Elle Magazine covers the Septimius Awards: Jan-Willem Breure Transforming Global Cinema

Jan-Willem Breure, the visionary founder of the Septimius Awards, was recently featured in Elle magazine, where his groundbreaking efforts to redefine cinema’s recognition systems were celebrated. Recognized as the "Oscars of Europe," the Septimius Awards provide a uniquely inclusive platform, celebrating global talent with a commitment to diversity that challenges traditional industry norms.

Breure’s journey to becoming a changemaker in the film industry is deeply personal. Born in Rwanda and raised across several African countries before settling in the Netherlands, his multicultural upbringing gave him an intimate understanding of global perspectives. After studying at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague, he established JW Productions and, later, the Septimius Awards in 2022, driven by a desire to challenge biases in the way cinematic excellence is recognized.

Speaking to Elle, Breure highlighted how his experiences with discrimination inspired his efforts. “Every award ceremony has a cultural bias,” he noted. “We’ve worked to minimize that by splitting our awards into five world regions.” This innovative approach ensures that major categories—Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Film—are awarded by continent, spotlighting talent from underrepresented areas alongside traditional powerhouses.

A Bold Challenge to Hollywood

The Septimius Awards aim to disrupt Hollywood’s dominance in film recognition, providing a global counterpoint to the Western-centric focus of institutions like the Oscars and BAFTAs. Held annually in Amsterdam, the ceremony has quickly become a prestigious event, bringing together established icons and emerging voices from all corners of the globe.

The 2024 edition underscored the awards’ commitment to inclusivity and diversity. With Stedman Graham—renowned entrepreneur and longtime partner of Oprah Winfrey—serving as its official ambassador, the event highlighted its emphasis on empowerment and leadership. Notable attendees included Academy Award-winner Cuba Gooding Jr. and Oscar-winning costume designer Janty Yates, alongside filmmakers from across the globe.

“Having someone like Stedman Graham as our ambassador strengthens our mission,” Breure shared with Elle. Graham’s presence symbolized the awards’ commitment to fostering meaningful connections and promoting diversity on an international scale.

Celebrating Women and Underrepresented Voices

One of the hallmarks of the Septimius Awards is its emphasis on amplifying stories from underrepresented communities and celebrating women in cinema. Breure’s vision extends beyond simply acknowledging diversity; he actively seeks to create opportunities for new voices to emerge.

The 2024 ceremony recognized groundbreaking works like Jordan’s Inshallah a Boy, South Africa’s Shaka iLembe, Egypt’s Voy! Voy! Voy!, and India’s Maidaan. These films, rich in cultural significance, may not have found the same spotlight in more traditional award settings.

Through his production company, Septimius Pictures, Breure is also championing films that highlight overlooked cultures and histories. His efforts to both honor existing talent and create fresh opportunities for marginalized voices are reshaping the narrative of global cinema.

Redefining Excellence in Cinema

Breure’s work with the Septimius Awards isn’t just about accolades; it’s about redefining the standards of excellence in cinema. “To accept perfection is to deny progress,” he explained to Elle. This ethos drives the Septimius Awards to continually evolve, challenging audiences and industry leaders to think beyond conventional benchmarks.

The ceremony combines glamour with substance, fostering dialogue about the importance of inclusivity and regional storytelling. By providing a stage for diverse voices, the Septimius Awards are pushing the boundaries of what global cinema can achieve.

A Platform for Change

The growing success of the Septimius Awards reflects a shift in the film industry’s priorities. By honoring talent from every corner of the globe, Breure has created a platform that not only celebrates artistic achievement but also addresses systemic inequities.

Elle’s recognition of the awards as the "Oscars of Europe" underscores their rising influence and Breure’s transformative vision. The Septimius Awards are more than a ceremony—they are a movement toward equity and representation in the arts.

As Breure told Elle, “We tend to overlook so many little nuances when viewing foreign cinema. The Septimius Awards challenge us to see beyond our biases and appreciate the beauty of global storytelling.”

With ambassadors like Stedman Graham and a growing list of international luminaries lending their support, the Septimius Awards are poised to lead the charge for meaningful change in cinema. By combining innovation with a deep commitment to diversity, Jan-Willem Breure has created a beacon of hope for the industry, celebrating the richness of global perspectives and the power of inclusive storytelling.