MOBILE, Ala (WKRG) With the start of Black History Month, News 5 is featuring hidden history throughout the month in honor of the observance.  As a kick off for the month, we spoke with actor/director Mario Van Peebles who is back in Mobile for several appearances.

Van Peebles plays a troubled former U.S. Marshall in his new movie ‘Armed.’ It will premiere at the Saenger Theater Saturday night, February 2nd to help kick off Black History Month in Mobile.

“Cause I’ve played a lot of heroes with guns over the years and I thought, what about a hero who’s got a skewed since of reality and he’s got a lot of guns and he’s on the no-fly list. What would it be like to be inside that guys head,” he told News 5.

Proceeds from the movie premiere will benefit the oldest black Episcopal church in the state. It’s the culmination of a series of events involving Van Peebles that included a black-tie gala Thursday night. On Friday, February 1st, The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd on Donald Street will open its doors for a gathering, led by Van Peebles, and debut the church’s new digital pipe organ provided through Broussard’s Piano Gallery, which is also sponsoring the events involving Van Peebles.

Van Peebles said he’s glad to be involved.

“Again, while I have the chance to do something good with my energy and time, do it. If you can benefit a church like that and bring awareness to something beautiful, do it, and so that’s part of it,” he said.

Tickets for the movie premiere are $15 and are available at Broussard’s Piano Gallery or the Saenger Box Office. The event includes a question and answer session with Van Peebles and proceeds benefit Good Shepherd Church.

Van Peebles is no stranger to Mobile. He directed ‘USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage,’ which was shot in Mobile.