Oscilloscope Laboratories Buys Dark Comedy ‘Vulcanizadora’ (EXCLUSIVE)

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Lab Oscilloscope has picked up the North American distribution rights for “Vulcanizadora,” a dark comedy directed by Joel Potrykus, known for films like “Ape” and “Buzzard.” In this movie, Potrykus also stars alongside his frequent collaborator Joshua Burge. The specifics of the sale deal are yet to be disclosed.

The movie depicts two companions embarking on a chilling journey through a Michigan forest, with the purpose of fulfilling a dark promise. However, when their scheme takes an unexpected and startling turn, the eerie aftermath of their mistake can’t remain concealed for much longer.

The movie titled “Vulcanizadora” made its debut at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival, garnering positive responses from critics, with EbMaster commending it as a “touchingly moving portrayal of a mid-life crisis.” Oscilloscope had previously worked with Potrykus on the successful cult film “Buzzard.” With “Vulcanizadora,” this is their fourth collaboration between Potrykus and Oscilloscope Laboratories.

The film titled ‘Vulcanizadora’ was filmed using 16mm footage, and it was both written and edited by Potrykus. The production company responsible for this movie is Dweck Productions, led by Ashley Potrykus, Hannah Dweck, and Theodore Schaefer, alongside Matt Grady of Factory 25.

For more than a decade, Potrykus has been pursuing a complex mix of emotions – sadness, humor, and fear – encapsulated in his work,” he stated. “I’ve poured my darkest fears and brightest fantasies into a single narrative about two characters I am intimately familiar with. And now, I’ve crafted a film that I wouldn’t want my son to watch, regardless of his age.

Aaron Katz, who holds the position of Vice President of Acquisitions at Oscilloscope Laboratories, stated, “Our bond with filmmaker Joel and his band of punk rock rebels spans more than ten years now, and each of his films has been a significant leap in his artistic journey. However, ‘Vulcanizadora’ stands out as Joel’s magnum opus. This movie serves as a testament to him as an auteur, with its visually stunning 16mm shots and the weighty implications of the characters’ predicaments, all while retaining a balance of humor, horror, and human emotion. We are thrilled to share this rollercoaster ride of a camping trip gone terribly wrong with audiences, allowing them to immerse themselves in it at the cinemas.

Oscilloscope Laboratories, a renowned studio, has put out numerous critically-acclaimed independent films such as Lynne Ramsay’s “We Need to Talk About Kevin,” Kelly Reichardt’s “Wendy and Lucy,” and John Cameron Mitchell’s “Shortbus.” Their latest release, “Universal Language,” was nominated for the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards.

Oscilloscope Laboratories is known for distributing a variety of award-winning independent films, including Lynne Ramsay’s “We Need to Talk About Kevin,” Kelly Reichardt’s “Wendy and Lucy,” and John Cameron Mitchell’s “Shortbus.” Their recent film, “Universal Language,” made it to the shortlist for Best International Feature at the 97th Academy Awards.

Katz negotiated the deal with the filmmakers on behalf of Oscilloscope Laboratories.

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2025-02-20 18:47