Miller Theater holds private screening of movie filmed in Augusta: 'The Hill'

AUGUSTA, Ga. - Big night at the Miller! A movie filmed in Augusta, The Hill, is getting ready to make its box office debut. But first, it got a local showing with a red carpet line up.

“This is such a great movie because it’s about a little boy who was crippled and did the impossible.” said Jeff Celentano, Director.

According to Film Augusta, the movie brought $5M to the local economy. It also employed 50 area crew members.

“We were originally in Oklahoma, and then I wanted to shoot it more Spielburg-esque, like a town that had that quaint feeling and that’s what Augusta had. My producer Warren Ostergard had worked here on many movies, he did a Mel Gibson movie here.” said Celentano.

The movie is based on the true story of Rickey Hill. He grew up in small-town Texas facing poverty and disability. He later became a baseball star.

The Director says this movie gives a sense of 'home.'

“It has that southern charm to it, and that nostalgia that we all remember from the 60’s and 70’s – Texas is the same. I just had a guy look at the movie last night, watch the movie, he said to me, I grew up in Texas and lived in Augusta and there’s no difference.” said Celentano.

The real Rickey also hit the red carpet Wednesday night.

“Now that it’s done, I see God’s hand in it…Totally. Heaven at work.” said Rickey Hill.

Rickey hopes you leave the theater inspired.

“Fight no matter what. Don’t be afraid of anything.” said Hill.

Actors were not present at the screening - that's because of the ongoing writer's strike in Los Angeles.

Celentano says he will also film his next movie in Augusta.

'The Hill' premieres in theaters Friday, August 25.