Bronx filmmaker spotlights Jamaican Diaspora stories | amNewYork

"For Bronx-born filmmaker Dante Hillmedo, storytelling has always been rooted in home specifically the lived experiences of Caribbean immigrant families navigating life in New York City. Raised by Jamaican parents, Hillmedo's work reflects the rhythm, resilience and emotional complexity of the Black Diaspora, bringing stories often overlooked into sharp cinematic focus, according to Marie Driven, a Brooklyn-based Haitian-American entertainment publicist and managing director of PlaybookMG."

"After enrolling at the School of Visual Arts with dreams of becoming an animator, Driven said financial challenges forced Hillmedo's leave after his first year. But rather than walk away from his creative calling, Driven said he pivoted teaching himself videography and landing his first paid job through a Craigslist post filming Caribbean DJ, and DJ Mad Out. That opportunity introduced him to New York's Caribbean music scene, where he went on to work with artists such as Shaggy, Ding Dong and Kranium, she said."

"Hillmedo also told Caribbean Life that his goal is to create films that people feel. Black and Caribbean stories are layered, he said. They deserve care, truth, and emotional honesty. Today, Hillmedo is the founder of Team Elite Productions, a visual production company known for its polished execution and cultural integrity. He said his work behind the camera has earned him trust in high-profile environments, including documenting private and public events for Michael Rubin and spaces connected to Jay-Z's Shawn Carter Foundation."

Dante Hillmedo was born in the Bronx to Jamaican parents and centers storytelling on the lived experiences of Caribbean immigrant families in New York City. He originally enrolled at the School of Visual Arts to study animation but left after one year due to financial constraints. He taught himself videography, gained early experience filming Caribbean DJs, and entered New York's Caribbean music scene working with artists like Shaggy, Ding Dong, and Kranium. He aims to create emotionally honest films that reflect the layered nature of Black and Caribbean stories. He founded Team Elite Productions and has documented high-profile events and collaborated with major platforms while maintaining cultural integrity.

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