Columbia’s Own Christopher Bickel Turns Up the Heat with New Horror Flick
In the lively streets of Columbia, there’s a buzz in the air that seems to echo the screams and thrills of horror films. Independent filmmaker Christopher Bickel is firmly at the center of this excitement! Known for his unique approach to the horror genre, Bickel has recently premiered his latest masterpiece: Pater Noster and the Mission of Light. And guess what? It’s getting rave reviews!
A Mix of Creativity and Chaos
Picture this: a top-notch horror director who’s swapped homemade stage blood that stains skin for the luxury of ordering genuine, professional-grade blood in 5-gallon buckets. Yes, you heard that right! Bickel chuckles at how they’ve come a long way from their DIY beginnings. “In the past, the homemade blood would stain people’s faces for days, which is so not cool! Now, we just call it in,” he says, grinning.
This new film, available for streaming on Night Flight+ and in select theaters, marks Bickel’s third full-length venture into the realm of horror, following the eerie The Theta Girl (2017) and the edge-of-your-seat Bad Girls (2021). As a filmmaker, Bickel has carved out a niche for himself, shining brightly in both Columbia and nationwide circles of independent cinema.
Reviewers Are Raving!
The buzz surrounding Pater Noster is nothing short of electric. Film enthusiasts and critics alike have called it a “haunted house joyride,” reminiscent of the glorious, gory days of exploitation films. One review even declared Bickel “a master of making wildly insane and entertaining films on almost no budget.” It’s no surprise that this thriller is catching the attention of horror lovers everywhere!
From Music Scene to Movie Magic
Before embarking on this cinematic journey, Bickel was a well-known figure in Columbia’s music scene, having played in various punk bands and always making waves. His passion for horror movies has been fueled by icons like John Carpenter and George Romero, who often achieved greatness with limited resources. “I’ve always known I wanted to make movies,” Bickel reveals. With a huge grin, he discusses a setback from 2000, where a robbery halted his first feature project. Fast forward a couple of decades, and it seems that setback is now a mere stepping stone!
Bringing Columbia into the Frame
Filming on a super tight budget? Bickel knows a thing or two about that! With a budget of only $21,000 for Pater Noster, Bickel utilized locations that were within arm’s reach, one being none other than the beloved Papa Jazz record store where he works! Yes, folks, you’ll see a bit of Columbia’s charm sprinkled throughout the film, from the local faces to familiar hangout spots.
The movie follows a group of record store employees who stumble upon a rare vinyl linked to a 1970s hippie cult. What starts as an innocent quest turns into a rollercoaster of terror—think “Clerks” meets “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.” Bickel heartily explains how location can drive a story: “When you’re working on a low-budget film, writing around what you have access to is key.”
Charming Columbia Residents, Meet the Horror Scene
Bickel’s film also showcases familiar Columbia figures like Dog West, who steals the show with some dance moves during the opening credits. Surprisingly, the main character even references a real location at 2112 Devine St., which used to house the infamous Rockafellas club. Tim Smith, the owner of Papa Jazz, reflects on the filming experience: “It’s cool. A little more fame for the shop can’t hurt.”
Strange, Shocking, and Savagely Entertaining
It’s no secret that Bickel loves to stir the pot with shocking elements to keep his audience riveted. With gory effects and a demon baby you won’t forget anytime soon, the film aims to pack a punch right from the word go! “I want viewers to talk about the wild stuff after they leave the theater,” he says, recognizing the power of good ol’ word-of-mouth publicity.
As Pater Noster continues to capture hearts and introduce new horror fans to Bickel’s work, it will be making its way to cities like San Francisco, Austin, and Orlando. And as for what’s next for this talented filmmaker? Well, it’s another horror flick on the horizon! All he says is, “I still have to work it all out. It’s going to be weird.”
So, if you’re a fan of horror and all things quirky, make sure to keep an eye on Christopher Bickel and his wild adventures. The Midlands has a new gem, and it’s ready to take the horror world by storm!
