Chilliwack filmmaker Mike Bemis-ter and his award-winning independent film Eyes of a Beginner are coming home.

The Chilliwack Community Arts Council presents the Chilliwack premiere of Eyes of a Beginner on Jan. 16 at the Cottonwood 4 Cinemas. With Bemister behind the camera, Eyes of a Beginner is written by and directed by, and stars, filmmaker Rob Beare.

The film tells the tale of a blind young man who has his eyesight restored with a groundbreaking surgery. The first thing his new eyes see is a photo of the Himalayas so he sets out on a journey to see the mountains first hand.

Eyes of a Beginner has been named Winner of Best Canadian Feature at the Okanagan Film Fest International (2012) and Winner of Best Feature Film at Spirit Quest Film Festival (2012), it also received Honourable Mention at the International Film Festival for Peace, Inspiration, and Equality (2012).

The Chilliwack premiere will also feature a special pre-show presentation, as well as a post-show question-and-answer period with the film's creators.

? Presentation starts at 6: 30 p.m. at the Chilliwack Cottonwood 4 Cinemas. Tickets are $5 at the door. Pre-sale tickets are available at The Bookman, 45939 Wellington Ave. Visit www.chilliwackartscouncil.com or call 604-392-8888.