Black Butterflies
Dallas, Texas | Film Feature
Drama, Documentary
Black Butterflies is a gripping documentary that unveils how the criminal legal system hunts, traps, and cages Black women. Through raw personal stories of wrongful incarceration, survival, and defiance, this film exposes the truth, amplifies resilience, and demands justice.
61 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
$4,241
Goal: $25,000 for production
Black Butterflies is a gripping documentary that unveils how the criminal legal system hunts, traps, and cages Black women. Through raw personal stories of wrongful incarceration, survival, and defiance, this film exposes the truth, amplifies resilience, and demands justice.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Mission Statement
I started Black Butterflies in 2016 while fighting a federal case, desperately trying to prove my innocence in a system designed for me to lose. At the time, I wanted to show the world how I was being used as a pawn in a game I didn’t even know I was playing.
Then, everything changed.
I was wrongfully incarcerated for two years, during which I fought the federal government. I won and became part of the 2% of the population in this country who won their case on appeal. Behind those prison walls, I realized that this wasn’t just my story—it was the story of thousands of Black women fighting for their freedom in a system that was never built to protect them.
That’s why I’m making Black Butterflies—to expose how the criminal legal system hunts, traps, and cages Black women and to amplify the voices of those still fighting to survive it.
.jpg)
Told from the perspective of a formerly wrongfully incarcerated woman, whose mother was also incarcerated, as I navigate my understanding of how a system has implemented itself into generations of Black women being locked away in cages.
Despite the systemic oppression, genocide, and lack of humanization for the Black woman in America, she still rises from her cocoon of darkness into a resilient reflection of beauty that the unjust world tried to steal.
.jpg)
Black Butterflies explores the impact of mass incarceration on Black women and their families while exposing the often unethical and illegal tactics the government uses to get convictions.
We follow four women, all connected by serving time in federal prison, as they navigate post-incarceration, using their stories and platforms to help other incarcerated women and implement change in the very system that locked them away.
.jpg)
BLACK WOMEN ARE A HUGE PART OF THE
MASS INCARCERATION STORY.
.jpg)
Why this film, why now?
For over 150 years, Black women have experienced extreme rates of arrest, conviction, and incarceration in jails and prisons in the United States, dating back to 1865, when White authorities sought to imprison and deny citizenship rights to formerly enslaved people.
They overpoliced and over-punished Black women — a practice that continues today.
.jpg)
10 Powerful Truths You Need to Know About Why This Film—and This Movement—Matter So Much.
Fact 1:
Disproportionate Incarceration
13% of the female U.S. population, yet 33% of the incarcerated female population are Black women.
Fact 2:
Impact on Families
Nearly 2.7 million children in the U.S. have an incarcerated parent—Black children are disproportionately affected.
Fact 3:
The War on Drugs
70% of Black women in prison for drug-related offenses were convicted for non-violent crimes.
Fact 4:
Systemic Injustice
Black women face harsher sentences, longer prison terms, and disproportionate charges under conspiracy laws.
Fact 5:
Privatization Profits
Private prisons benefit from locking up Black women and incentivize longer sentences and forced labor.
Fact 6:
Justice Reform Needs to Include Black Women
The criminal justice reform movement must prioritize Black women’s unique struggles and experiences.
Fact 7:
Thousands Still Fighting
Thousands of Black women remain wrongfully incarcerated and continue to fight for their freedom.
Fact 8:
Systemic Racism in Justice
Black women continue to face racial bias in the criminal justice system, leading to harsher sentences.
Fact 9:
Empowerment Through Film
Black Butterflies isn’t just a film—it’s a movement that amplifies Black women’s voices and their fight for justice.
Fact 10:
Power of Collective Action
Systemic change is possible—together, we can create reform and ensure Black women’s voices are heard.
.jpg)
Black Butterflies is more than a film—it’s the story of women rising up from the shadows of a system that was never built for them to succeed. This film reveals how the criminal legal system systematically targets and criminalizes Black women, using every tool at its disposal to strip them of their voices, their families, and their futures.
