UAB alum announces new film, “The Grove”, on Kickstarter

There’s a new movie in the works and you can help bring it to the big screen. Read on to learn about The Grove, co-written and co-directed by Alabama native and UAB alum Acoryé White and Chicago native Patrycja Kępa.

Details on The Grove

If you’re a fan of slasher/thriller films, The Grove is up your alley.

Here’s what the film’s about, according to Kickstarter:

“The Grove is a story about a soldier’s homecoming taking a dark turn when he forgets to take an experimental medication, triggering a deadly descent into animalistic madness. What was supposed to be a relaxing lake house getaway with friends, becomes a fight for survival, testing the limits of love and sanity.”

White told us he thinks people will love the film because it’s original and funny, yet terrifying.

“Where we feel The Grove stands out is that it really touches on scenarios we deal with as humans on a daily basis, but the story has a hidden twist that makes it incredibly exciting and captivating to a larger audience, be it horror fans or not.”

Acoryé White, co-writer/director, The Grove

Filming for The Grove will take place in White’s hometown of Clayton, Alabama. There may also be filming in Birmingham if certain partnerships pull through. 

Another Birmingham Connection

White isn’t the only UAB alum involved in The Grove. Executive Producer Kennan Walay—Birmingham resident and UAB alum—is a producer on the film. 

FYI, Walay is behind local startup UnTravel, which uses predict AI and real traveler data to help reduce the barriers to traveling. 

More hot names in The Grove

White will show off his acting skills as Terrance Johnson, one of the film’s lead roles.

Other lead roles will feature some well-known names including:

• Carl Anthony Payne II from 90’s hit show Martin
• Psalms Salazar from Starz’s P Valley

How you can help The Grove come to local theaters

The Grove is currently in the distribution stage, which involves agreements with production companies to pay for the film to screen at physical theaters.

To help raise the necessary funds, White and Kępa have taken to the global crowdfunding platform Kickstarter. Their fundraising goal is set at $40 thousand.

The cool part is you can become part of the film’s journey to the big screen by becoming a contributor. The deadline is April 14.

Bonus: White and Kępa’s company Anchored Lens Productions dedicates 10%of its profits to homelessness initiatives that help homeless high school and college students in Alabama and Georgia.

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