COLUMBIA, S.C. — A movie that was filmed right here in Columbia, made its big screen debut Thursday.
“Hero” was filmed here in Columbia and features local actors, musicians and students.
“It really took the community stepping up and leaning and saying we want to see this thing succeed,” Dustin Whitehead said.
Whitehead is the director of the film and a USC theater professor.
“This project is produced by Local Cinema Studios, a nonprofit that works in collaboration with the University of South Carolina and the South Carolina Film Commission to get students on set alongside professionals every summer,” he said.
According to Whitehead, the film is kicking off the “Get on Set” initiative to help students get experience working alongside film professionals.
“Local Cinema Studios main goal is to bridge this gap that happens for students between when they're in school studying and learning to when they’re working in the industry. it’s really hard to get those jobs out there so it's meant to be a middle ground where they're on set with professionals who can mentor them teach them about the day to day, help them understand what to expect,” he said.
The coming of age film tells the story about Tre, who just found out his ex girlfriend is expecting a baby. The film follows his journey to prove himself as a worthy father.
They call it a “love letter to Columbia" and actor Darion McCloud says the film showcases all the great things about Columbia
“It's got the people of Columbia, it's got the places of Columbia, it's got the best vibe of Columbia. Even some of the art work , some of the murals and visual artwork of Columbia. the sound, it sounds like one of Colombia's voices to me,” McCloud said.
“Anything that prospers in its backyard, in its home first. If we can get a lot of support here, people should come see this film, not only support but because it's a good movie, it really is a good movie,” McCloud said.
"Hero" will be on the big screen at The Nickelodeon in downtown Columbia.
You can catch the film from April 4th until April 18th.