Columbia’s Indie Horror Filmmaker Christopher Bickel Gains National Attention with Pater Noster and the Mission of Light

Columbia’s Christopher Bickel: The Indie Horror Filmmaker Making Waves

Columbia is buzzing with excitement, and it’s not just from the friendly chatter or the low-key crooning of local bands. No, this buzz is coming straight from the vibrant independent film scene, and at the heart of it is none other than Christopher Bickel, a passionate and pioneering director who’s making a name for himself in the world of horror films. His latest creation, Pater Noster and the Mission of Light, is turning heads, and for good reason!

A Splash of Blood and a Punch of Creativity

Bickel, who’s been a familiar face in Columbia’s music scene for years, has now stepped behind the camera and is cranking out films that are delightfully bizarre and slightly twisted. In fact, his approach to filmmaking is as quirky as the stories he tells. When asked about sourcing blood for his films, he couldn’t help but chuckle, saying, “Not everyone buys stage blood in 5-gallon buckets! But for me, there’s simply no other option.” How’s that for a fun behind-the-scenes fact?

His latest feature, Pater Noster and the Mission of Light, is already available on the streaming service Night Flight+ and is lighting up theaters across the nation. With nods to Colombia’s local culture sprinkled throughout, the film is a psychedelic horror ride that’s gaining considerable attention, and for Bickel, this is just the beginning!

The Journey to Horror Filmmaking

Bickel’s transition from music to filmmaking wasn’t a simple leap, but rather a culmination of dreams and persistent passion. Inspired by cinematic legends like John Carpenter and George Romero, he’s had his eye on making films for as long as he can remember. However, all these aspirations faced a hiccup back in 2000 when his filmmaking gear was stolen, causing him to pause his cinematic dreams for quite a while.

But a spark reignited around a decade ago when he saw a fellow Columbia filmmaker’s work featuring low-budget horror. “After seeing that movie, I thought, ‘I can totally do this!’” Bickel recounts, bubbling with enthusiasm. And from that moment, he channeled his creativity into making films, creating his own unique style that blends grindhouse horror with modern storytelling.

The Crazy World of Indie Filmmaking

Thanks to modern technology, Bickel can now shoot films on digital formats rather than the costly film stock of yesteryear. With budgets tight, crowdfunding platforms have also opened doors for him to craft movies while keeping the spirit alive. His films, like Bad Girls and the latest project, have made waves on limited budgets, with Pater Noster clocking in at just $21,000!

And let’s not forget the locations. Using familiar spots helps set the scene—like the famous Papa Jazz record shop, where a significant chunk of the film takes place. It’s a delightful nod for locals that adds an extra layer of connection to the movie’s story that revolves around a cursed vinyl. Bickel has an uncanny knack for blending reality and fiction into a fun horror ride.

A Local Community Embracing the Indie Spirit

This collaboration with Columbia’s beloved local record shop has turned what was once a mere backdrop into a character of its own, according to Tim Smith, Papa Jazz’s owner. “I think a lot of people who are into music are also into movies, like Chris. It just brings more attention to our shop,” he says, embodying the community spirit that Bickel cherishes.

What’s Next for Christopher Bickel?

With Pater Noster gaining traction, audiences can only wonder what’s next for this creative visionary. Well, horror fans, you’re in luck! Bickel teased that he’s already cooking up ideas for a new project. “I still have to work it all out. It’s going to be weird,” he grinned, hinting that it won’t stray far from his roots in horror.

As Bickel continues to carve out his niche in the world of indie horror, one thing’s for sure: Columbia has a small-budget king right at its doorstep, and audiences can’t wait to see what he dreamt up next!