The Septimius Awards: Jan-Willem Breure’s Alternative to the Oscars?

Jan-Willem Breure Director and Founder of the Septimius Awards
Photo Credit by The Septimius Awards

Despite its nickname “The Oscars of Europe” and prominent ambassadors such as Stedman Graham (partner of Oprah Winfrey), the Septimius Awards aims to distinguish itself from the Oscars. For decades, the global film industry has centered around Western narratives, with Hollywood at the center of attention. While this dominance has produced countless iconic films, it has also left many non-Western stories in the shadows.

Filmmakers from Asia, Africa, and Oceania often struggle to get their works noticed internationally, let alone recognized at major award ceremonies like the Oscars or BAFTAs. This underrepresentation has long been a sore point for many in the industry. But one man, Jan-Willem Breure, is working to change that.

Breure’s Septimius Awards, held annually in Amsterdam, have quickly become a place to be for filmmakers from all over the world. The awards celebrate diversity in its truest form by giving equal weight to films from around the globe. “Every award ceremony has a cultural bias,” Breure admits. “But we’ve worked to minimize that by splitting our awards into five world regions and multiple handpicked categories.”

A Platform for Underrepresented Voices

The Septimius Awards were born out of Breure’s desire to flip the film industry on its head. Growing up in Rwanda and later moving to Europe, he experienced firsthand how cultural biases can shape perceptions and limit opportunities. This personal journey inspired him to create an award ceremony to celebrate cinematic excellence and give underrepresented filmmakers a chance to shine.

At traditional award shows, films from non-Western countries often face significant resistance. Even when nominated, they are usually relegated to categories like “Best Foreign Film” rather than being considered for top honors like Best Picture. The Septimius Awards counters this by dividing their categories by continent—Best African Film, Best Asian Film, Best European Film, Best Oceanian Film, Best American Film and so on—making sure that each region receives its due recognition.

Jan-Willem Breure Director and Founder of the Septimius Awards

A Spotlight on Overlooked Masterpieces

This structure has already brought attention to films that might have otherwise been overlooked. Take “Maidaan,” an Indian film that won Best Asian Film at the 2024 Septimius Awards. Directed by Amit Ravindernath Sharma and starring Ajay Devgn, it tells the story of Syed Abdul Rahim, a football coach who brought pride to India during a time of great political upheaval. Despite its powerful narrative and stunning performances, “Maidaan” might have struggled to find recognition at more Western-centric festivals. But at Septimius, it was celebrated for both its artistic merit and its cultural significance.

Gajraj Rao, who acted in Maidaan, expressed his gratitude after the win, “Thrilled and deeply honored to share that our film Maidaan has been recognized as the Best Asian Film at the esteemed Septimius Awards in Amsterdam.” For Rao and his team, this recognition was more than a simple award—it was about having their story heard on a global stage.

Jan-Willem Breure Director and Founder of the Septimius Awards

Films That Deserve Their Moment

“Maidaan” is not the only film that has benefited from the inclusive nature of the Septimius Awards. In 2024, “Omen (Augure)” from Africa won the Best African Film award. Directed by Baloji Tshiani, this film dives deep into themes of identity and belonging in post-colonial Africa. It is a complex narrative that might have been too niche or unfamiliar for audiences at more mainstream festivals. But at Septimius, it was celebrated for its boldness and originality.

Another standout from 2024 was “Uproar,” which won Best Oceanian Film. This New Zealand production tells the heartwarming story of a boy navigating life in a small town while coming to terms with his Indigenous heritage. Like “Omen,” it is a film rooted in specific cultural experiences that might not resonate with all audiences—but at Septimius, it found its place among other stories of global importance.

These films are proof that great cinema is not limited by geography or language. They show that powerful storytelling can come from anywhere and that it deserves to be recognized no matter where it originates.

Jan-Willem Breure Director and Founder of the Septimius Awards

A New Era for Global Cinema

The Septimius Awards wishes to be a part of a movement toward greater inclusivity in cinema. By giving equal weight to films from all continents, Breure is challenging traditional norms while simultaneously encouraging filmmakers from underrepresented regions to keep telling their stories.

For too long, non-Western films have been sidelined or tokenized at major festivals. The Septimius Awards wish to change that narrative, creating a space where these films can stand on equal footing with their Western counterparts. As Breure himself puts it, “True change stems from independence.”

With each passing year, more filmmakers from diverse backgrounds find their voices amplified through this unique festival. As they do, they are proving once again that great cinema knows no borders.