CENTRAL — “Heaven is for Real,” a new Sony Pictures release, hits theaters April 16, but there’s no need to wait that long — Southern Wesleyan University will host a pre-release showing at 7 p.m. April 11 in the Newton Hobson auditorium on the Central campus.

The movie, based on the New York Times best-selling book of the same name, portrays the true story of a small-town father who must find the courage and conviction to share his son’s extraordinary, life-changing experience with the world.

Actor Greg Kinnear plays Todd Burpo, and Kelly Reilly is Sonja Burpo. The Burpos’ son Colton had a near-death experience and claimed to have visited Heaven. He recounted the details of this experience in detail, speaking of things that happened before his birth — things he couldn’t possibly know. His family has to come to grips with Colton’s experiences.

This event is free and open to the public. The first 500 guests will receive free popcorn and a free bottled water. For details, contact Rev. Ken Dill at (864) 644-5431 or email kdill@swu.edu. To view a trailer, go to the official movie site: www.sonypictures.com/movies/heavenisforreal/.

Southern Wesleyan University is a Christ-centered, student-focused learning community devoted to transforming lives by challenging students to be dedicated scholars and servant-leaders who impact the world for Christ.