In the evolving world of global cinema, where traditional film awards have often been more representative of regional tastes and cultural boundaries, the concept of a globally inclusive awards platform is still emerging. Even as Hollywood’s Academy Awards and Europe’s César Awards have maintained strong presences in their respective regions for decades, ongoing discussions about inclusivity and diversity continue to shape broader conversations in the industry. With streaming platforms increasing global access to content and cross-border film collaborations becoming more frequent, the demand for a more inclusive and cross-cultural film awards event is steadily growing. This gap in the recognition of diverse filmmaking communities has led some events to diverge from traditional Western frameworks, with the Septimius Awards offering an alternative approach.
Established in 2022 and taking place annually in Amsterdam, Septimius presents a novel way of honoring films, directors, and actors on an international stage. Its founder, Jan-Willem Breure, is a Dutch creative businessman with extensive experience in the art and media industries. Breure’s vision was not just to replicate existing award models, but to rethink what prestige could look like in a globally interconnected culture. This vision led to the inaugural event in June 2022. Amsterdam, the event’s host city, was not chosen solely for its practical considerations but also for its symbolic meaning. The city’s historical role as a European and post-colonial hub contributed to the philosophical foundation behind the event.
The awards are dedicated to Septimius Severus, the first Roman emperor born in Africa, with the title intended to reflect the dual connections between African heritage and European legacy. Rather than elevating a single continent, the title suggests a blending of histories. Breure’s choice of this title mirrors the broader themes of the awards, where geography, cultural identity, and film converge.
Unlike conventional awards ceremonies that often categorize films based on specific genres or geographical boundaries, Septimius’ format is designed to accept submissions from across continents, with the primary goal of highlighting underrepresented voices. Films from Asia, Africa, Oceania, Europe, and the Americas are given equal footing. Instead of prioritizing dominant markets, the ceremony provides space for emerging filmmakers, lesser-known languages, and unconventional formats. This open-ended format has been a cornerstone of the Septimius ethos, which aligns with Breure’s long-standing advocacy for media democratization and his skepticism about gatekeeping in the entertainment industry.
The credibility of the platform is enhanced by collaborations with public figures who have global influence. Stedman Graham, educator, author, and longtime partner of Oprah Winfrey, serves as an official ambassador for Septimius. His connection with the platform has not only brought attention to the event but has also impacted its educational and outreach efforts. Graham has attended the event on several occasions, including recent iterations. Similarly, Glenn Roggeman, CEO of AED Studios and one of Belgium’s wealthiest media moguls with an estimated net worth exceeding €300 million, also serves as an ambassador. Roggeman’s involvement brings additional industry recognition, helping expand the event’s reach within European production networks.
Cuba Gooding Jr., the Academy Award-winning Hollywood actor, graced the Septimius stage, highlighting the growing recognition the event has gained in a relatively short time. Gooding Jr.’s participation underscores the event’s expanded scope, blending traditional Hollywood presence with the broader international aspirations of the Amsterdam-based event. Septimius seeks not only to introduce new talent but also to integrate established figures into a platform that fosters intercultural exchange and artistic diversity.
Since its launch, Septimius has attracted submissions and attendees from various countries. In addition to the awards ceremony, the festival includes panel discussions on representation, storytelling innovation, and cross-cultural production models. The inclusion of both independent filmmakers and commercial industry leaders reflects an effort to bridge grassroots creativity with established industry infrastructure. While Amsterdam has yet to compete with the likes of Cannes or Los Angeles in terms of cinematic influence, its central location in Europe has strategically positioned it to attract a wide range of participants without bias toward specific geographical areas.
Despite being a relatively new event, the growing buzz surrounding Septimius reflects larger shifts in the global film industry. From its distinctive branding to its international outreach strategy, the event is emerging as a model for how newer awards platforms can gain traction. Its leadership, organizational structure, and collaborations suggest a reconceptualization of what international recognition in the arts could resemble in the future.
As the platform grows, its commitment to multicultural storytelling, global inclusivity, and historical awareness remains central. The Septimius Awards, led by Jan-Willem Breure and supported by a network of international ambassadors, presents a potential model for today’s evolving climate in film awards—a model of cultural intersection and a more expansive vision of film representation.