Columbia’s Indie Film Theater Struggles to Balance Blockbusters and Local Talent

Columbia’s Indie Scene Faces New Challenges

Columbia, South Carolina, is a vibrant city known for its rich culture and arts scene. Recently, the local indie film theater, the Nickelodeon, has been navigating the ups and downs of post-pandemic life, striving to remain a beloved hub for film enthusiasts while competing with changing industry trends and audience expectations.

What’s Happening at the Nickelodeon

Once celebrated for screening independent films, the Nickelodeon is now grappling with a shift towards more mainstream blockbuster titles. The theater recently showcased big films like “Deadpool & Wolverine” and “Barbie” – a far cry from the smaller indie films that once dominated its schedule. While these choices put more butts in seats – a welcome sight for staff after the tough financial hits of the pandemic – some community members are voicing concerns that the unique indie offerings may be getting lost in the shuffle.

Executive Director Sumner Bender explains the challenges they face: “Getting access to indie films is tougher than ever since many now go straight to streaming services or are held back by larger studios.” It’s a classic tug-of-war between the desire to support indie cinema and the need to attract audiences. And let’s face it, who doesn’t enjoy a good blockbuster every now and then?

Finding Balance

Interestingly enough, the shift towards mainstream films isn’t solely about catering to the masses. Bender observes that showing popular titles has attracted a whole new crowd to the theater. “When we screened ‘Barbie,’ it became the highest-grossing film in our history,” she mentioned. This surge of interest makes it clear that people are excited to head downtown for a movie, even if it’s a well-known title.

However, this newfound popularity also brings questions about the future of indie films at the Nick. Filmmakers in Columbia, including Christopher Bickel, have expressed their frustration at recent experiences with the theater’s scheduling process. Bickel was looking to premiere his new film at the Nick but found the process to be rather cumbersome. “It’s really disappointing because our local talent deserves a shot to showcase their work,” he shared.

Community Engagement and Responsibility

The theater’s financial health is admirable, pulling in significant revenue from ticket sales and concessions. Yet, the Nick remains a non-profit driven by its mission to support the community, holding over 170 community events since mid-2022. Bender points out that many of these events feature local filmmakers and film-related activities. The balance between profitability and community engagement is delicate, and it’s a challenge the Nickelodeon continues to tackle.

To compete with multiplexes, the Nick needs the audience. Bender noted, “If we screen a film that brings in 1,000 people, that’s a win in our book.” It’s a numbers game, but community sentiment matters too. Some believe that mainstream titles may be crowding out local indie films that deserve a spotlight.

Striving for Connection

Despite some mixed feelings, both community organizers and Nick staff are eager for better communication moving forward. Local film advocates like Andrew Gajadhar emphasize the need for clear guidelines around scheduling and partnerships, suggesting that the theater could only benefit from being more inclusive and transparent about their booking process.

There’s also a focus on making the theater feel welcoming for filmmakers, especially those from diverse backgrounds. Historical issues in the Nick’s past, brought to light by former employees, call for a change in perception, and many hope to see the theater working harder to be a beacon for varied voices in the local film community.

What Lies Ahead

As the Nickelodeon navigates these challenges, it remains committed to evolving. Plans are in place to bring back film festivals and to increase outreach to the local filmmaking community. The theater’s leadership acknowledges the need to reach out proactively and engage with local artists instead of waiting for them to knock on the door.

Looking ahead, the Nickelodeon is interested in getting back to its roots while forging new connections that embrace the community’s rich diversity of talent. It’s a journey filled with bumps, but one that holds great promise for revival and innovation in Columbia’s indie film scene.