Adventures in Indie Film: A Journey through the Cultish Chaos of “Pater Noster and The Mission of Light”
If you’ve ever thought about diving into the world of indie films, you’ll want to hear about what’s happening right now in Charlotte, North Carolina. This amazing city is set to roll out the red carpet for the much-anticipated **indie horror flick**, “Pater Noster and The Mission of Light.” The world premiere is scheduled for October 5 at the Independent Picture House. And oh boy, do we have a few wild stories to share from this unique film!
From Dreams to Screams: The Film’s Journey
Now, before you start wondering about the eerie elements of this venture, let me clarify—this is all about **fiction**! Throughout filming, no real cults or metal musicians were harmed. Instead, we envisioned a bizarre mix of the *Source Family* and the likes of *Heaven’s Gate*.
Casting Call: A Call to the Old Souls
When Bickel put out a call for actors of a certain age—specifically, older folks who could lend their unique charm to the project—I couldn’t resist. I’d spent years on stage, performing everything from Shakespearean dramas to musicals! So, it was clear: it was time to dust off my theatrical chops and step into the shoes of “Cult Member #5.”
Filming took place in various local spots, including the Papa Jazz Records store and even in the backyard of our wonderful director. Yep, you heard that right! His private, semi-rural hideaway in Lexington transformed into a cult’s clandestine lab filled with all sorts of peculiar props—think shackles, fake blood, and ominous symbols that would make even the bravest person think twice.
Diving into the Madness
But you might be asking, “What was it really like?” Well, let me tell you, filming involved quite an adventure. Most weekends were consumed by days that stretched into evenings with the crew, where sweat was as plentiful as the prop blood! Our cast and crew, which included passionate local musicians and actors, came together not just to perform but to contribute in any way we could. Many of us helped cook meals, transport equipment, or offer our creative insights on set.
There were friends of Bickel swooping in with trays of food for us—a true sense of community blossomed in the midst of chaos! From lasagna to burgers, it felt like one big happy family gathering. And let’s not skip over the vital hydration we all needed, with drinks powered by the Southern heat of the summer. The occasional taste of Fireball whiskey after a tough shoot didn’t hurt either! It was delightful moments like these that bonded us closer as a cast.
Memorable Nights and Laughs in the Dark
Just imagine: it was near midnight after a particularly intense shoot when our lead actress, Adara, looked in a mirror for the first time after hours of filming drenched in fake blood. Her expression of shock was pure gold! The blend of horror with laughter became the undercurrent of our endeavor, balancing out the madness.
With every scene shot, Bickel meticulously ensured that we had various angles covered. His passion reminded me of legendary filmmakers who take their time to create a magical experience. He even made sure that each of us felt comfortable, regularly checking in to ensure everyone was doing okay in the sweltering heat. His gentle demeanor belied the often gruesome nature of our scenes.
A Celebration of Creativity
Fast forward fifteen months, and “Pater Noster and The Mission of Light” is finally ready for audiences. What began as a DIY venture has blossomed into an unforgettable experience filled with *labors of love* and *creative exploration*. Will it hit big? Who knows! But that’s beside the point. The real reward was being part of something unique and entirely local while having a blast with an incredible group of people.
Now as we inch closer to the premiere, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride, and maybe even a bit nostalgic for those hot summer days spent in the woods of West Columbia. Whether you’re a horror fan or just looking for a fascinating film experience, you definitely won’t want to miss this one!
