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A behind the scenes look at BAE’s first upcoming short film
UT’s Black Students for Artistic Expression Club has consistently showcased many different types of art, from hosting vintage markets to photo galleries. Their various collaborations and events have continued to make them stand out as a creative club. However, this semester they have been continuing their artistry by working on a new project: their first short film called “The Cut.”
“The Cut” follows the story of five highschool students with individual artistic abilities. Though the students are in a close-knit friend group, they are competing for a scholarship grant that each of them need for separate reasons, creating a story that will test their loyalty and friendships.
“The Cut” was directed by UT ‘26 Osagie Uzzi and creative director ‘26 Kousei Takeda-Mays who have both been a part of BAE since 2023.
“It is a story of what do you care most about,” said Uzzi.
As a teen thriller film, “The Cut” is meant to be dramatized, yet dark and serious. Themes of ambition, artistic integrity, and the pressures of young creatives are seen throughout this story. The idea of comparison is very present in the film as the plot progresses as well. It conveys the importance of not feeling pressured to be the best or outshine people. Opening the eyes of others struggling with their own artistic expression is an important aspect of what makes this film relatable.
“We wanted to create a film that was at the core of our club, but also that has some dramatics and reliability,” Uzzi said.
The different types of creative ambition and artistry within this story are important because they are the basis of BAE. Much inspiration for the story was derived from BAE itself. The club is made up of diverse, talented and artistic students. Having these types of people within the friend group is a special part of this story, as well as in real life.
“I kind of think it speaks to the closeness you feel with other African American students doing art in general,” Takeda-Mays said.
Furthermore, the film should connect with viewers, especially UT students. As this is a short film about competitive students and the friendships affected by their ambitions, many who will be watching can relate. There is an immense amount of pressure in college to be loyal to your friends, but also be constantly pursuing opportunities for the future. Students should see this story and recognize that conflict.
“It’s been a breaking the fourth wall type of moment,” Takeda-Mays said.
Alongside personal themes of the film, there are other various pieces that helped create this project. Though filming began at the start of this Spring semester, this process started before Winter break. Storyboards, meetings, casting, writing, filming and all kinds of preparation have been in the works since November. Because of this extensive undertaking, both Uzzi and Takeda-Mays said that creating a sense of adaptability was crucial in developing “The Cut,” as things could be challenging with late night filming, scheduling and working with full time students.
“You can’t have a negative attitude with this because it’s just going to ruin the foundation of everything we’ve come from,” Uzzi said. “You have to have a winner mindset.”
As BAE’s first short film, the project would have a great impact on the club’s already amazing work. It is important for the club to put out a type of visual medium representation and grow so that others can relate to different types of art mediums. Both directors stated that it would be a great accomplishment to see the short film out that everyone achieved.
“It means a lot to start a project and finish it, especially with a club that I care about a lot,” Uzzi said.
“The Cut” is set to premiere April 25, as BAE is continuing their hard work and filming. You can learn more through their Instagram accounts @utkbae and @thecutfilm.
