COLUMBIA – An Indie Horror Adventure Awaits!
Hey there, Columbia! Are you ready to dive into a horror flick that’s as local as it gets? Well, get excited because Chris Bickel’s Pater Noster and The Mission of Light is about to hit the scene and it’s making waves right in our backyard.
From the Streets of Columbia to the Silver Screen
Set for its world premiere on October 5 at Charlotte’s Independent Picture House, this indie gem promises to take you on a wild ride. The film revolves around Max, played by the talented Adara Starr, who is a record store employee by day and an adventurer by night, alongside her friends from work. Their quest? To hunt down the last record of a mysterious five-part collection from a 1970s music cult called Pater Noster.
Things go sideways when they venture to Wunderlawn, the cult’s eerie grounds, where they encounter unspeakable horrors that’ll keep you at the edge of your seat. Bickel cleverly drew inspiration from two pronounced local spots: a whimsical tie-dye school bus that plays a significant role in the film and the beloved Papa Jazz Record Shoppe, where he spent years working. “I didn’t have a budget for fancy props, but I had access to these unique places,” Bickel shared, illustrating how local charm became a cornerstone for his creation.
Local Flavor in Every Frame
As if that wasn’t enough, the film has a pulsating local heartbeat throughout, showcasing Columbia’s vibrant music scene. Picture this: a concert scene at the famous New Brookland Tavern featuring none other than Demiser, our very own metal band, rocking the crowd. It’s these little gems that Bickel believes will resonate with Columbia locals, filled with “Easter eggs” that will make you smile and think, “Hey, I’ve been there!”
The film doesn’t shy away from its thrilling and gory side either. Bickel’s artistic choices include blood and guts aplenty, even featuring a scene that pushes the envelope with a half-demon baby and an unforgettable castration sequence. “I just want people to be entertained,” he said candidly while acknowledging the bizarre nature of some parts. Perhaps not meant for the squeamish, but definitely for those with a taste for the weird and wonderful.
A Soundtrack That Rocks
But what’s a horror film without a killer soundtrack? Bickel has intertwined local musicians’ contributions throughout the film’s scoring. While only two tracks make it onto the big screen, the complete album of Pater Noster will be available for purchase at Papa Jazz, tying the film back into the community.
Ground-Level Filmmaking
Bickel proudly touts his film’s staggering low budget—just the price of a used car! With only $20,000 behind the project, he embraces the punk rock ethos of DIY filmmaking. He reflects on the challenges of balancing artistic vision with the technical demands required to bring a film to life.
As he embarks on this international screening tour that will take him as far as Milan and Liverpool, he admits to a little anxiety about audience perception. “I hope people will be forgiving and appreciate the rough edges,” he said. After all, Bickel believes that Pater Noster encapsulates a creative spirit fueled by passion and a profound love for the local art scene.
Catch the Film!
For all the thrill-seekers out there, if you miss out on the premiere, don’t worry! The film will soon hit Amazon Prime and other streaming platforms, allowing you to dive into this bizarre yet intriguing world right from your couch.
Pater Noster is not just another indie horror flick; it’s a love letter to Columbia, its filmmakers, and the musicians that bring our community to life. So grab your friends, prepare for some screams, and get ready to explore the twisted yet entertaining world that Chris Bickel has created!