Just as movements for equality have long been fractured along racial and gender lines, the fight for justice for Black women remains an isolated battle—one where their struggles for freedom, safety, and dignity are often erased, ignored, or pit against one another. The divide-and-conquer tactics that have haunted the civil rights and feminist movements for centuries continue to impact Black women who sit at the painful intersection of race, gender, and class.
In telling the stories of these women, we uncover the hidden truths about a justice system built on their oppression. But we also celebrate their resilience and resistance, their ability to rise from destruction and become the leaders and warriors who are fighting to break this cycle once and for all. Black Butterflies gives voice to those who have been silenced for too long, showing the world that the fight for freedom is not only for some—it is for all.
.jpg)
Support the Movement
Your support for Black Butterflies helps get this film to the next stage of production and drives systemic change in the criminal legal system. Thanks to a grant from the Austin Film Society, we’ve completed the first round of interviews, capturing raw, emotional testimonies from justice-impacted women—women who have been manipulated, unfairly sentenced, and stripped of their dignity.
GET LOUD!
We need YOUR voice to make sure Black Butterflies gets seen by the people who need to hear its message the most. Together, with passion and action, we can create a nationwide movement to expose the injustice faced by Black women in the criminal justice system.
Our goal is to spark a revolution of awareness, reform, and empowerment, reaching millions of people who need to see these untold stories and be part of this change. Black Butterflies isn't just a film; it's a call to action. Let's raise our voices and demand the change Black women deserve.
SHARE THIS CAMPAIGN ON SOCIAL MEDIA!
Black women are systematically silenced by a justice system that was designed to break them. Black Butterflies exposes this injustice and calls for reform. Join the movement to amplify Black women’s voices and fight for their freedom. Support the campaign at @seedandspark or blackbutterfliesfilm.com. #BlackButterflies #JusticeForBlackWomen #IndieFilm #Documentary
GET GENEROUS!
We’re counting on your generosity to help us complete this film and take it to the next level! Your contribution will directly fund the next phase of production, including cinematic reenactments, interviews, and the creation of powerful spoken-word pieces.
Check out our amazing reward tiers, including exclusive limited-edition merchandise, access to special screenings, and the opportunity to become a part of the Black Butterflies family. Your donation will not only support the film but also contribute to the greater movement for justice reform.
GET ENGAGED!
We need your help to bring this film into communities across the nation. Every screening is an opportunity to raise awareness and connect people to the fight for criminal justice reform.
Do you know a local venue that would host a screening? Or a community leader who can help spread the word? Host a private screening and panel discussion to engage people in a dialogue about the urgent need for justice reform.
Check out our Private Screening + Panel incentive to learn more!
CREATE A PLATFORM!
Every screening is an opportunity to elevate local voices and connect movement leaders with the communities they serve. We want Black Butterflies to be a platform for those who have been fighting for years—and for young people to find their place in this transformative movement. If you know any activists, influencers, or community leaders who could speak at a screening panel, we would love to hear from you! Let’s use this film as a tool for uniting people and creating real change. Often, justice-impacted people do not lead the production of their own stories; they don't control the narrative or have a creative part in the process. We are changing that. This film is led by the people who have lived these injustices and know exactly what it feels like to sit behind those prison walls fighting for your freedom.
Contact us through this campaign, email [email protected] or go to blackbutterfliesdoc.com.
Our goal with this film is to finish it and give it the visibility and reach it deserves. The more we raise, the more impact we can make.
$25,000 - WINGS OF FREEDOM
We’ll complete the next phase of production, including cinematic reenactments and spoken word recording, and get closer to sharing these powerful stories with the world.
------ STRETCH GOALS ------
$40,000 - FLIGHT BEGINS
We’ll finish the film and begin hosting screenings across 4 key cities to engage audiences and build momentum—Chicago, New York, Atlanta, and Los Angeles.
$60,000 - RESILIENT RISE
We expand to 8 cities and hold 10 screenings to bring this movement to more people, including important community panel discussions and Q&A sessions.
$75,000 - FULL WINGS
With your help, we will host 15 screenings in 12 cities, bringing these powerful stories to an even wider audience and working directly with local activists and leaders to amplify the message.
