Columbia’s Indie Movie Theater The Nick Faces Controversy Amid Shift to Blockbuster Films

Columbia’s Indie Scene: The Nick’s Evolution and Nostalgia

Sunny skies greeted us in Columbia, SC, with a delightful temperature hovering around 65°F. As the winds blew gently from the north at 5 to 10 mph, it felt like the ideal time to reflect on something that’s been on a lot of minds lately—the changing landscape of our local indie movie theater, The Nick.

The Nick has been a cherished part of Columbia’s cultural fabric for years, sitting elegantly on our Main Street. It’s hard not to reminisce about the past when the streets came alive during events like First Thursdays. I remember those blissful evenings walking hand in hand with friends, pulling in the creative energy from every corner, and bumping into familiar faces—artists, film lovers, and dreamers alike, united by a shared love for the arts.

Recollecting the Good Ol’ Days

Cast your minds back to the days at the old Nick on South Main. It wasn’t just a theater; it was an experience. I can still picture the scene: long lines snaking out the door, eager patrons eagerly anticipating films that felt like whispered secrets from the indie world. We’d chat with volunteers, like Larry Hembree, who made waiting a moment of joy through casual conversation rather than an inconvenience. Throw in the popcorn smell wafting through the air, and you had a recipe for an unforgettable night.

It was these experiences that made us feel connected to the filmmakers, especially when they were seated right beside us. Wade Sellers, a filmmaker from that golden era, noted how The Nick was the ultimate achievement for indie artists in Columbia. “It didn’t matter how creaky the chairs were or how loud the bathrooms sounded,” he said. “What mattered was that your film had a place to shine.” The Nick was a magnet for talent, offering support when it mattered most.

A Shift in Direction

Fast forward to 2024, and there’s been quite a buzz around The Nick as it navigates its new identity. Recently, The Nick’s executive director, Sumner Bender, discussed the theater’s pivot towards showing bigger films in addition to its indie roots. Sure, there’s a sense of nostalgia tied to the indie films, but this change also reflects the reality of running a small non-profit. In order to keep the lights on and maintain their beautiful new space, adaptations are becoming necessary.

In his discussion with host Preach Jacobs, Sumner explained the importance of survival in an ever-changing film industry, stating that they still champion independent cinema while also adapting to include blockbuster films—a necessary step to cover overhead.

The Controversy Unfolds

The shift has not gone without its share of controversy. Recently, there was quite the uproar regarding the decision not to host the premiere of Pater Noster and the Mission of Light, a highly anticipated film created by local filmmaker Chris Bickel, along with a dedicated cast and crew composed of Midlands artists. It’s tough to see local talent not getting their moment to shine in a venue that aims to be a sanctuary for indie films.

After the decision was made, Bickel aired his concerns about what it means for The Nick’s very mission—as he rightly pointed out, how do we balance supporting indie creators with the need for financial sustainability? It feels like a classic case of “can’t live with them, can’t live without them.” What’s more troubling is that the premiere ended up taking place in Charlotte, benefiting that city instead of ours.

Community Spotlight

Many patrons feel mixed emotions about this “pivot.” It raises questions about whether we’re okay with compromising the essence of a beloved local theater for commercial gain. For those of us who remember the old Nick fondly, the thought of seeing independent creators being overlooked doesn’t sit well.

As someone who once laughed, cried, and felt inspired within those walls, I wish for a return to those days where creativity thrived. Watching indie films shouldn’t just be about seeing what’s trending; it should be about celebrating the magic that happens when local talent collaborates.

As Columbia continues to evolve, it’s essential we foster and cherish the artistic community that made this city special to begin with. Let’s hope that The Nick can navigate these waters and perhaps hold onto a slice of that nostalgia we so dearly love.