Fred Rogers from “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.” The documentary about his life, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor,” will be shown as part of the Bay Film Series.

ESCANABA — The Fred Rogers documentary, “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” will be shown at 7 p.m. Eastern time Thursday, Sept. 13, in the Besse Center Theater at Bay College as part of the Bay Film Series.

This special showing is in conjunction with a number of children’s advocacy groups, including the Delta-Schoolcraft Great Start Collaborative, the Delta Schoolcraft Great Start Parent Coalitions, Great Start to Quality Resource Center, the U.P. Association for the Education of Young Children and the U.P. Early Childhood Council.

“Won’t You Be My Neighbor” is an intimate glimpse into the life of the beloved children’s programmer on PBS. It is “the must-see documentary of the year,” according to Stephanie Archer of Film Inquiry magazine. Newsday agreed, calling it a “poignant tribute to the mild-mannered father figure who served as moral compass to generations.”

This film, by Academy Award-winner Morgan Neville — whose films “20 Feet from Stardom” and “Best of Enemies” were Film Series favorites– goes beyond the comfy sweaters and home-town friends into the creative genius whose legacy continues to educate and inspire children around the world. A.O Scott of The New York Times said “Won’t You Be My Neighbor” is one of the “best American movies in theaters right now.”

Before the film, early childhood professionals are invited to attend a series kick-off event at 6 p.m. in the Besse Theater lobby, sponsored by the U.P. Chapter of the Michigan Association of the Education of Young Children. The first 80 ECE professionals to register will receive free admission to the film, hors d’oeuvres and the chance to network with colleagues.

ECE professionals can register at http://www.baycollege.edu/wybmn. Registrants will receive a swag bag and be entered into a drawing for ECE-related prizes, courtesy of Bay College and the ECE sponsors.

The Bay Film Series features some of the best in international, documentary, independent and local film. The lineup this fall includes “Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot” on Oct. 4; “BlacKkKlansman” on Nov. 15 and “The Miseducation of Cameron Post” on Dec. 6.

For more information on the series, go to the Bay College website at www.baycollege.edu/tickets. Tickets are $5 and are available at the box office or can be purchased online. Students with valid ID can get a reduced admission charge of $2.

Contact Nanci Love at 906-217-4043 for more information about the film series.