$100,000 - BREAKING CHAINS
At this level, we can reach 30 cities, expanding the impact of Black Butterflies across the nation. We’ll also ensure the film gets the distribution it deserves, pushing for widespread streaming and television placements.
$125,000 - TAKING FLIGHT
With this stretch goal, we’ll aim for a nationwide tour, hitting all 50 states and creating a nationwide impact. This includes distributing educational materials and collaborating with organizations across the U.S. to continue the fight for justice.
HEAR MORE OF OUR STORIES
What We Need
We are raising funds for the next phase of production, which includes:
- Cinematic reenactments that will bring these powerful stories to life
- Up-to-date cinéma vérité filming with each woman to capture their ongoing journey
- Studio recordings of spoken word and poetry that reflect the themes of resistance, resilience, and empowerment
Production Quality & Funding Needs
While Black Butterflies may look like a high-budget, commercial documentary, we are very much an independent project. Our talented crew has worked tirelessly to make the film look its absolute best, but even with their dedication, production costs remain high.
To ensure the film reaches major platforms and has the impact it deserves, we must uphold high production standards. This includes cinematic reenactments, music licensing, final editing, and distribution costs. These are essential steps to ensure the film reaches the widest audience possible and creates real change.
Every contribution, share, and voice matters. Join us. Fund this. Let’s expose the truth and fight for justice.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Travel for Cinema Vérité-Style Interviews & Catch-Up Filming
Costs $4,000
Travel expenses for crew to film interviews with justice-impacted women across different locations
Reenactment Costs
Costs $15,500
This is the biggest expense, covering costs for sets, costumes, props, and location fees for reenactments.
Editing & Sound
Costs $2,000
Editing, sound mixing, and color grading to create a seamless narrative and emotional experience.
Locations
Costs $3,500
The $2,500 for location fees will cover the costs of renting authentic, impactful spaces for filming.
Share this update!
About This Team
Director: Starling Thomas
Starling Thomas is a formerly wrongfully incarcerated woman of color from Dallas, Texas, whose storytelling shines a light on the struggles faced by Black Americans. Her award-winning short film Harvest screened at multiple festivals, including the San Francisco Black Film Festival and the Denton Black Film Festival. Starling has worked as a writer for season 2 of the Emmy-nominated show #WASHED and was a semi-finalist in the Unique Voices Screenplay Competition. She has an MFA in screenwriting at Regent University and sits on the board of the Dallas Film Alliance, where she teaches screenwriting and production to children in underserved communities. Beyond filmmaking, Starling is the Communications Director for The LOHM, an organization led by justice-impacted women, advocating for criminal justice reform. Her lived experience, powerful storytelling, and unwavering commitment to justice make her the perfect person to direct Black Butterflies.
Co-Director/Producer: Jerod Couch
Jerod Couch is a 4x regional Emmy Winner and 15x nominee from Dallas, TX. As a Director, Producer, and Writer, he has completed two seasons of the Daytime Emmy-nominated dramedy #WASHED, winning "Best of Fest: Audience Choice" at the Hip Hop Film Festival and earning a "Best Comedy" nomination at the Indie Series Awards. Jerod has worked at ESPN, led creative projects for Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers, and has been featured in Inc Magazine, USA Today, and Sports Illustrated. With degrees in Radio-TV-Film and an MBA from The University of Texas at Austin, Jerod brings a wealth of experience in storytelling and production to Black Butterflies.
Director of Photography/Producer: Jamarrio Washington
Jamarrio Plair-Washington began his career in Valdosta, GA, where he filmed, directed, and edited the high school football show In the Game. After moving to Dallas, he worked in the camera department on feature films, including Jerico (2016), Sparrow Creek (2017), and Run Hide Fight (2019).
Currently the Director of Photography for #WASHED, Jamarrio collaborates on short films and web series projects, using his keen eye for visual storytelling to create cinematic, impactful work. His versatile experience and deep understanding of narrative filmmaking are essential in bringing Black Butterflies to life with striking visuals and emotional depth.
