COLUMBIA — A Thrilling New Indie Horror Film Unfolds with Local Flair
Get ready to grab your popcorn, Columbia! A brand new indie horror movie is about to hit the screens, and it’s packed with local charm and just the right amount of spine-tingling thrills. Chris Bickel, a talented filmmaker and musician hailing from our very own Columbia, is set to premiere his latest project, “Pater Noster and the Mission of Light.” Scheduled to debut on October 5th at the Independent Picture House in Charlotte, this film promises to keep your heart racing as it unveils a gruesome tale rooted in familiar Columbia landmarks.
The Plot Thickens in “Pater Noster”
So, what’s this movie all about? The story follows a young record store employee named Max, played by the bubbly Adara Starr. Max, along with her quirky friends, embarks on a wild quest in search of a long-lost record from a 1970s music cult known as Pater Noster. The adventure leads them to a bizarre location named Wunderlawn, where they face all sorts of supernatural horrors that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Bickel drew inspiration for the film from two key locations: a mesmerizing, tie-dye painted school bus that takes center stage in Wunderlawn and Five Points’ iconic Papa Jazz Record Shoppe, where Bickel has worked for decades. “I didn’t want to spend a fortune on props,” Bickel explains. “I knew I had access to these cool locations, so that’s where the idea started rolling.”
Bringing Local Flavor to Life
Just as thrilling as the plot itself are the local influences embedded in the film. Max and her crew catch a rocking concert by the local thrash metal band Demiser at the beloved New Brookland Tavern, reminding viewers of Columbia’s vibrant music scene. Plus, who could forget the familiar face of Columbia legend Dog West, lending a bit of comedic brilliance to the indie flick? “There are tons of little nods that only people in Columbia are going to understand,” says Bickel, eager for locals to spot their favorites as they watch.
Soundtrack Straight from the Heart
The film’s soundtrack, created by a roster of local musicians, is just as carefully curated as the screenplay. Bickel himself contributed some scores alongside tracks of cult favorites within the movie. Although only two songs make it into the final cut, you can expect the entire compilation to be available at Papa Jazz after the premiere—a treat for music lovers and fans alike!
Expect the Unexpected
Of course, for those not so faint of heart, “Pater Noster” doesn’t shy away from delivering the scares. Main highlights include a live birth of a half-demon baby, some gut-wrenching moments (literally!), and more gory setups that promise to keep audiences wide-eyed. “I just want people to be entertained. There’s a dreamlike quality to it, despite how intense it can be,” Bickel expressed. He encourages viewers to interpret the film however it resonates with them, hinting at deeper allegorical meanings while keeping some details delightfully ambiguous.
A Bold Low-Budget Adventure
This film is a testament to Bickel’s dedication, produced on a shoestring budget of just $20,000 – roughly the price of a used car. “Coming from a punk rock background, it’s all about doing it yourself,” he says. While proud of this accomplishment, he adds a note of humility, reminding us that this film might not boast Hollywood production values. “People need to know it has that raw edge to it,” he laughs. “But if they embrace that, I think they’ll enjoy the ride!”
Join the Experience
If horror films are your jam and you’re eager to see our town shine on the big screen, get ready for the “Pater Noster” premiere! Fear aficionados who can’t make it to Charlotte will have the chance to catch this indie gem on Amazon Prime and other streaming platforms shortly after its premiere.
Mark your calendars, Columbia! This is a wild, local journey you won’t want to miss. Who knows, you might just run into some familiar sights—or screams—along the way!
