Film Shot in Beverly and Mt. Greenwood Gets 'World Premiere' at BAC

Beverly resident Dennis Foley’s film about three 12-year-old boys’ friendship with a down and out former high school teacher will have its “world premiere” at the Beverly Arts Center this weekend.

Not A Stranger will be screened at 7:30 p.m. June 10 and June 11, and again on June 18, at the BAC, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago.

• Related: Beverly Writer's Film 'Not A Stranger' Brings Hollywood to the Neighborhood

Opening night (June 10) is sold out, but tickets to the June 11 and June 18 screenings are still available -- $12 for members and $15 for non-members -- which can be purchased online.

Not A Stranger stars some veteran Hollywood character actors and talented local kids, a few Chicago cops, and the Beverly, Mt. Greenwood and Evergreen Park neighborhoods.

The film focuses on three, baseball-loving, 12-year-old boys and their freindship with Old Bob, a 55-year-old, former high school English teacher with a deep dark secret. While adults in the boys lives, including some local cops, suspect Old Bob’s motives to be anything but wholesome, the boys help Old Bob come to terms with his past.

“It’s a nice little neighborhood movie,” Foley told Patch in an earlier interview. “It features the local area and tells a good story about hope just when you don’t think anything’s coming your way.”

Veteran Hollywood character actor James Russo, directs and stars in the role of “Old Bob.”

Beverly residents might recognize St. Barnabas eighth-grader Matt McGuire, along with John Babbo (Chicago Fire), of Oak Park, Mesiyah Oduro, of Glenwood, who play the roles of the 12-year-old friends.

Adding color and atmosphere to the intimate, Chicago-shot movie are such recognizable local landmarks as Ellie’s Cafe, Janson’s Drive-In, Mt. Greenwood Cemetery, St. Barnabas Church, Vito and Nick’s Pizzeria, and the Evergreen Park police station.

After the screenings, Foley and select members of the cast and crew will lead an audience Q&A. After the local showings, Not A Stranger will be entered into various independent film fests.

On June 10, food trucks will be rolling up to BAC from 4 to 7:15 p.m. for Food Truck Friday, featuring Bombay Wraps, Big World Tortas and Alvin Green empansas.

Food, beer, wine and other beverages will be available for purchase, as well as live music.

Guests need not have tickets to the Friday showing of Not A Stranger to take part in Food Truck Friday.