Kantemir Balagov's English-Language Debut 'Butterfly Jam' Starring Barry Keoghan and Harry Melling Opens October 7
Kantemir Balagov's inaugural English-language film, Butterfly Jam, is scheduled for release on October 7. Featuring Barry Keoghan, Riley Keough, and Harry Melling, this movie takes place in New Jersey and centers around 16-year-old Pyteh, whose life is turned upside down by his father's rash choice. The script was penned by Balagov in Russia, aiming to delve into the dynamics of father-son relationships and the concept of heroism. He chose Nalchik as the film's setting to honor his Kabardian roots. The Russian director previously won the FIPRESCI Prize for his first feature, Tesnota, at Cannes in 2017 and earned praise for his subsequent film, Beanpole. Butterfly Jam premiered at the Directors' Fortnight in 2026.
Key facts
- Butterfly Jam will be released in theaters on October 7.
- The film stars Barry Keoghan, Riley Keough, and Harry Melling.
- It is Kantemir Balagov's first English-language feature.
- The story is set in New Jersey and follows a 16-year-old nicknamed Pyteh.
- Balagov wrote the script while living in Russia and set it in his hometown of Nalchik.
- Balagov's debut feature Tesnota won the FIPRESCI Prize in Un Certain Regard at Cannes in 2017.
- His second film Beanpole won Best Director and FIPRESCI prizes at Cannes 2019 and was shortlisted for the 92nd Academy Awards.
- Butterfly Jam opened the Directors' Fortnight in 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Barry Keoghan
- Riley Keough
- Harry Melling
- Kantemir Balagov
- Alexander Sokurov
Institutions
- Université d’État de Kabardino-Balkarie – Studio Alexander Sokourov
- Festival de Cannes
- Quinzaine des Cinéastes
- Club Artistik Rezo
- Artistikrezo
Locations
- New Jersey
- United States
- Russia
- Naltchik
- Kabardino-Balkarie
- Leningrad