COLUMBIA: A New Indie Horror Film is Ready to Thrill
If you’re a fan of spooky stories and local landmarks, then you’re in for a real treat with the upcoming indie horror film, Pater Noster and the Mission of Light. Columbia filmmaker Chris Bickel has put together a film that not only delivers chills but also showcases familiar touches from our very own city.
Premiere and Plot
Mark your calendars, because this eerie adventure is set to make its world premiere at Charlotte’s Independent Picture House on October 5. The film centers around a young record store employee, Max, played by Adara Starr. Max, along with her friends, is on a quest to find the last record of a cult band known as Pater Noster and the Mission of Light. This journey lands them at the cult’s haunting grounds called Wunderlawn, where they encounter *unspeakable horrors*. Imagine the combination of music and dread intertwined!
Local Flavor and Iconic Faces
Bickel, who has a history working at Columbia’s beloved Papa Jazz Record Shoppe, had an inspired vision fueled by the local scene. “I knew I had to use tangible settings that mean something to our community,” he explained. Featuring local icons like the *thrash metal band Demiser* and *Columbia’s own Dog West*, there’s plenty for the locals to smile about, as they spot places and faces that feel like home.
Behind the Scenes
Did you know that Bickel’s film was made on a budget that could only be described as **“the price of a used car”?** With a total of around $20,000, he embraced his punk rock roots, producing the film with a “do-it-yourself” spirit. “I can’t stress how important it is to stay true to our roots while creating something fun and original,” said Bickel.
For Thrill-Seekers Only
Now, here’s the scoop for anyone interested: this ain’t your average thriller. Bickel brings a unique twist of horror to the film, featuring some rather *graphic* scenes, including a *live birth of a half-demon baby* and unforgettable moments filled with visceral **special effects**. He shares, “*There’s a lot of weird, out there stuff that I think is kind of dreamy.*” This movie is not for the faint-hearted, that’s for sure!
Soundtrack & Collaboration
The soundtrack also features psychedelic tracks from the cult band within the film, providing both a creepy atmosphere and local flair. Bickel is excited about the musical component, with an album releasing alongside the film at *Papa Jazz*. Even though only two tracks ended up in the movie, there’s more to look forward to!
What’s Next?
After the premiere, if you can’t catch a screening, fear not! The film is set to be available on **Amazon Prime** and other streaming services, so you can embrace the fear from the comfort of your couch whenever you like. Bickel encourages viewers to immerse themselves in the story and discover their own interpretations along the way.
Join the Adventure
Living in Columbia offers us unique experiences, and this indie film captures that spirit perfectly. With a mixture of humor, horror, and an abundance of local charm, Pater Noster and the Mission of Light is bound to be a cinematic journey like no other. Just remember, as one of the film’s lines suggests, *“Fear is incredibly powerful.”* Want to see how powerfully it translates onto the big screen? Don’t miss the premiere!
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
