Bellucci appears in Balagov’s film about Circassians

Italian actress Monica Bellucci starred in the “Butterfly Jam” film directed by Kantemir Balagov from Kabardino-Balkaria. The film reports about the life of the Circassian community in the United States.

The film by director from Kabardino-Balkaria Kantemir Balagov, who left Russia, stars Italian actress Monica Bellucci, the “Lenta.ru” reports.

Some of the episodes of the “Butterfly Jam” film by the director from Kabardino-Balkaria were arranged in the city of Dunkerque, the French “La Voix du Nord” publication reports. The publication’s journalists saw the Italian actress as part of the film crew.

The “Butterfly Jam” film was initially called “Monica”. It is the first English-language film directed by Kantemir Balagov. The film reports the story of a teenager from the Circassian community of New Jersey who dreams of becoming a wrestler. The plot is focused on the teenager growing up and his attempt to cope with the consequences of his father’s risky actions. In addition to Monica Bellucci, the film stars Barry Keoghan, Riley Keough, and Harry Melling. Kantemir Balagov co-wrote the script with writer Marina Stepnova. The film premiere expected in 2026, possibly at the Cannes Film Festival.

This was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on May 23, 2025 at 09:36 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.

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