Ever since the democratization of digital filmmaking tools, Grand Rapids has been flush with creative minds showcasing their visions via our local screens.
On Friday, Grand Rapids’ filmmaker
Joel Potrykus (“Buzzard,” “Ape”) will debut locally his latest film, “The Alchemist Cookbook,” at the
Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts for a two-week run.
This film arrives here after being invited as
an official selection at the 2016 South by Southwest Film Festival.
“The Alchemist Cookbook” is the story about a young outcast, Sean, who has isolated himself in a trailer in the woods, setting out on alchemic pursuits with his cat Kaspar as his sole companion.
Filled with disdain for authority, he's fled the daily grind and holed up in the wilderness, escaping a society that has no place for him. But when he turns from chemistry to black magic to crack nature's secret, things go awry and he awakens something far more sinister and dangerous.
The film features a black cast and is a break from Potrykus’ previous trilogy of films which all featured primarily caucasian actors. “The Alchemist Cookbook” feature stands out in his filmography for its director’s ability to deliver on the psychological horror film genre while still maintaining his indie street cred with the critics and his fans.
Admission: UICA members:$4, public: $8