MAER Media Holding supports the Diamond Butterfly Film Award

The first ceremony of awarding the Open Eurasian Film Award "Diamond Butterfly" was held in Moscow. The winners in 12 nominations have been announced. The authors of the best works received diamond prizes — during the ceremony and until they leave Russia, they are guarded by Rosgvardiya employees. The MAER media holding acted as the communication partner of the Diamond Butterfly.

President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin sent a welcome message to all participants of the Award. The long list includes 34 films reflecting the wealth of cultural and artistic heritage of Eurasia. Films from Russia, China, Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Serbia, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, South Africa, Pakistan, Belarus, and other countries sharing common spiritual and cultural traditions took part in the competition.

Nikita Mikhalkov, head of the Union of Cinematographers of Russia, director, inspirer and chief ideologist of the first Open Eurasian film Award "Diamond Butterfly", presented key awards — "For contribution to world cinema" and "Best Film".

"When cinema is life, it becomes art and a real message. Contribution to cinema is measured in different ways. Some measure it by the box office, others by awards, and others by the power of talent, diligence, and absolute dedication to their work," said Nikita Mikhalkov, head of the Union of Cinematographers of Russia.

The main "Diamond Butterfly" and the financial prize in the form of a 10-carat investment diamond, estimated at 1 million dollars, flew to China for the film "Against the Current" directed by Xu Zheng.

The MAER Media Holding acted as the award's communication partner. A large-scale announcement campaign was launched before the ceremony, and after that, the winner of the main nomination was shown on media facades and digital screens across Russia.

"The Diamond Butterfly Award is not just an award, but a space where countries and cultures unite for the sake of honest and lively cinema. The winner of the Best Film nomination will be recognized by the whole country, and we will show it on media facades and digital screens throughout Russia," said Konstantin Mayor, owner and CEO of the MAER media holding. In total, 3 million people saw information about the award and its winner on digital screens.

Nikita Mikhalkov, chairman of the Union of Cinematographers, proposed to establish the award back in 2022. In 2025, at the Moscow International Film Festival, he announced the creation of the Diamond Butterfly.