Your Chicago: 'The Curse Of The Tempest Jewel'

(CBS) – There is a movie premier this Sunday unlike any other.

"The Curse of the Tempest Jewel" is a local production that features the talents of a very special group of people.

CBS 2's Rob Johnson reports.

It looks like one of those movie trailers for an old black-and-white "whodunnit," but it's much more than that.

"The Curse of the Tempest Jewel" features all teens and young adults with Down syndrome. It was written and directed by actor Lawrence Kern.

"These kids can do anything that anyone can do, they just need the chance," he says.

Among the characters was Veronica Snowshine, played by Rachel Buchanan. Rachel's mom, Nancy, was thrilled with the whole project.

"It's a very professionally produced movie," she says.

Kern and his creative partner, Katie Yohe, started working with these 17 young actors and actresses four years ago, doing theater, including Shakespeare. This summer, Kern wrote a 45-page script for this film noir detective thriller, tailoring each role to the personalities of each person. The plot: 1940s-era detectives search for a 200-year-old jewel from a pirate ship.

The talented group is now part of the Chicago Children's Theater, raising money with a Hatchfund.

To learn more about the project, click here.