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GARY, IND. — In a monumental tribute to Gary’s hometown hero, the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, Mayor Eddie Melton, the City of Gary, in partnership with the Michael Jackson Estate and the Gary International Black Film Festival, are proud to announce a historic screening of Lionsgate and Universal Pictures’ highly anticipated biopic, MICHAEL, on Monday, April 13, 2026. The exclusive event will take place at the Mark Spencer Auditorium at West Side Leadership Academy, located at 900 Gerry St, Gary, IN 46406, in the historic 2,000-seat West Side Auditorium. Doors open at 6 p.m.
Attendees of the special screening will include filmmakers, cast, and members of the Jackson family.
“Michael Jackson's legacy is woven into the very fabric of our city and our world," said Mayor Eddie Melton. "From humble beginnings at 2300 Jackson Street to the global stage, his journey started right here in Gary, Indiana. Hosting this exclusive screening is a profound honor for our community, allowing us to celebrate our most famous son while investing directly in the next generation of Gary’s creative and athletic talent.”
Mark Spencer, Director of Performing Arts at West Side Leadership Academy, stated, “We are deeply honored to welcome MICHAEL to the Mark Spencer Auditorium. We are especially grateful to Lionsgate for bringing this extraordinary film to Gary, where the story of the Jackson family first began. This moment is more than a screening; it is a powerful homecoming. There is no more fitting place to experience this story than in the very community that helped shape a global legacy.”
“We are grateful to Mayor Melton and the City of Gary for standing with the Gary International Black Film Festival (GIBFF) to bring MICHAEL home, ensuring that this story reaches the people and the place that shaped him,” stated Karen Toering, Founder/Director of the Gary International Black Film Festival.
The screening serves as a major event for the community. While tickets for the screening are free, donations will be accepted by the West Side Theater Guild. All donations will directly benefit the youth programing at West Side Leadership Academy, ensuring that the youth of Gary continue to have access to top-tier artistic and athletic opportunities.
Bringing the film MICHAEL home to Gary underscores the undeniable connection between the city’s rich cultural history and the unparalleled global influence of the Jackson family.
Tickets will be available, while they last, at the following locations on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, after 10 a.m. CT, on a first-come, first-served basis.
LIMIT OF TWO (2) TICKETS PER HOUSEHOLD.
GARY RESIDENTS ONLY (MUST HAVE VALID GARY I.D.)
About the Film:
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, produced by Graham King, and written by John Logan, MICHAEL is the cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists the world has ever known. The film tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world. Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. This is where his story begins.
The film stars Jaafar Jackson as Michael, alongside Nia Long, Juliano Valdi, KeiLyn Durrel Jones, Laura Harrier, Larenz Tate, with Miles Teller, and Colman Domingo. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, the film is produced by Graham King, p.g.a., John Branca, and John McClain.
Contact:
Steve Segura,
Chief Communications Officer
City of Gary
stsegura@gary.gov
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