UMMA Awards Make Grand Russian Debut in Kaliningrad: A New Era for Global Music and Cinema
BRICS Culture Media Forum Unveils the Vision of UMMA in Kaliningrad — A Game-Changing Celebration of Talent from the Global South
Kaliningrad, Russia – July 15, 2025 , In a momentous celebration of cultural unity and artistic excellence, the first-ever Russian regional presentation of the UMMA Music and Film Industry Awards—an initiative of the BRICS Culture Media Forum—was held in Kaliningrad with resounding success. Supported by the Krespetiva Creative Industries Fund, the event marked a turning point for the global entertainment landscape.
The visionary behind UMMA, Dr. Jaan Nissar Lone, Global President of the BRICS Culture Media Forum and renowned Bollywood music producer and filmmaker, led the high-level discussions. As a jury member of the upcoming Intervision Festival in Moscow this September, Dr. Lone shared the powerful mission of UMMA—Ubiquitous Movies and Music Awards—which aims to revolutionize the entertainment industry by spotlighting authentic voices from BRICS and the Global South.
“UMMA is not just an award show—it is a movement,” Dr. Lone declared. “It represents inclusion, innovation, and international cooperation through culture. Through UMMA, we are building a platform where artistic merit, soul, and storytelling transcend borders.”
The event was graced by influential figures including Andrey Ermak, Minister for Culture and Tourism of the Kaliningrad Region, Alexander Kalkuta, Director of the Agency for International Relations of the Kaliningrad Region, and Alina Kalkuta, Director of the Krespetiva Creative Industries Fund. Their presence underlined the strategic importance of Russia’s regional cultural hubs in shaping global creative narratives.
According to the organizers, the first global UMMA Awards ceremony will be held in the Middle East, with cities like Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, or Doha being considered as iconic venues. Looking ahead, the 2029 edition is poised to be hosted in Russia, and Kaliningrad is being strongly considered as the destination—cementing its position on the global cultural map.
The UMMA platform is envisioned as a beacon for emerging and established talent, offering recognition beyond borders and politics. By honoring artistic brilliance across cinema, music, and storytelling, UMMA aims to redefine how the world perceives creativity from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and beyond.
This historic presentation in Kaliningrad is just the beginning. As the world turns its eyes toward the grand stage of UMMA, the ripple effect promises to inspire new collaborations, global co-productions, cultural diplomacy, and a renaissance of artistic appreciation rooted in the ethos of unity, diversity, and peace.
UMMA isn’t just awarding excellence—it’s rewriting the narrative of global culture.
