Butterfly won a host of awards for Best Historical Film and Best Fantasy in festivals throughout New York, while the female leads took home the award for Best Duo.
Interior scenes for the production were filmed in Edinburgh. The city is thriving with history, particularly with the Kindertransport; the inspiration for the film.
The Kindertransport was an organised rescue effort of children from Nazi-occupied territory that took place prior to the Second World War. The United Kingdom took in nearly 10,000 children from Germany, Austria, Occupied Czechoslovakia and the Free City of Danzig.
Scotland hosted hundreds of refugee children, with some residing in Edinburgh their entire lives, children like Stefan Paul Ludwig Brienitzer (later known as Stephan Brent) who resided here until his passing aged 89 years.
One child from each family was allowed to travel, often separating siblings. The children were placed with British foster families, in hostels, schools and farms. Many resided at The Priory in East Lothian. Often they were the only members of their families who survived. The Scottish Jewish Archive holds a wealth of information on these children.
Butterfly stars teenagers Mia Joy Sweeney and Eva Mairéad Johnson as twins threatened with persecution as their country faces war. Mia's character Ester arrives in Britain on the Kindertransport, separated from twin Avigail. Unable to speak the language, Ester's only solace is her love of dance.
Mia shares the lead alongside Eva. Mia is a recipient of the North West Allied Dance Scholarship and studying for a dance teachers' qualification whilst still at school. Eva is also an accomplished performer having made her professional debut as Little Cosette in Les Misérables.
Creator Claryn Scott said; "Butterfly is inspired by the evacuees' journey to Britain. It explores the physical and mental toll war has on families, particularly children. One of the most challenging aspects for those on the Kindertransport, was the fact they couldn't speak any English. It is because of this, our film contains minimal dialogue, breaking down the language barrier. The majority of the twins' emotional journey is portrayed through dance."
"I think the reason Butterfly captured the jurys' attention is because you become fully immersed in their story. Children separated by war. Not everyone has experienced these exact circumstances, however, everyone has experienced love and loss. "
Claryn added: "You never know how a film will be received and we're delighted to showcase to international audiences. It's always an honour to be selected, let alone win."
