Brigham Young University student James Cutler is utilizing physical engineering to explore the human cost of immigration. His new short, "Can I Put You On Hold?", relies on manual stunts rather than digital effects to tell a story of family separation.
Trading CGI for fishing lines and wooden rigs
James Cutler, a PhD engineering student at Brigham Young University, is using physical mechanics to tell a story about the complexities of immigration. The production of "Can I Put You On Hold?" avoids digital manipulation entirely, instead utilizing manual tools to create its visual impact. As the report states, Matthew's dancing sequences were achieved using fishing lines wound around a hidden frame, requiring precise timing and multiple rehearsals to perfect.
The crew also utilized a wooden rig mounted on a trailer to create a compelx flight sequence involving both Matthew and Dangmo Kanyawee. To achieve other dramatic moments, the team used a rope and harenss, meticulously editing the footage to remove the support from each frame. This reliance on practical effects allows the film to ground its abstract themes in tangible, physical reality.
The visa-driven separation of Matthew and Dangmo Kanyawee
The central narrative focuses on the relationship between Matthew, who is settled in the United States, and his wife, Dangmo Kanyawee, who is struggling to secure a visa. To heighten the sense of geographic distance , Cutler integrated ambient audio recorded in Thailand two years ago. This audio creates an eerie,authentic connection between the two locations, emphasizing the emotional bond that persists despite the physical gap.
The film's dialogue and emotional beats were shaped by a loose script that allowed for significant improvisation. According to the source, no crew members were present during the most intimate scenes, which permitted the couple to converse naturally about their frustrations. This approach was intendeed to capture real emotions rather than staged performances.
A quiet counter-narrative to Trump-era political fury
This filmmaking style serves as a quiet response to the loud, often hostile political rhetoric surrounding immigration in recent years. Rather than focusing on the high-profile headlines of the Trump era, Cutler chooses to document the "subtle, invisible lines" of bureaucracy that separate families. The film aims to move the conversation away from political outrage and toward a more compassinate understanding of individual lived experiences.
What follows the $5,000 Davey Foundation grant?
The film's premiere is scheduled for October 26 at Velour in Downtown Provo, where it will be shown at 5 p.m. While the Davey Foundation provided a $5,000 grant to make the production possible, the long-term trajectory of the project remains unverified. It is currently unknown if Cutler intends to expand this narrative into a larger documentary series or if the film will seek a wider digital distribution beyond the Utah festival circuit.
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