
Joel Potrykus
Directing
Biography
Joel Potrykus (born July 10, 1977 in Ossineke, MI, USA) is a writer, director, cinematographer and editor who resides in Grand Rapids, MI. He works with a filmmaking band, Sob Noisse, including long-time collaborator Joshua Burge. He is best known for his award-winning surrealistic black comedies "Ape" (2012) and "Buzzard" (2014).
Known For

In order to find balance between physical attractions, an obedient man stands before two deities.
Ethereal Torments

Two friends 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

Y2K is approaching fast, but Abbie can’t get off the couch until he beats an unbeatable level on Pac-Man.
Relaxer

Self-made chemist Sean, a recluse living in an old trailer in the woods, suffers from pill-popping delusions of fortune. When his manic attempts at cracking the ancient secret of alchemy go awry he unleashes something far more sinister and dangerous.
The Alchemist Cookbook

Paranoia forces small-time scam artist Marty to flee his hometown and hide out in a dangerous Detroit. With nothing but a pocket full of bogus checks, his Power Glove, and a bad temper, the horror metal slacker lashes out.
Buzzard

A womanizing man-child binges on sex and alcohol, experiments with ayahuasca for addiction therapy and comes to terms with past mistakes.
State of Modern Love

A distraught squatter tries to cope with his werewolf nature through drugs and music.
Coyote

Trevor Newandyke is a struggling comedian. Not only does he bomb on stage, but he bombs in everyday life. He’s fed up with all the jerks who push him around. All he wants is a break, and for someone to get him. Instead of taking a breath and getting himself together or taking his anger to the stage, he turns to the loud din of his headphones and the crackling glow of fire to ease his mind. He’s not only a lousy comic, but a pyromaniac, as well.
Ape

A short documentary about the impact of the late Beastie Boys member Adam Yauch (aka MCA) on the life and work of director Joel Potrykus.
MCA & Me

A grieving widow uses her garden to bring back the love of her life, only to realize that not much has changed.
Pear
Coming out of an accident with amnesia, Sophie Bauer tries to reshape herself in the eyes of those who knew her best.
Wish You Were Here

Joel Potrykus calls fellow indie filmmakers during the pandemic crisis to check in and see how they're holding up.
Joel Calls Indie Film Type Dudes

Fate has dealt Richard Vanuck a very strange hand; he's a natural born exorcist. In fact, he's the best there's ever been, and with possessions on the rise across the city he's booked solid. Eventually he comes to realize that performing exorcisms is the only thing he's truly good at, even though his daily battles with Satanic forces are wearing him down.
Accidental Exorcist

Two college grads enter the workplace seeking gainful unemployment.
Unemployees

A lowly comic book shop owner discovers a mysterious young woman loitering in his shop, leading to an unlikely friendship.
No Loitering, Please

A gang of low-rent mob goons plot a heist, only to be forced to confront radioactive evil from beyond the grave.
Too Dead to Die

A band of teenagers get more than they bargained for when the initiation of their newest member takes an ugly turn.
Thing from the Factory by the Field

A middle-aged woman must grapple with her hypersensitivity to noise as she prepares for the arrival of her son and his fiancé.
The Aberdeens are Coming

After a series of haunting Polaroids begin appearing around her school, a college-bound senior is forced to confront a buried act of cruelty as paranoia and guilt spiral toward an irreversible act.
.44 Caliber Love Letter

Lost marketing footage of a 1980s McDonald’s taste test.