| Butterfly Jam | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Kantemir Balagov |
| Screenplay by | Kantemir Balagov Maria Stepnova |
| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Jomo Fray |
| Music by | Evgueni Galperine Sacha Galperine |
Production companies |
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Release date |
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| Country | France |
| Language | English |
Butterfly Jam is an upcoming French drama film, written and directed by Kantemir Balagov, in his English-language debut. It stars Talha Akdogan, Riley Keough, Barry Keoghan and Harry Melling, and follows the Circassian diaspora in New Jersey.[1]
It is expected to be released in 2026.
Premise
The film centres on a Circassian circus troupe in New Jersey, and a young man who is training to be a wrestler whilst also working in his father's Circassian restaurant.[2]
Cast
- Talha Akdogan as Pyteh[3]
- Riley Keough
- Barry Keoghan
- Harry Melling
- Tommy McInnis
- Monica Bellucci
Production
Development
The film was first reported as in development in 2022, shortly after Kantemir Balagov left Russia for exile in California following 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, which Balagov and his girlfriend Kira Kovalenko publicly criticized on their social media.[4] The screenplay was written Balagov and Maria Stepnova, marking his English-language directing debut.
It was produced by Pascal Caucheteux for Why Not Productions and Alexander Rodnyansky for AR Content. Executive producers included Livia Van der Staay from Goodfellas. It was also co-produced by Arte France Cinéma and Pictanovo (Hauts-de-France region).[5][2]
Filming
Principal photography began on 2 April 2025 and took place in Northern France.[3] Harry Melling joined the cast in early April 2025,[6] followed by Tommy McInnis and Monica Bellucci.[2]
American cinematographer by Jomo Fray was the director of photography, marking his first collaboration with Balagov.[3] Angelo Zamparutti was the Production Designer, while Judy Shrewsbury was the Costume Designer.[3]
Post-production
The film entered post-production by June 2025.[2]
Release
The film is expected to be released sometime in 2026, alongside a world premiere at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival where Balagov is a regular.[3]
References
- ^ Ritman, Alex; Keslassy, Elsa (February 10, 2025). "Barry Keoghan, Riley Keough in Talks for 'Butterfly Jam' From 'Beanpole' Director Kantemir Balagov, 'Emilia Pérez' Producers (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved February 10, 2025.
- ^ a b c d Lemercier, Fabien (June 4, 2025). "Kantemir Balagov's Butterfly Jam now in post-production". Cineuropa.org. Retrieved October 5, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e Lavallée, Eric (April 2, 2025). "Butterfly Jam Update: Kantemir Balagov Teams with Cinematographer Jomo Fray". Ion Cinema. Retrieved October 5, 2025.
- ^ Vlessing, Etan (October 28, 2022). "Kantemir Balagov to Direct 'Butterfly Jam' for Square Peg, AR Content (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 10, 2025.
- ^ Lodderhose, Diana (May 7, 2024). "Goodfellas, Why Not Productions Board Kantemir Balagov's English-Language Debut 'Butterfly Jam' With AR Content — Cannes Market". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 10, 2025.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (April 8, 2025). "Harry Melling Joins Barry Keoghan & Riley Keough In Kantemir Balagov's 'Butterfly Jam'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 9, 2025.
External links
- Butterfly Jam at IMDb