Editor: Ayanda Magagula
Ayanda is a Dallas-based film and television editor and post-production manager. Since 2012, she has worked across reality TV, commercials, films, and digital content, excelling in editing, project management, and team leadership. She led the post-production team on Lifetime’s true crime documentary series, Text Me When You Get Home, in its second season.
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
Mission Statement
I started Black Butterflies in 2016 while fighting a federal case, desperately trying to prove my innocence in a system designed for me to lose. At the time, I wanted to show the world how I was being used as a pawn in a game I didn’t even know I was playing.
Then, everything changed.
I was wrongfully incarcerated for two years, during which I fought the federal government. I won and became part of the 2% of the population in this country who won their case on appeal. Behind those prison walls, I realized that this wasn’t just my story—it was the story of thousands of Black women fighting for their freedom in a system that was never built to protect them.
That’s why I’m making Black Butterflies—to expose how the criminal legal system hunts, traps, and cages Black women and to amplify the voices of those still fighting to survive it.
Told from the perspective of a formerly wrongfully incarcerated woman, whose mother was also incarcerated, as I navigate my understanding of how a system has implemented itself into generations of Black women being locked away in cages.
Despite the systemic oppression, genocide, and lack of humanization for the Black woman in America, she still rises from her cocoon of darkness into a resilient reflection of beauty that the unjust world tried to steal.
Black Butterflies explores the impact of mass incarceration on Black women and their families while exposing the often unethical and illegal tactics the government uses to get convictions.
We follow four women, all connected by serving time in federal prison, as they navigate post-incarceration, using their stories and platforms to help other incarcerated women and implement change in the very system that locked them away.
BLACK WOMEN ARE A HUGE PART OF THE
MASS INCARCERATION STORY.
Why this film, why now?
For over 150 years, Black women have experienced extreme rates of arrest, conviction, and incarceration in jails and prisons in the United States, dating back to 1865, when White authorities sought to imprison and deny citizenship rights to formerly enslaved people.
They overpoliced and over-punished Black women — a practice that continues today.
10 Powerful Truths You Need to Know About Why This Film—and This Movement—Matter So Much.
Fact 1:
Disproportionate Incarceration
13% of the female U.S. population, yet 33% of the incarcerated female population are Black women.
Fact 2:
Impact on Families
Nearly 2.7 million children in the U.S. have an incarcerated parent—Black children are disproportionately affected.
Fact 3:
The War on Drugs
70% of Black women in prison for drug-related offenses were convicted for non-violent crimes.
Fact 4:
Systemic Injustice
Black women face harsher sentences, longer prison terms, and disproportionate charges under conspiracy laws.
Fact 5:
Privatization Profits
Private prisons benefit from locking up Black women and incentivize longer sentences and forced labor.
Fact 6:
Justice Reform Needs to Include Black Women
The criminal justice reform movement must prioritize Black women’s unique struggles and experiences.
Fact 7:
Thousands Still Fighting
Thousands of Black women remain wrongfully incarcerated and continue to fight for their freedom.
Fact 8:
Systemic Racism in Justice
Black women continue to face racial bias in the criminal justice system, leading to harsher sentences.
Fact 9:
Empowerment Through Film
Black Butterflies isn’t just a film—it’s a movement that amplifies Black women’s voices and their fight for justice.
Fact 10:
Power of Collective Action
Systemic change is possible—together, we can create reform and ensure Black women’s voices are heard.
Black Butterflies is more than a film—it’s the story of women rising up from the shadows of a system that was never built for them to succeed. This film reveals how the criminal legal system systematically targets and criminalizes Black women, using every tool at its disposal to strip them of their voices, their families, and their futures.
Just as movements for equality have long been fractured along racial and gender lines, the fight for justice for Black women remains an isolated battle—one where their struggles for freedom, safety, and dignity are often erased, ignored, or pit against one another. The divide-and-conquer tactics that have haunted the civil rights and feminist movements for centuries continue to impact Black women who sit at the painful intersection of race, gender, and class.
