Ross County’s Drug Free Clubs of America Chapter M.A.D.E. is bringing an acclaimed filmmaker to town for a special screening and discussion of a film dealing with a challenge faced by many area families.
The film “Ben is Back” is a 2018 feature film written and directed by Peter Hedges and follows the story of a drug addicted teenage boy who shows up unexpectedly at his family’s home on Christmas Eve. It stars Julia Roberts and Peter's own son, Lucas.
Hedges is probably best known for 1993’s “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” featuring Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio. He was nominated for an Oscar for his 2002 screenplay for “About a Boy”, with some of his other writer and director creds including 2007’s “Dan in Real Life”, and 2012’s “Odd Life of Timothy Green”.
Hedges' full filmography can be view HERE
Having dealt with the experiences of addiction and overdose among his own family and friends, Hedges penned the film with hopes of reaching others who are silently struggling in similar situations. Coming from a small community in Iowa, Hedges also understands the challenges faced by small communities in dealing with drug addiction.
On Saturday, January 19th, Hedges will introduce a special viewing of the film at 4:00 p.m. at Danbarry Cinemas in Chillicothe. Afterward, he and the audience will then head to the Majestic Theatre at 6:00 p.m. for a question and answer segment about the film.
Tickets to attend both the movie and director Q&A are $25.00 and can be purchased via Eventbrite.com, HERE
The event is being sponsored by The Buck Fifty, Chillicothe’s First Presbyterian Church, Advanced Services, and Great Seal Publications.