Abandonment would have spelled the end of hope for many children.

But, at just 6 years old, Charles Mully was determined to make a life for himself in his native Kenya. After struggling through the streets, he found his direction and eventually built a career that made him a millionaire.

Mully’s story is being told this week in metro Detroit theaters as part of a United States-Canada premiere of the film Mully, which chronicles his life. The Park West Foundation’s “Blue Babies” program, which supports Detroit youth who age out of foster care, is among those helping to promote the film screenings Oct. 4-5.

“Charles Mully had documented his life on a personal camcorder, something none of us were aware of until we arrived in Africa,” reads a statement from Mully’s filmmakers. “Four hundred hours of home footage was waiting for us, like an undiscovered treasure.”

Mully describes the abuse Charles Mully suffered as a child, his years as an orphan, left on the floor of a hut, and his eventual path to manhood.

Participating theaters will host resource tables that promote mentoring, becoming a foster or adoptive parent, and donating to the Michigan Education Trust’s Foster Youth Scholarship. To purchase tickets, and for a list of screening times, dates and locations, visit www.mullymovie.com.

Photo courtesy of Mullymovie.com

  Detroit youth who age out of foster care, Mully movie, Park West Foundation