Ahead of a special Monday night showing of “Michael,” Gary Mayor Eddie Melton said he’s most excited to see children’s reactions.
“I want them to say, ‘He’s from where I’m from. They’re from where I’m from’,” Melton said. “It’s going to unlock something in the next generation when they see this major motion picture debut.”
As part of the Gary International Black Film Festival, city leadership hosted a special screening of “Michael,” a new Michael Jackson biopic, for city residents at West Side Leadership Academy’s Mark Spencer auditorium.
According to a previous city news release, “Michael” tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life and legacy, “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.” Jaafar Jackson, son of Jermaine Jackson, stars as Michael.
Jaafar, Jermaine and Jackie Jackson all planned to attend the special screening, Melton said.
Melton and Gary native filmmaker Deon Taylor explained why the Jackson family is important to them and the city as a whole.
“Anywhere you go in the world, when you say, ‘Gary, Indiana,’ the first thing they’re going to say is, ‘Michael Jackson,’” Melton said. “I think we all wear that as a badge of honor.”
Taylor, who now lives in California, is known as a producer and director for films, including “Fatale,” “Black and Blue,” and “The Intruder.” He flew into Gary to attend Monday’s film screening.
“I said, ‘Man, I’ve got to be there to give my full, maximum support,’” Taylor said. “I’ve extended (invitations) out to other celebrities to come, other actors and entertainers, just to come out to Gary and be a part of what’s going to happen.”
Although Taylor didn’t help put the screening together, he’s partnered with Lionsgate Studios for previous movies. Taylor pushed them to do a screening in Gary.
“He’s continually putting Gary’s name back on the map in a positive way,” Melton said.
Melton was excited to see how interested the Gary community was in the screening. In about 48 hours, the event was almost entirely sold out, he said.
Taylor couldn’t put the excitement into words, he said. His parents, who have both passed, were both fans of Gary and wanted to see the city thrive, and he carries that same feeling now.
“To be able to have a movie of this magnitude open, for Gary to be seen, and for one of Gary’s sons to be displayed, is generational,” Taylor said. “They’re all going to come together, they’re probably going to sing all the songs we love. That’s happening in Gary now, and in a few weeks, that will be happening across the globe.”
Both Melton and Taylor said that they hope “Michael” helps the world see the talent that comes from Gary, including Michael Jackson and the rest of his family.
Since he was elected, Melton’s administration has worked to pay homage to celebrities who are Gary natives. In August 2025, the city hosted a 2300 Jackson Street block party, a two-day event celebrating the Jackson Five’s legacy, at Roosevelt High School’s campus.
The city has also showcased various murals with well-known people throughout its history, including a Jackson Five mural in Miller and a Deniece Williams mural in the city’s Midtown area.
“You have to remember, Gary is a gold mine,” Taylor said. “The biggest star in the world came out of here, and across the board, there’s countless musicians, filmmakers and athletes. It’s been a secret for a very long time and has been overshadowed. … But this movie allows the world to understand and see all its greatness and splendor once again.”
