This is an opinion column
For decades, The Nickelodeon has been a mainstay in Columbia’s cultural scene, evolving from a small, one-screen theater on the south side of the State House into today’s beloved two-screen institution on the north side of Main Street. While we cherish our roots, we’ve embraced growth and transformation, becoming a venue that amplifies diverse voices and brings critical conversations to the forefront.
Our programming is designed to engage, educate and inspire, rooted in our mission to serve as a cultural and artistic hub for the community. The Nick is more than a movie theater—it’s a space where art, activism and creativity come together to explore pressing issues and celebrate unique perspectives.
In 2024 alone, The Nick has demonstrated its commitment to inclusive, community-focused programming with more than 100 special screenings outside of regular programming. This includes over 80 unique events and 27 screenings under our ReelTalk series, which showcases documentaries, foreign films, classic cinema and more. Each special event and panel discussion reflects our dedication to amplifying diverse voices and exploring a wide range of topics, ensuring that The Nick remains a space for everyone.
In August, we hosted “This Time,” a film screening focused on allyship as part of the International Day of Allyship, fostering meaningful conversations about the power of support across communities. Shortly after, we addressed the difficult subject of domestic violence with a panel discussion following a screening of “It Ends With Us,” underscoring our dedication to presenting programming that extends beyond entertainment and into the realm of social change.
Collaborations are central to our work. We partnered with All Good Books for our Nick Book Club Movie Night, blending literature and film to create a space for reflection and dialogue. Our screening of “Philadelphia Eleven,” a documentary about trailblazing women in the church, was in collaboration with St. Martin’s Episcopal Church — another example of how we unite art with community voices.
This fall, we have continued to offer dynamic programming that reflects the diverse fabric of Columbia and beyond. September featured screenings like “Fire Through Dry Grass,” a powerful documentary about disability rights co-hosted with AbleSC and Accessing Democracy, which emphasized accessibility in democratic processes. Partnering with community organizations ensures our content has a far-reaching impact, addressing themes that resonate both locally and nationally.
Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, The Nick has showcased films that celebrate Latino culture and stories, including the blockbuster “Blue Beetle” and a showcase of short films by local artist Yulian Escobar-Martinez. These screenings demonstrate our commitment to celebrating diverse identities, ensuring that The Nick remains a space where all stories can be heard.
This year, we spotlighted feminist horror with our Fall Horror Night series, in partnership with USC’s Women and Gender Studies Department, featuring films like “Husera: The Bone Woman” and “Prevenge.” These films not only entertain but also challenge societal norms, sparking conversations about gender, fear and power.
Supporting local filmmakers is one of our favorite traditions, and our South Carolina Underground Film Festival (SCUFF) in November is set to highlight the best in local cinema, providing a platform for emerging and established creators in our own backyard. We’re also collaborating with student filmmakers at the University of South Carolina for our Student Showcase in December, highlighting the next generation of filmmakers and the stories they want to tell.
Sumner Bender, Nickelodeon Theater. Provided
At The Nick, we believe that film is a powerful tool for community-building and education. We were proud to screen “Descendants of Reconstruction,” a documentary produced by SCETV that delves into South Carolina’s post-Civil War history and explores its impact on the modern state. Additionally, our November lineup will highlight Native American history with films like “Frybread Face and Me” and “Killers of the Flower Moon,” in partnership with the SC Minority Affairs Commission.
Our partnerships extend beyond film. We collaborate regularly with organizations like MIRC for Home Movie Day, bringing local history to life through personal archives, and with Washington Street United Methodist Church for screenings that bridge art and current events, such as “Common as Red Hair.”
As we close out the year, The Nick will celebrate a range of events, including a unique “Nosferatu” x Radiohead event, combining celebrated music with a classic silent film, and our New Year’s Eve Ball Drop, a marquee event that brings the community together to ring in the new year on Main Street.
Through all these efforts, our aim remains constant: to offer a space where art and activism intersect, where stories from all walks of life can be shared and where the community can come together to engage in meaningful dialogue. Whether through film screenings, panel discussions or partnerships with local organizations, The Nick serves as a space for connection and reflection.
As we move forward, we continue to expand our offerings and collaborations, ensuring that The Nickelodeon remains a vibrant part of Columbia’s cultural landscape. Our commitment to bringing unique, thought-provoking films and events to Main Street is stronger than ever.
We invite you to join us for a movie or a movie paired with a panel discussion. Tickets are reasonably priced, the popcorn is the best around and beer, wine, water and soft drinks are available. If you enjoy the experience, we’d love to have you as a member. Come and be part of our community at The Nick.
— Sumner Bender, Executive Director, Nickelodeon Theatre
This post was originally published on here
