Independent Horror Film Brings Thrills to Upstate
Greenville, SC – It was a breezy day in the charming town of Inman, well known for its historic vibe and community spirit. Residents and visitors flocked to the monthly Market on Mill, enjoying vibrant vendor stalls, delicious bites, live music, and the company of friends and family. Little did they know, amidst the laughter and lively chatter, a new horror movie was set to take shape.
Local filmmaker Silas Rowland, a Greenville native, found inspiration for his indie horror flick titled “All That Is Evil” during one of these bustling festivals. The plot revolves around a wicked witch wreaking havoc on a quaint town, and it features the picturesque locales of downtown Inman, Gaffney, and even the beloved Hub City Bookshop in Spartanburg.
A Vision for Upstate Filmmaking
Silas Rowland has a mission that goes beyond just creating a chilling story. He aims to highlight the creative talent thriving in the Upstate and the diverse projects waiting to be discovered. “My first goal would be just to showcase that creative minds exist in our area and they got projects ready to go,” he shares, emphasizing the untapped stories that are waiting to be told.
As South Carolina works to boost its film industry, especially in the Upstate region, Rowland’s project acts as a testament that movies can not only be made here, but they can also be exceptional. With notable efforts from the film commission to energize filming in towns outside Charleston, the spotlight might just shift towards the Upstate. “We’re in the prime spot now,” Rowland adds confidently, “to show that resources exist, and we can create compelling content here.”
From Passion to Reality
Rowland discovered his passion for filmmaking at a young age. Picture this: a 13-year-old skateboarder fascinated by the antics of “Jackass.” Fast forward five years, and he was writing comedy skits and shooting short films. He even impressed quite a few viewers with a zombie short film called The Z Line, racking up over 170,000 views on YouTube while still in high school.
But it wasn’t all about comedy for Rowland. His love for filmmaking led him to create a diverse range of projects, including feature movies and documentaries. However, it was summer 2023 when the urge to dive back into storytelling in the horror genre resurfaced. “I wanted to create an indie horror movie,” he says. “I thought a niche genre could catch attention in a big way.”
A Spine-Chilling Storyline
Taking inspiration from classics like Jaws and No Country for Old Men, “All That Is Evil” tells the story of a peaceful town struck by terror due to a malevolent witch showing up twice a year. The sheriff, played by Merritt Vann, attempts to shield the townsfolk, while a grieving widow portrayed by Tammy Mattox sets out to confront the witch. This gripping narrative raises questions about good versus evil and how various characters react under pressure. “Do you turn and run? Or do you stand and face off against the demons that are at the doorstep?” Rowland muses.
Rowland’s project is no small feat. With a cast and crew of 60 and a budget exceeding $100,000, it stands as his largest undertaking to date. Notably, he utilized a camera from Stranger Things to bring his vision to life. One memorable day, nearly 100 extras participated in a scene shot in Inman, scaling the excitement of this indie project.
Hoping for a Bright Future
As a tribute to the stunning landscapes of the Upstate, which served as the backdrop for the fictional town of Glen, Rowland remarks, “A lot of horror films have that grungier, bare-tree look to it. (Glen) is the most beautiful, nostalgic place you can live.” A sentiment echoed in the film’s script where one of the characters states: “It’s the most beautiful place to live 363 days out of the year. It’s just those two days that get us.”
Looking ahead, Rowland has plans to host red carpet screenings throughout the Upstate in March 2025, and he hopes to secure a streaming spot on platforms like Amazon Prime or Apple TV. But this won’t be where he stops; he’s already dreaming of the next project. “Maybe the film does good enough to do another project here in the Upstate on a much bigger scale,” he beams with hope.
So, keep an eye out, folks! With creative spirits like Silas Rowland paving the way, the Upstate might just be on the map as the new heart of indie filmmaking.
