By KATIE MCDOWELL/Lifestyles Editor

“October Baby,” a film directed by two Shelby County residents, will debut nationwide on Friday, March 23.

Jon Erwin, who directed the film, with his brother Andy Erwin, plans to attend the premiere at Carmike Cinemas at The Summit in Birmingham along with cast and crew members.

“It’s amazing,” he said. “It’s unbelievable that this movie in Alabama has caught fire. We’re playing in almost 400 screens.”

The film, a coming-of-age story about a woman who is adopted and finds out her mother attempted to abort her, was filmed at locations throughout Alabama, including Helena.

The film was given a limited release last fall, and the strong turnout resulted in a nationwide release, Erwin said.

To help promote the film, Gov. Robert Bentley declared March 23 “October Baby Day.”

“It was filmed 100 percent in Alabama,” Erwin said. “This is a time for Alabama to shine.”

The film is playing on two screens on opening night at Carmike at The Summit. A question-and-answer session will follow the screenings.

Erwin said tickets have already sold out, but he hopes people who have not seen the film will find another time to attend.

For more information, visit Octoberbabymovie.net.