Finding the Gold Within

Alchemy Inc. is an adolescent support program based in Akron, Ohio. It combines adult mentoring, traditional African drumming, and the art of storytelling and myth to create a safe and open forum for young black men. Like the name suggests, it is an effort to transmute the ordinary materials of life into something precious. FINDING THE GOLD WITHIN documents six young men from Akron as they move from the program into college and university life. Having made peace with their personal histories and trials, they set out to create new stories for themselves. For many, the world has already crafted their story and shackled them with its own myths. These men aren't settling for Fool's Gold. They will challenge those scripts and mine the riches they each contain, openly defying the racism and obstacles in their paths. Inspiring, heartbreaking, and unflinchingly honest, this film is not just about the journeys these men must take, but the journeys we all must share to bring about change. -C.R.