The much anticipated screening of the western movie, 'Redemption: For Robbing the Dead' came to the Valley Plaza Reading Theater.
The movie was directed and produced by Bakersfield natives Tom and Courtney Russell.
It has already been released in several cities across the country, but Wednesday was Bakersfield's big night.
The movie is based on a true story that took place in the Utah Territory in the late 1800's.
It's a story of forgiveness and going against the norm.
"Redemption: For Robbing The Dead" is about John Baptiste, a grave digger at the Salt Lake City Cemetery.
While working there, it's said he robbed more than 300 graves.
Hundreds of people went to a free screening of the film Wednesday night at the Reading Theater in Bakersfield.
"We heard the producer was born here and raised. He and his wife went to Garces and Highland so it's very interesting. We just came to see what he has in store for us," said Alexis Castaneda who attended the screening.
"It's something exciting for Bakersfield. There's nothing ever here," added Erica Ramirez.
For the movie's writer and director, Tom Russell, being able to screen his latest film at home was an honor. "It feels great. I mean it's terrific to come back. We love Bakersfield. A lot of the people there are really dear friends and friends that we have never met that are supportive of the effort. And, so it's really gratifying to have such a beautiful big crowd."
The movie runs about an hour and forty minutes.
After the screening, the reviews from movie goers were positive.
"It made me cry, it touches you. It's a very emotional piece. You don't expect it to be so emotional," said Erica Ramirez.
"It was really good. It was actually a really inspirational movie. It's like life-changing. It makes you look at people, don't judge people by their cover," said Castaneda.
Wednesday's screening was sponsored by Jim Burke Ford for its 100th anniversary.
If you would like to see the film, you can find it on Netflix, Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other movie outlets.
