Heaven is Beneath Mother's Feet / Paradise at Mothers' Feet Wins Best Soundtrack at the Septimius Awards 2025 - Yrysbek Usmanov (Accepted by Tugolbai Koichiev & Aziza Khalbekova)

On 4 September 2025, the historic Tuschinski Theater in Amsterdam became a focal point for global cinematic excellence as the Septimius Awards celebrated its annual honors. Amidst a gathering of international filmmakers, producers, and actors, the Kyrgyzstani film industry achieved a significant milestone. Composer Yrysbek Usmanov was awarded the prestigious Best Soundtrack award for his work on the critically acclaimed film "Heaven is Beneath Mother's Feet," also known by its title "Paradise at Mothers' Feet."

The Septimius Awards, renowned for their emphasis on diversity and the discovery of independent talent, chose the Tuschinski Theater for its 2025 ceremony. This venue, often cited as one of the most beautiful cinemas in the world, provided a grand backdrop for the recognition of artistic achievements across various continents. The event spanned two days, featuring panel discussions on the evolving landscape of global entertainment and diversity, culminating in the gala awards ceremony where the year’s most impactful works were honored.

The soundtrack for "Heaven is Beneath Mother's Feet" stood out among a highly competitive field of nominees. Yrysbek Usmanov’s compositions were lauded for their ability to translate the profound emotional weight of the film into a sonorous landscape. Directed by Ruslan Akun, the film tells the moving story of Adil, a 35-year-old man with the intellectual capacity of an eight-year-old, who embarks on an arduous journey to take his 75-year-old mother, Raikhan, to Mecca on foot. Usmanov’s music serves as the emotional heartbeat of this odyssey, capturing the themes of devotion, sacrifice, and the spiritual bond between mother and son.

Although Yrysbek Usmanov was unable to attend the ceremony in the Netherlands in person, the film’s producers, Tugolbai Koichiev and Aziza Khalbekova, represented the composer. They took to the stage during the gala to accept the trophy on his behalf. Their presence underscored the collaborative effort required to bring such a culturally significant story from Kyrgyzstan to an international audience. The producers expressed their appreciation for the recognition of Central Asian cinema on a European stage, noting the importance of the film’s message of universal love and human resilience.

The win for Best Soundtrack is a testament to the film’s broader success and its resonance with international viewers. "Heaven is Beneath Mother's Feet" has been a standout production for Kyrgyz cinema, serving as the country’s official submission for the Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards. Prior to the Amsterdam victory, the film had already garnered accolades elsewhere, including the Grand Prix at festivals in Moscow, further solidifying its reputation as a masterpiece of modern drama.

The 2025 Septimius Awards ceremony was attended by numerous industry luminaries. Alongside the category winners, the event honored Lifetime Achievement recipients such as actor Kevin Spacey, actress Shohreh Aghdashloo, and the late music producer Irv Gotti. The inclusion of Yrysbek Usmanov among these winners highlights the rising influence of Central Asian artists in the global industry. The soundtrack’s victory in Amsterdam reflects a growing appreciation for scores that do more than accompany images; it recognizes music that possesses the power to bridge cultural divides and speak to the shared human experience.

As the evening concluded at the Tuschinski Theater, the victory for "Heaven is Beneath Mother's Feet" remained one of the night’s most poignant moments. The recognition of Usmanov’s work by a European-based international jury emphasizes the film's success in conveying its deeply rooted spiritual and familial themes to a global demographic. For the Kyrgyz film delegation, the award serves as both a celebration of their current achievement and an inspiration for future storytellers from the region. The triumph in Amsterdam ensures that the melodic journey of Adil and his mother will continue to echo through the international film community, long after the final credits have rolled.