Oscilloscope Laboratories has acquired North American rights to “Vulcanizadora,” a dark comedy from Joel Potrykus, the indie director behind “Ape” and “Buzzard.” The movie stars Potrykus along with the guerrilla filmmaker’s longtime collaborator Joshua Burge. Financial terms of the sale were not immediately available.
According to the official description: “The film follows two friends as they trudge through a Michigan forest with the intention of following through on a disturbing pact. Once their plan goes shockingly awry, the haunting consequences of their failure can’t stay hidden for long.”
“Vulcanizadora” premiered at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival, scoring strong reviews with Variety praising the film as “surprisingly moving in its depiction of mid-life crisis.” Oscilloscope first collaborated with Potrykus on the breakout cult favorite, “Buzzard.” “Vulcanizadora” marks the fourth collaboration for Potrykus and Oscilloscope Laboratories.
“Vulcanizadora” was shot in 16mm and written and edited by Potrykus. The movie was produced by Ashley Potrykus, Hannah Dweck and Theodore Schaefer of Dweck Productions, and Matt Grady of Factory 25.
“I’ve been chasing this sad, funny, scary vibe for over ten years,” Potrykus said in a statement. “I put all my nightmares and daydreams in this one story about two negative guys that I know really well. And I finally made a movie that I never want my son to see, at any age.”
Aaron Katz, vice president of acquisitions at Oscilloscope Laboratories, added, “Our relationship with Joel and his punk rock crew of misfits goes back over a decade at this point and while each one of his films has been a step forward as an artist, ‘Vulcanizadora’ is Joel’s masterpiece. The film is a definitive showing of him as an auteur, exemplified in the stunning 16mm images and the gravity of the characters’ stakes, all while maintaining humor, horror, and humanity at the core. We can’t wait to unleash this torturous-camping-trip-gone-awry for audiences to experience in theaters.”
Oscilloscope Laboratories has released several acclaimed indies, including Lynne Ramsay’s “We Need to Talk About Kevin,” Kelly Reichardt’s “Wendy and Lucy,” and John Cameron Mitchell’s “Shortbus.” It recently released “Universal Language,” which was shortlisted for best international feature at the 97th Academy Awards.
Katz negotiated the deal with the filmmakers on behalf of Oscilloscope Laboratories.
