marking Simon Vélez as a director to watch in the coming years of global cinema.

Running from February 12 to 22, 2026, the Forum section of the 76th Berlinale was curated by Barbara Wurm and featured a selection of 32 films. The program emphasized works that are both socially provocative and formally innovative. Vélez’s film was programmed alongside works by established masters such as Nicolas Pereda and Rithy Panh, a placement that underscores the high prestige of this debut within the festival circuit.

With legendary filmmaker Wim Wenders serving as the President of the International Jury for the main competition, the festival provided a massive platform for international acclaim. Participation in such a high-tier event opens significant doors for global distribution through the European Film Market (EFM). This ensures that Vélez’s vision will reach a broad audience far beyond the initial festival screenings in Berlin.

Simon Vélez, who also took on the role of executive producer alongside Paulo Carneiro, crafted a film that grew from his fascination with dramatic structure and early footage he captured in a gemstone shop. In the movie, the emerald serves as more than just a physical object; it acts as the narrative's central axis and a potent metaphor. The gem passes through the hands of various characters, guiding Machado through a journey fraught with ethical dilemmas and personal transformation.

By blending a crime-driven plot with a nuanced investigation of Colombian identity through the symbol of the emerald, Vélez demonstrates a commitment to creating a complex, multi-layered cinematic text. This approach successfully combines genre elements with deep cultural reflection, establishing "Precious Stones" as a landmark debut that resonates on both an emotional and intellectual level.