Barry Keoghan, Riley Keough May Star in Kantemir Balagov's 'Butterfly Jam'

Kantemir Balagov, acclaimed for his 2019 film 'Beanpole,' is moving forward with his first English-language feature, 'Butterfly Jam,' with Barry Keoghan and Riley Keough in talks to star. The film, set in New Jersey's Circassian community, focuses on a teenager balancing his family's struggling diner and his aspirations to become a professional wrestler. The narrative explores the dynamic between the boy and his father, particularly as the son grapples with his father's shortcomings and the pressures of growing up. The production involves notable partners like Pascal Caucheteux's Why Not Productions and Alexander Rodnyansky's AR Content. Balagov's previous work 'Beanpole' received international recognition, including awards at Cannes and a nomination for the Academy Awards' Best International Feature. Both Balagov and Rodnyansky currently reside outside of Russia due to their vocal dissent regarding the war in Ukraine.