NEW YORK, NY – Bronx-born filmmaker Dante Hillmedo is gaining recognition for his work documenting and celebrating Caribbean culture in New York City. His journey, rooted in the vibrant Caribbean communities of the Bronx, has led to a successful career in visual storytelling and a critically acclaimed debut feature film.
From Craigslist to Celebrities
Hillmedo’s path to filmmaking began unconventionally. After a year at the School of Visual Arts was cut short by financial challenges, he taught himself videography and secured his first paid job through a Craigslist posting, filming Caribbean DJ DJ Mad Out. This early experience cemented his connection to New York’s Caribbean creative scene.
His work quickly expanded, leading to collaborations with prominent artists like Shaggy, Ding Dong, and Kranium. Hillmedo’s visuals aimed to capture not just performances, but the community, movement, and identity surrounding them. He now leads Team Elite Productions, a company known for its discretion, excellence, and cultural respect.
“Butterfly” Takes Flight
Hillmedo’s most personal project to date is his debut feature film, Butterfly. The film won Best Feature Film at the Big Apple Film Festival in Spring 2025. It centers on a teenage girl navigating identity, pressure, and instability in a single-parent immigrant household in New York City, using dance as a means of coping.
Butterfly distinguishes itself by prioritizing emotional realism over spectacle, focusing on quiet moments and the power of creative expression. Hillmedo describes his goal as making people “feel seen,” believing Caribbean stories are “layered” with strength, sacrifice, and survival.
Giving Back to the Bronx
Beyond filmmaking, Hillmedo is committed to his community. He recently launched Lunessence, a luxury fragrance brand, and dedicated six years to teaching film and music production at a Riverdale high school. There, he introduced students, many from Caribbean and immigrant backgrounds, to potential careers in the creative industries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dante Hillmedo’s background?
Dante Hillmedo is a Bronx-born filmmaker raised by Jamaican parents. He grew up surrounded by Caribbean immigrant life in New York City.
What is the film *Butterfly* about?
Butterfly follows a teenage girl growing up in a single-parent immigrant household in New York City who uses dance to cope with identity, pressure, and instability.
What awards has Dante Hillmedo received for his work?
His debut feature film, Butterfly, won Best Feature Film at the Big Apple Film Festival in Spring 2025.
As Butterfly prepares for wider distribution, will Hillmedo’s work continue to amplify the voices and experiences of the Caribbean diaspora?
