From Utah to Korea: ‘Confused Blood’ Chronicles a Half-Korean American’s Story

In the heart of Utah comes a unique perspective in local cinema with “혼혈: Confused Blood,” a film that delves into the complexities of identity and belonging. The story centers around Richard Cutler, a half-Korean American, as he embarks on a transformative journey during a visit to Korea. Drawing inspiration from the traditional Korean folktale of Eungnyeo, the film captures the essence of Richard’s struggle for self-discovery.

The origins of this film traces back to the Cutler siblings’ shared experiences of navigating between two distinct worlds – the cultural duality of their Korean heritage and their upbringing in Utah. James Cutler, co-creator and part of the film’s crew, reflects on the origin of the story: “Growing up in Utah and traveling back and forth to Korea, it became clear that we were from two different worlds. Two worlds that both contained pieces of us, but neither world fully encompassing who we are.”

The production of “Confused Blood” unfolded serendipitously, with elements aligning seamlessly. A fortuitous convergence of schedules in the siblings’ graduate programs and the willingness of family members to participate as extras contributed to the film’s unique charm. James Cutler recounts the experience, stating, “Everything fell in place like it was meant to be.”

The film’s authenticity is underscored by the use of non-actors and real-life experiences captured in genuine locations. James Cutler’s minimalist approach, often operating the camera alone, allowed for an unscripted and natural portrayal of moments. This approach is evident in scenes like Richard waking up and the family enjoying a meal, where spontaneity and authenticity took precedence over rehearsed performances.

Yet, the production wasn’t without its challenges. The limited 48-hour window for filming and the reliance on public transportation added an element of chaos. James Cutler reflects on the experience, saying, “We planned everything out meticulously, but it still forced us to be very forgiving towards our takes and learning to be comfortable with imperfection.”

Looking back, James acknowledges the ambitious scope of their vision for a short film. While some aspects were left on the editing room floor, the simplicity that emerged from the process brought clarity to the narrative. James notes, “It’s still a story that we believe has so much more in it, but simplicity has made it so much clearer than it was.”

For aspiring filmmakers, James offers valuable advice: “It’s not about making something perfect, it’s about making something meaningful.” He emphasizes the importance of exploring personal interests and identities through filmmaking, urging creators to focus on authenticity rather than adhering to predefined genres.

“혼혈: Confused Blood” is what we at UIFF are looking for in regards to storytelling in unraveling the intricate threads of identity, leaving audiences captivated by the universal journey of self-discovery.

As “Confused Blood” takes its place as an official selection in the Utah International Film Festival, audiences have the opportunity to witness the Cutler siblings’ exploration of identity on the big screen. The film’s emotional depth and relatable themes provides an engaging cinematic experience. For those eager to follow the future endeavors of the filmmakers, James directs them to @coolonesplease and @rich_cut on Instagram.