Before Butterfly became an award-winning feature film, it started as an idea rooted in the Bronx.
Filmmaker Dante Hillmedo, founder of Team Elite Productions, recently released his debut feature film after spending nearly two years writing, producing, directing, shooting, editing, and scoring the project himself. The coming-of-age drama has already earned significant recognition, taking home Best Feature Film honors at the Big Apple Film Festival before securing worldwide distribution.
Set in the Bronx, Butterfly follows Jericha, a teenager navigating bullying, family struggles, friendship, and the pressures that come with growing up while finding an escape through dance.
For Hillmedo, the story represents more than just entertainment.
“The Bronx story in Butterfly is important because that’s where I was born and raised,” Hillmedo explained. “Although the story is about Jericha, there are definitely pieces of my own experiences woven into the film. I think that’s what makes it relatable to so many people.”
While urban dance films have long been a staple of popular culture, Hillmedo wanted to create something that felt closer to reality than fantasy.
“I made Butterfly because I love urban dance drama films and there hasn’t been many in a while since films like You Got Served, Step Up, and Honey,” he said. “I wanted to create something that felt more real. Those films often build toward a big victory moment, but in real life the work doesn’t stop there. Life continues after the applause.”
That commitment to authenticity became one of the driving forces behind the project.
Rather than focusing solely on competition and success, Butterfly explores issues that many young people face every day, including peer pressure, immigration, self-worth, family challenges, and finding purpose through passion.
The film also features actress and television personality Tahiry Jose, actress, recording artist, and entrepreneur Lea Robinson, and comedian and social media personality Trabass.
Hillmedo’s journey to completing the film reflects the same determination displayed by many independent creators trying to build something without industry backing.
After early crowdfunding efforts generated only a small portion of the film’s budget, Hillmedo chose to finance the project himself.
“I self-funded Butterfly because I wasn’t able to secure the investment needed to bring the vision to life,” Hillmedo said. “Crowdfunding only generated a small portion of what was needed, so I bet on myself. Through my savings and support from my mother and father, I was able to finish the film.”
That gamble paid off.
Last year, Butterfly captured the Best Feature Film award at the Big Apple Film Festival, an accomplishment that Hillmedo considers one of the biggest milestones of his career.
“I’ve spent years behind the camera capturing major events and working around some of the biggest names in entertainment, but winning Best Feature Film at the Big Apple Film Festival was different,” he said. “Competing against films connected to legendary directors and Academy Award-winning actors and coming away with that recognition was a major milestone.”
Today, Hillmedo hopes the film resonates with audiences who may be facing challenges of their own.
“When people watch Butterfly, I want them to understand that your passion can pull you through some of the darkest moments in life,” he said. “Even when things feel overwhelming, continue doing the things you love. You never know what opportunities or miracles can come from simply pursuing what brings you joy.”
Butterfly is available now on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube Movies & TV, Google Play, Fandango at Home, and more.
For more information and where-to-watch links, visit OfficialButterflyFilm.com.
© 2026, Nimra Khan. All rights reserved.
