A recent uptick of gun violence in New Rochelle has city leaders trying something new in an effort to turn things around.

The city is sponsoring four free showings of the film "Chicago: America's Hidden War" beginning Friday.

The documentary, produced and directed by Dimas Salaberrios, exposes the impacts of gun violence in Chicago.

"Anytime we can call attention to this challenge and recommit ourselves to solving it, that's a step forward," says New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson.

Since the beginning of 2021, New Rochelle has had about half a dozen shootings.

Minister Mark McLean, of the Clergy Rapid Response Team, hopes the film opens eyes and creates change.

"This film is really like a mirror to us, to show us where we could be if we don't come together as a community," he says.

It's the hope of Salaberrios, who lives just a few miles away on City Island.

"We're better than that here in New Rochelle, and I think by seeing this extreme example of the murder of children and woman shot and killed, it can move the heart," says Salaberrios.

It's first come, first served to get free tickets.