It's Gonna Be Scraptacular

By Lauri Apple in Arts & Entertainment on Sep 11, 2008 6:30PM

You know those guys (they're usually guys) who drive around in pick-up trucks collecting old appliances and metal pieces? Have you ever wondered what their lives are like? Thanks to Scrappers -- a documentary being produced by local filmmakers Brian Ashby, Ben Kolak and Courtney Prokopas -- you will soon be able to find out. Done in verite style, Scrappers focuses on the lives of three men who comb the streets of Chicago in search of metals and materials they can sell at scrapyards for cash. The film raises thought-provoking questions about environmentalism and recycling, immigration, and even city planning.

On Friday, September 12, you can catch highlights of Scrappers at a benefit for the film that will also feature video installations, words from the filmmakers and subjects, and musical performances by Scrappers composer Frank Rosaly, the Jonathan Crawford/Frank Rosaly/Michael Zerang percussion trio and the Friction Brothers.

2000 W. Fulton, 6-10 p.m.

Photo by holgalicious