African cinema shines at Eurasian Diamond Butterfly Award

In a world where cinema knows no bounds, a new initiative is shining a spotlight on films that preserve and promote cultural traditions.

The Diamond Butterfly Open Eurasian Film Award is making waves in the film industry, recognising movies that champion spiritual values, national identity, and artistic excellence.

This pioneering award, established by the Eurasian Academy of Cinematographic Arts, is the brainchild of Nikita Mikhalkov, a renowned Russian director.

With backing from the Russian Ministry of Culture and Cultural Foundation, the Diamond Butterfly is set to become a beacon for filmmakers, who weave compelling stories rooted in cultural heritage.

The award's mission is to foster creativity, cultural exchange, and collaboration among filmmakers from diverse backgrounds.

By celebrating films that highlight traditional values and national cultures, the Diamond Butterfly aims to strengthen ties between nations, promote fresh talent, cross-cultural understanding and help to erase borders in the world of Art.

Representatives from over 20 countries, including Belarus, Venezuela, Vietnam, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Pakistan, India, Cuba, Iran, China, Kazakhstan, Turkey and several others, have already thrown their support behind the initiative.

The impressive lineup underscores the global appeal of the Diamond Butterfly and its potential to reshape the cinematic landscape.

A total of 31 films have been submitted to date, and the final list of participants is scheduled to be announced in October.

Participating African countries

Seychelles, Senegal, and South Africa are among the participating countries, with 30 films shortlisted for the first edition. This participation highlights the growing interest in African cinema and its rich cultural narratives.

About the award

The inaugural awards ceremony will take place on November 24 in Moscow. Nikita Mikhalkov (Russian director) initiated the creation of the Eurasian Film Academy and Film Award.

The academy and award were unveiled on April 22, 2025, at Mikhalkov's Workshop 12 in Moscow.

The film academy was founded by the Russian Ministry of Culture and the Russian Cultural Foundation, which also organises the Diamond Butterfly Film Award.

The Best Film award will be worth the equivalent of one million dollars, with each subsequent nomination receiving $250,000.

The award will be presented to winners in 12 categories: Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Composer, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Production Design, Best Film from a Country Outside the Eurasian Space, and the Prize for Contribution to World Cinema.

In addition, all winners will be awarded the symbol of the Award — the Diamond Butterfly.

Each statuette is encrusted with almost 5,000 diamonds and designed by the famous artist Yuri Kuper, who has exhibited his works all over the world more than 50 times — in the Tretyakov Gallery, the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, leading museums in Paris, New York, Geneva and other cities.

As the Diamond Butterfly takes flight, it promises to spark a cinematic storm, erase borders, and celebrate the power of film to unite and inspire audiences worldwide.