Columbia Prepares for the South Carolina Underground Film Festival This Weekend

Columbia Gears Up for an Exciting Weekend with the Underground Film Festival!

Hey, Columbia! Are you ready for a weekend filled with creativity, storytelling, and captivating films? The South Carolina Underground Film Festival, known affectionately as SCUFF, is making its highly anticipated return to The Nickelodeon Theater, right here in our city, from November 8th through November 10th. Mark your calendars and grab your popcorn, because this festival is all about showcasing indie feature films and shorts that you won’t see anywhere else.

What’s the Buzz About SCUFF?

Founded by the talented South Carolina filmmaker, Tommy Faircloth, SCUFF has been a beacon for unique voices and stories looking for their moment in the spotlight. It isn’t just about showing films; it’s about creating a lovely space for underseen filmmakers to share their hard work. Faircloth explains, “When people hear underground, they often think of crazy, over-the-top movies. But the essence of underground simply means any film that hasn’t found its audience yet.” So, whether it’s a mind-bending horror flick or a heartfelt romance, SCUFF has something for everyone!

Exciting Features to Watch For

This year, you can look forward to the debut feature film “Counting In” by Griffin Davis. This mockumentary is sure to tickle your funny bone as it follows a quirky protagonist whose sole job is, you guessed it, counting in rock songs! Griffin, who started his journey at The Nick, says, “It’s so special for me to come back home and show this film where I discovered indie filmmaking.” His passion is contagious and adds a personal touch to the event.

Another gem to catch is the short film “Girl Talks To God”, premiering from the talented Yasmin Lee. Having previously interned at The Nick, Yasmin has taken her creative skills to the next level, delivering a touching story about a dancer and the surprising nature of faith. She shared, “Even though I don’t entirely identify as a Southerner, the environment of Columbia sparks my creativity. This festival truly highlights that connection.” 

Community Matters

What makes this festival really shine is the vibrant community it draws together. Both Yasmin and Griffin treasure the chance to engage with fellow filmmakers and film lovers. Yasmin mentioned, “It’s easy to get caught up in the glitzy production values, but true filmmaking is about telling stories and sharing experiences.” SCUFF embraces this concept wholeheartedly, allowing budding filmmakers to inspire each other without needing blockbuster budgets.

So, if you’re worried about diving into the festival vibe, don’t be! Faircloth assures newcomers, “Just come out! Check the schedule and find films that speak to you. It’s about the experience—not just about watching movies but also connecting with people who love the art just as much as you do.” No high-end ticket prices here; All-access passes for the three-day festival are available for just $50!

Weather Alert Before You Head Out

But before you grab your tickets, let’s talk about the weather, because it seems like the clouds are rolling in! Expect a cloudy morning with some rain showers popping up during the afternoon. The temperature will likely hit a comfy 81°F, perfect for cozying up at the theater. Just remember, there’s a good chance of rain—about 60%—so you might want to bring an umbrella; it could be a wet one with up to 2 inches forecasted throughout the day. Localized flooding is even a possibility, so it’s best to plan ahead!

So, Columbia, let’s grab our raincoats and umbrellas and get ready for an unforgettable film-filled weekend at SCUFF! It’s time to support local filmmakers and dive headfirst into a fantastic experience just waiting to be discovered. See you there!