In telling the stories of these women, we uncover the hidden truths about a justice system built on their oppression. But we also celebrate their resilience and resistance, their ability to rise from destruction and become the leaders and warriors who are fighting to break this cycle once and for all. Black Butterflies gives voice to those who have been silenced for too long, showing the world that the fight for freedom is not only for some—it is for all.
Support the Movement
Your support for Black Butterflies helps get this film to the next stage of production and drives systemic change in the criminal legal system. Thanks to a grant from the Austin Film Society, we’ve completed the first round of interviews, capturing raw, emotional testimonies from justice-impacted women—women who have been manipulated, unfairly sentenced, and stripped of their dignity.
GET LOUD!
We need YOUR voice to make sure Black Butterflies gets seen by the people who need to hear its message the most. Together, with passion and action, we can create a nationwide movement to expose the injustice faced by Black women in the criminal justice system.
Our goal is to spark a revolution of awareness, reform, and empowerment, reaching millions of people who need to see these untold stories and be part of this change. Black Butterflies isn't just a film; it's a call to action. Let's raise our voices and demand the change Black women deserve.
SHARE THIS CAMPAIGN ON SOCIAL MEDIA!
Black women are systematically silenced by a justice system that was designed to break them. Black Butterflies exposes this injustice and calls for reform. Join the movement to amplify Black women’s voices and fight for their freedom. Support the campaign at @seedandspark or blackbutterfliesfilm.com. #BlackButterflies #JusticeForBlackWomen #IndieFilm #Documentary
GET GENEROUS!
We’re counting on your generosity to help us complete this film and take it to the next level! Your contribution will directly fund the next phase of production, including cinematic reenactments, interviews, and the creation of powerful spoken-word pieces.
Check out our amazing reward tiers, including exclusive limited-edition merchandise, access to special screenings, and the opportunity to become a part of the Black Butterflies family. Your donation will not only support the film but also contribute to the greater movement for justice reform.
GET ENGAGED!
We need your help to bring this film into communities across the nation. Every screening is an opportunity to raise awareness and connect people to the fight for criminal justice reform.
Do you know a local venue that would host a screening? Or a community leader who can help spread the word? Host a private screening and panel discussion to engage people in a dialogue about the urgent need for justice reform.
Check out our Private Screening + Panel incentive to learn more!
CREATE A PLATFORM!
Every screening is an opportunity to elevate local voices and connect movement leaders with the communities they serve. We want Black Butterflies to be a platform for those who have been fighting for years—and for young people to find their place in this transformative movement. If you know any activists, influencers, or community leaders who could speak at a screening panel, we would love to hear from you! Let’s use this film as a tool for uniting people and creating real change. Often, justice-impacted people do not lead the production of their own stories; they don't control the narrative or have a creative part in the process. We are changing that. This film is led by the people who have lived these injustices and know exactly what it feels like to sit behind those prison walls fighting for your freedom.
Contact us through this campaign, email [email protected] or go to blackbutterfliesdoc.com.
Our goal with this film is to finish it and give it the visibility and reach it deserves. The more we raise, the more impact we can make.
$25,000 - WINGS OF FREEDOM
We’ll complete the next phase of production, including cinematic reenactments and spoken word recording, and get closer to sharing these powerful stories with the world.
------ STRETCH GOALS ------
$40,000 - FLIGHT BEGINS
We’ll finish the film and begin hosting screenings across 4 key cities to engage audiences and build momentum—Chicago, New York, Atlanta, and Los Angeles.
$60,000 - RESILIENT RISE
We expand to 8 cities and hold 10 screenings to bring this movement to more people, including important community panel discussions and Q&A sessions.
$75,000 - FULL WINGS
With your help, we will host 15 screenings in 12 cities, bringing these powerful stories to an even wider audience and working directly with local activists and leaders to amplify the message.
$100,000 - BREAKING CHAINS
At this level, we can reach 30 cities, expanding the impact of Black Butterflies across the nation. We’ll also ensure the film gets the distribution it deserves, pushing for widespread streaming and television placements.
