Columbia’s Christopher Bickel Takes Independent Horror Films by Storm
When you think of Columbia, South Carolina, your mind might not immediately go to the horror film scene, but that’s about to change thanks to the visionary director Christopher Bickel! This increasingly admired filmmaker is slicing his way through the independent horror movie circuit with his latest thrilling venture, Pater Noster and the Mission of Light. Out now on streaming service Night Flight+ and showing in select theaters nationwide, this isn’t Bickel’s first rodeo with frightful features, but it certainly is making waves.
Decisions, Decisions
Creating a horror film involves more than just an eerie storyline; you’ve got to sweat the details, and for Bickel, that starts with the blood! “Not everyone buys stage blood in five-gallon buckets,” he chuckled. In his earlier days, Bickel used to whip up his own concoction, but with years of experience, he realized that the professional stuff not only looked better but also doesn’t leave actors with faux-blood stains for days on end. “The homemade blood would stain people’s faces for days, which is not cool,” he explained, showcasing his friendly yet handy approach to filmmaking.
A Blast from the Past
In Pater Noster, Bickel dives headfirst into the psychedelic horror realm, drawing inspiration from his cinematic heroes like John Carpenter and George Romero. The film centers around a group of record store employees who stumble upon a rare vinyl that reveals a cult from the 1970s. What follows is a wild, blood-soaked rollercoaster that combines dark humor with spine-tingling scares. Think “Clerks” meets “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre,” and you’re just scratching the surface!
Local Flavor
Of course, no Bickel film would be complete without a sprinkle of local charm. Many Midlands residents will spot familiar sights, including scenes filmed at Papa Jazz, the record store where Bickel has worked since 2001. Tim Smith, the owner, couldn’t be more thrilled about the film gracing his shop. “A little more fame for the shop can’t hurt,” Smith said, reflecting the friendly spirit of the community that Bickel embodies.
Bickel’s connections go deeper than the setting; local personalities like Dog West even get their moment to shine in the opening credits! Nostalgic references abound, including a main character who gives an address reminiscent of the old Columbia venue Rockafellas.
From Punk to Pioneer
Those familiar with Columbia’s music scene will recognize Bickel’s name from his days in punk bands like In/Humanity. This multifaceted talent has always danced between music and film, but it wasn’t until about a decade ago that he felt the spark to create his own horror stories, ignited by seeing local filmmaker Tommy Faircloth’s Dollface. That revelation pushed him to seek out funding through crowdfunding platforms, allowing him to produce films like Bad Girls and his current release with budgets of $16,000 and $21,000, respectively.
Critics Take Notice
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with horror aficionados praising Pater Noster as a return to the bloody, golden age of exploitation films. As Bickel hears his work identified as wildly insane and entertaining, he’s reminded of how far he’s come since those early days dreaming of making films. “It’s nice to see,” he remarked, breaking into a smile that radiated pride at his journey.
What’s Next?
With a keen approach to crafting horror that resonates with viewers, you might be left wondering, “What’s next for this homegrown filmmaker?” The answer is simple: another horror movie! Bickel teased, “I’ve got an idea. It’s going to be weird,” leaving fans eager to see what chilling escapade he’ll concoct next.
Currently, Pater Noster and the Mission of Light continues to make the rounds, with screenings in cities like San Francisco and Orlando coming up. Fans can catch a digital copy through the Indiegogo site, while Blu-Ray editions are just around the corner. From his humble beginnings to making a mark in the indie horror scene, Christopher Bickel reminds us that the heart of filmmaking lies in creativity and community. Keep an eye on this one; the Midlands has a shining star in horror, and his name speaks volumes!
