Mayor Eddie Melton announces free hometown screening of 'Michael,' limits tickets to Gary residents

Mayor Eddie Melton announced an exclusive, free hometown screening of the new film Michael on Monday, April 13 at the Mark Spencer Theater at Westside High School. “This is Mayor Eddie Melton,” he said; “we're proud to say Michael's journey started right here in Gary, Indiana.”

The announcement said the City of Gary is partnering with the Michael Jackson Estate, Lionsgate, Universal Pictures and the Gary International Black Film Festival for the event. Tickets will be available starting Wednesday, April 8 at 10 a.m., are free, and are limited to two per household to allow the highest possible resident attendance. The city listed pickup locations as: Westside High School main office, the YWCA of Gary on 15th Avenue, the Urban League of Northwest Indiana off 31st and Broadway, and Beautiful Things Boutique. The city said residents must provide proof of Gary residency when picking up tickets.

City officials stressed that tickets are free and warned residents to avoid scams. Ellis, a city official who introduced the event to the council, said the tickets are numbered and sealed and urged residents not to pay for them. The city also said children who attend Gary schools will be given priority for seats.

The announcement was part of a broader set of community updates from the mayor’s office, which also included information about down-payment assistance opportunities and an upcoming NAACP homeownership event at IUN. City officials asked residents to consult the city website and official social media for updates and cautioned that any advertised paid ticket offers are not legitimate.

The city said the screening and related events are part of an effort to celebrate local heritage and build civic pride in Gary.