$125,000 - TAKING FLIGHT
With this stretch goal, we’ll aim for a nationwide tour, hitting all 50 states and creating a nationwide impact. This includes distributing educational materials and collaborating with organizations across the U.S. to continue the fight for justice.
HEAR MORE OF OUR STORIES
What We Need
We are raising funds for the next phase of production, which includes:
- Cinematic reenactments that will bring these powerful stories to life
- Up-to-date cinéma vérité filming with each woman to capture their ongoing journey
- Studio recordings of spoken word and poetry that reflect the themes of resistance, resilience, and empowerment
Production Quality & Funding Needs
While Black Butterflies may look like a high-budget, commercial documentary, we are very much an independent project. Our talented crew has worked tirelessly to make the film look its absolute best, but even with their dedication, production costs remain high.
To ensure the film reaches major platforms and has the impact it deserves, we must uphold high production standards. This includes cinematic reenactments, music licensing, final editing, and distribution costs. These are essential steps to ensure the film reaches the widest audience possible and creates real change.
Every contribution, share, and voice matters. Join us. Fund this. Let’s expose the truth and fight for justice.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Travel for Cinema Vérité-Style Interviews & Catch-Up Filming
Costs $4,000
Travel expenses for crew to film interviews with justice-impacted women across different locations
Reenactment Costs
Costs $15,500
This is the biggest expense, covering costs for sets, costumes, props, and location fees for reenactments.
Editing & Sound
Costs $2,000
Editing, sound mixing, and color grading to create a seamless narrative and emotional experience.
Locations
Costs $3,500
The $2,500 for location fees will cover the costs of renting authentic, impactful spaces for filming.
Share this update!
About This Team
Director: Starling Thomas
Starling Thomas is a formerly wrongfully incarcerated woman of color from Dallas, Texas, whose storytelling shines a light on the struggles faced by Black Americans. Her award-winning short film Harvest screened at multiple festivals, including the San Francisco Black Film Festival and the Denton Black Film Festival. Starling has worked as a writer for season 2 of the Emmy-nominated show #WASHED and was a semi-finalist in the Unique Voices Screenplay Competition. She has an MFA in screenwriting at Regent University and sits on the board of the Dallas Film Alliance, where she teaches screenwriting and production to children in underserved communities. Beyond filmmaking, Starling is the Communications Director for The LOHM, an organization led by justice-impacted women, advocating for criminal justice reform. Her lived experience, powerful storytelling, and unwavering commitment to justice make her the perfect person to direct Black Butterflies.
Co-Director/Producer: Jerod Couch
Jerod Couch is a 4x regional Emmy Winner and 15x nominee from Dallas, TX. As a Director, Producer, and Writer, he has completed two seasons of the Daytime Emmy-nominated dramedy #WASHED, winning "Best of Fest: Audience Choice" at the Hip Hop Film Festival and earning a "Best Comedy" nomination at the Indie Series Awards. Jerod has worked at ESPN, led creative projects for Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers, and has been featured in Inc Magazine, USA Today, and Sports Illustrated. With degrees in Radio-TV-Film and an MBA from The University of Texas at Austin, Jerod brings a wealth of experience in storytelling and production to Black Butterflies.
Director of Photography/Producer: Jamarrio Washington
Jamarrio Plair-Washington began his career in Valdosta, GA, where he filmed, directed, and edited the high school football show In the Game. After moving to Dallas, he worked in the camera department on feature films, including Jerico (2016), Sparrow Creek (2017), and Run Hide Fight (2019).
Currently the Director of Photography for #WASHED, Jamarrio collaborates on short films and web series projects, using his keen eye for visual storytelling to create cinematic, impactful work. His versatile experience and deep understanding of narrative filmmaking are essential in bringing Black Butterflies to life with striking visuals and emotional depth.
Editor: Ayanda Magagula
Ayanda is a Dallas-based film and television editor and post-production manager. Since 2012, she has worked across reality TV, commercials, films, and digital content, excelling in editing, project management, and team leadership. She led the post-production team on Lifetime’s true crime documentary series, Text Me When You Get Home, in its second season.