The Devil Smokes (and Saves the Burnt Matches in the Same Box)

El diablo fuma (y guarda las cabezas de los cerillos quemados en la misma caja)

Ernesto Martínez Bucio’s audacious debut finds five children deposited in the chaotic and ramshackle home of their eccentric and emotionally absent grandmother.

Screening dates and booking

Check which tickets are still available across the festival – and find out about extra ticket releases and standby queues.

Credits

  • Director

    Ernesto Martínez Bucio

  • Screenwriters

    Karen Plata, Ernesto Martínez Bucio

  • With

    Mariapau Bravo Aviña, Rafael Nieto Martínez, Carmen Ramos

  • Mexico 2025.

  • Courtesy of

    Bendita Film Sales

  • Language

    Spanish

    With English subtitles

Introduction

When Pope John Paul II visits Mexico, a boisterous cluster of siblings are abandoned by their parents and left in the care of a relative who has minimal contact with the outside world and insists on keeping the children indoors. A busy, handheld camera captures the confusion of the younger siblings as elder sister Vanessa desperately tries to hold the family together.

Maria Delgado

Content warning

Contains scenes of animal cruelty.

How to book

Tickets start from £10 for all screenings and events in London, with concessions available for many screenings. Booking information and ticket prices.

If you’re aged 16 to 25, sign up for free to BFI 25 and Under for a chance to get £6 tickets to all screenings and events (subject to availability).

Missed out?

More tickets may become available for these screenings before and during the festival. Find out about extra ticket releases and standby queues.

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