Private Project

Butterfly

While James, a young man who lost all his memories, is imprisoned in a chamber with a mysterious old man, the only thing he remembers is a woman who has a butterfly tattoo. He has to find out who she is and try to regain his memory.

  • Tung Wu
    Director
  • Tung Wu
    Writer
  • Yi Yu
    Producer
  • Dane Agrentieri
    Key Cast
  • Noemie Medini
    Key Cast
  • John Carney
    Key Cast
  • Bettina Devin
    Key Cast
  • Barnaby Falls
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Runtime:
    27 minutes 47 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 26, 2016
  • Production Budget:
    20,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Red Epic, Alexa, Sony F55
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.35
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes
Director - Tung Wu
Director Statement

The idea of “Butterfly” started with a nostalgic memory and an ancient story.
Born and raised in Taiwan (Republic of China), I have always loved reading and exploring ancient Chinese literature from a young age. Ever since I started filmmaking in United States, my goal has been to write a story that expresses Chinese philosophical thoughts. It does not necessarily have to be a film spoken in Mandarin with Chinese characters; I strive to compose a piece of work that can touch the hearts of people all around the world.
I frequently think back to the days before my grandparents passed away. I still remember those moments in the hospital, when they held my hand, but could no longer remember who I was. Their memories of me were gone, but their eyes were still filled with unconditional love. Wondering about the thoughts of my grandparents at the last few moments of their lives, I connected it with a story told by an ancient Chinese philosopher, Chuang Chou.
Chuang Chou once dreamed of himself as a butterfly. In the dream, he flew gracefully through the air, soaring, beautiful and free. When he woke up, he found to his dismay that he was still the same Chuang Chou and not a butterfly at all. At this he wondered: "Which one is the real me? Am I the man, Chuang Chou, who dreamed of turning into a butterfly? Or am I the butterfly who became a man?"
The confusion between reality and illusion of human psyche is the idea that constructs the surface of “Butterfly”, but “love” is the deeper theme of my story.
“Memories may fade away, but love will never perish.”
This is the message I want to convey through this film.