COLUMBIA — A Spooky New Adventure Awaits in “Pater Noster”
Get ready, Columbia! The indie horror scene is about to get much more **exciting** with the world premiere of Chris Bickel’s latest film, “Pater Noster and the Mission of Light.” Scheduled to make its debut at Charlotte’s Independent Picture House on **October 5th**, this film promises a wild ride filled with local flavor and **thrills** bound to raise more than a few eyebrows!
A Journey into the Surreal
Imagine this: a **young record store employee** named Max, played by the talented Adara Starr, alongside her crew of friends, embarks on a quest to discover the last record from the **1970s cult** band Pater Noster. Their adventure leads them to a strange place called Wunderlawn, where they encounter eerie supernatural forces that will make your hair stand on end! Sounds like a plot that could only have been dreamt up in Columbia, right?
Local Landmarks and Familiar Faces
Bickel, an indie filmmaker with deep roots in the Columbia music scene, cleverly filmed key scenes in **Papa Jazz Record Shoppe** and **New Brookland Tavern**. He shares, “I’ve been longing to create a film that has relevance to my hometown. I think there are cute little touches that only locals will appreciate.” The famed Columbia band **Demiser** even makes an appearance, jamming out at New Brookland Tavern!
The film doesn’t shy away from **local charisma** either. Legendary figures like Dog West pop up to charm audiences while also prepping them for the all-too-real scares that are on the horizon. Dog West is known for his comedic touch, which provides a perfect contrast to the film’s high-stakes horror moments.
Local Talent Woven Throughout
Bickel wanted to ensure that the film had a personal touch, and the **local soundtrack** helps achieve just that. The music includes tracks from a roster of local musicians and scores crafted by Bickel himself. Even though only two songs from the album made the final cut, the entire record will be available for purchase at Papa Jazz, allowing fans to take a piece of the experience home with them.
Brace Yourself for the Gore
While **locals will appreciate the nods to Columbia culture**, don’t think this film is just lighthearted fun! “Pater Noster” boasts a plot full of unsettling twists—think **live births** of **half-demon babies**, **entrails-laden vomit**, and even a **castration scene!** Bickel doesn’t mince words, saying, “I just want people to be entertained by it. It’s a lot of weird stuff that injects a dreamy quality to the horror.”
Supporting a Local Industry
What’s even more inspiring about this production is its budget, which Bickel describes as “**the price of a used car**”—around **$20,000**. Despite being a low-budget film, Bickel speaks fondly of the punk rock ethos that motivated him: “In this world of slick productions, it’s important to show people what you can accomplish on a shoe-string budget.”
What Can Audiences Expect?
So, what should audiences take away from their viewing experience? Bickel encourages viewers to jump in headfirst, saying, “**Fear is incredibly powerful.** I think they should check their expectations at the door and immerse themselves in the film’s twisted world.” Whether you’re a fan of **thrillers** or just curious about what local filmmakers bring to the table, you won’t want to miss this one!
Mark Your Calendars!
If horror is your genre and you like to keep things local, don’t miss the chance to catch “Pater Noster and the Mission of Light” at its premiere. And if you can’t make it to the screening, don’t worry! You’ll be able to catch the **chills** and thrills on **Amazon Prime** and other streaming services later on.
As the anticipation builds, remember: **Columbia** is a treasure trove of talent, and Chris Bickel’s journey with this film shows just how rich our local arts scene is! So gear up for an adventure that’s sure to thrill—and maybe even **terrify**.
