Gary, Indiana residents had the opportunity to enjoy a special film screening last week.
On April 13, fans of the King of Pop filled the theater seats of the Mark Spencer Auditorium at Gary's West Side Leadership Academy for the North American premiere of "Michael," a biopic about late superstar Michael Jackson. The film stars Jaafar Jackson as his famous uncle Michael. Jaafar is the son of Jermaine Jackson.
Along with Jaafar Jackson, other luminaries appearing at the film's Red Carpet event that evening were Michael's brothers Jackie, Jermaine and Marlon Jackson as well as Michael's son Prince. Among others in attendance for the Gary Hometown premiere were the film's producer Graham King, Gary Mayor Eddie Melton, Karen Toering, who is the founder of the Gary International Black Film Festival, and Senator Mark Spencer.
Members of the Jackson family appeared at a Red Carpet event on April 13 for the premiere of the film "Michael" in Gary. Pictured are, from left, Michael's son Prince, Jackie Jackson, Jaafar Jackson, Jermaine Jackson and Marlon Jackson. Photo by Eloise Marie Valadez.
The Gary screening of the Lionsgate and Universal Pictures' film "Michael" was presented in partnership with the City of Gary, the Michael Jackson Estate and the Gary International Black Film Festival. "Michael" will officially open at movie theaters nationwide on April 24.
Marlon Jackson said he was extremely proud of his nephew Jaafar's performance in the film.
""Fans will get a chance to see how great Jaafar is," in the movie, Marlon said. "Many people imitate Michael and they are great. But when I saw Jaafar, he became Michael," Marlon said enthusiastically.
Jaafar Jackson stars as his uncle Michael Jackson in "Michael." Photo by Eloise Marie Valadez
Eldest brother Jackie Jackson said Gary was the perfect place for this monumental screening.
"This is where it all started in that two-bedroom house," Jackie said about the family's upbringing and start of their career at their humble home at Gary's 2300 Jackson Street. He added their entry into the music field was encouraged by their father Joseph and it was a way to "keep us off the street."
During the Red Carpet interview, Jaafar said there were definitely some challenges in bringing his beloved uncle to life on screen.
Jaafar Jackson and his father Jermaine share a laugh on the Red Carpet prior to the screening of "Michael" in Gary. Photo by Eloise Marie Valadez
"The most challenging thing was capturing his showmanship on stage," Jaafar said. "I also wanted to make sure the dancing felt right." He added he wanted to show Mivhael's "humanity" and tried to convey that through the eyes, which he said are "a gateway to the soul."
With his portrayal, Jaafar said, "I just wanted to make my whole family proud."
Gary International Black Film Festival founder Toering was elated to be in attendance at the event and said she was honored that the film was being premiered in Jackson's hometown and in conjunction with the festival.
Prince Jackson, son of Michael Jackson, is pictured at the Gary screening of the film "Michael." Photo by Eloise Marie Valadez
"What feeling haven't I felt. If you go down the list of emotions, I've had every one of them," Toering said, about having the film debut in Gary. Toering said she was always a Jackson fan and remembers having the 45 of the Jacksons' song "Big Boy" that was on Steel Town Records.
Toering said she wanted to give a "shout out" to Gary Mayor Melton for his work and support in getting the screening to Gary.
For more information on the movie, visit www.michael.movie
Jackie Jackson, from left, Marlon Jackson and Jermaine Jackson are seen at the Red Carpet event for "Michael" in Gary. Photo by Eloise Marie Valadez