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)
Synopsis
In mid-90s Mexico City, five young siblings are left in the care of their grandmother after their parents suddenly disappear. As they fight to survive, the line between reality and something darker starts to blur. The grandmother, haunted by eerie visions and deepening fears, becomes more distant, while the children’s grip on reality begins to unravel. After a clash with their neighbors, the siblings withdraw even further into isolation, cutting themselves off from the outside world.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Official International Trailer
Type: Trailer • Published 2025-02-26
Top Cast
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Release History & Theatrical Window
Berlin International Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
$800K
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
Pending
Total global ticket sales
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Ernesto Martínez Bucio
- Screenplay & Story
- Ernesto Martínez Bucio, Karen Plata Luna
- Original Score
- Emilio Hinojosa Carrión
- Original Title
- El diablo fuma (y guarda las cabezas de los cerillos quemados en la misma caja)
- Country of Origin
- Mexico
- Spoken Languages
- Spanish
- Runtime
- 1h 37m
- Production Budget
- $800K
- Production Studios
- Mandarina Cine, Instituto Mexicano de Cinematografía, Fomento al Cine Mexicano (FOCINE), Eficine
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Ernesto Martínez Bucio
Ernesto Martínez Bucio, Karen Plata Luna
Emilio Hinojosa Carrión
Odei Zabaleta
Ernesto Martínez Bucio, Karen Plata Luna, Odei Zabaleta
Alejandro Durán, Gabriela Gavica Marrufo, Carlos Hernández
Department Leadership Roster
Ernesto Martínez Bucio
Director
Ernesto Martínez Bucio
Screenplay
Karen Plata Luna
Screenplay
Alejandro Durán
Producer
Gabriela Gavica Marrufo
Producer
Carlos Hernández
Producer
Ernesto Martínez Bucio
Editor
Karen Plata Luna
Editor
Odei Zabaleta
Editor
Odei Zabaleta
Director of Photography
Emilio Hinojosa Carrión
Original Music Composer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Devil Smokes (and Saves the Burnt Matches in the Same Box).
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Devil Smokes (and Saves the Burnt Matches in the Same Box)
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Devil Smokes (and Saves the Burnt Matches in the Same Box) about?
In mid-90s Mexico City, five young siblings are left in the care of their grandmother after their parents suddenly disappear. As they fight to survive, the line between reality and something darker starts to blur. The grandmother, haunted by eerie visions and deepening fears, becomes more distant, while the children’s grip on reality begins to unravel. After a clash with their neighbors, the siblings withdraw even further into isolation, cutting themselves off from the outside world.
Who directed The Devil Smokes (and Saves the Burnt Matches in the Same Box)?
The Devil Smokes (and Saves the Burnt Matches in the Same Box) was directed by Ernesto Martínez Bucio.
Who stars in The Devil Smokes (and Saves the Burnt Matches in the Same Box)?
The principal cast of The Devil Smokes (and Saves the Burnt Matches in the Same Box) includes Mariapau Bravo Aviña, Rafael Nieto Martínez, Regina Alejandra, Donovan Said Martínez, Laura Uribe Rojas.
When was The Devil Smokes (and Saves the Burnt Matches in the Same Box) released and how long is it?
The Devil Smokes (and Saves the Burnt Matches in the Same Box) was released in 2026 with a total runtime of 1h 37m.
Who composed the musical score for The Devil Smokes (and Saves the Burnt Matches in the Same Box)?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Devil Smokes (and Saves the Burnt Matches in the Same Box) was composed by Emilio Hinojosa Carrión.