The debut English-language film features Monica Bellucci, Elvis Presley's granddaughter, and Barry Keoghan.
The English-language debut of Russian director Kantemir Balagov titled Butterfly Jam has been selected to open the 58th edition of the 'Directors' Fortnight' in Cannes. This was announced on the official event portal, and Balagov himself shared the first stills from the upcoming film on his Instagram.
Barry Keoghan and Riley Keough
Harry Melling
The plot of the film revolves around a teenager from a Circassian community living in New Jersey. He dreams of a career as a wrestler but is forced to work in the family diner. Tensions rise when his father makes a highly controversial decision that provokes a serious conflict. Filming began on April 2, 2025. The film is produced by Alexander Rodnyansky, originally from Kyiv, known for producing iconic films by Andrei Zvyagintsev such as 'Leviathan' and 'Loveless'. Among the actors involved in the project are 'Saltburn' star Barry Keoghan, Riley Keough, granddaughter of the legendary Elvis Presley, Monica Bellucci, as well as Harry Melling, remembered for his role as Dudley Dursley in 'Harry Potter', and other talents.
About the 'Directors' Fortnight'
The 'Directors' Fortnight' is an independent section traditionally held alongside the main Cannes Film Festival. This year, its program includes 19 feature films.
Barry Keoghan and Kantemir Balagov
Photo of Kantemir Balagov
Kantemir Balagov's Path in Cinema
It is worth noting that Kantemir Balagov gained wide recognition after the successful screenings of his auteur works 'Tightness' and 'Beanpole' at the Cannes Film Festival. In 2022, the director publicly condemned the events in Ukraine and decided to move to Los Angeles. Although he had previously announced his departure from cinema, Balagov ultimately changed his mind.
Photo: kantemirbalag/Instagram
