The Kimmel Center was packed Friday night for the long-awaited world premiere of The Mighty Macs, three years after filming wrapped up.

Locally produced and filmed, The Mighty Macs is based on the true story of the 1972 Immaculata College basketball team. It stars Carla Gugino (Entourage, Sucker Punch, Watchmen), Academy Award-winner Ellen Burstyn (Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, The Exorcist, Same Time), and Philly-raised -- and son of Philadelphia TV news personality Dave Roberts -- David Boreanaz (Bones, Angels, Buffy the Vampire Slayer).

Gugino plays "Cathy Rush," the real-life Immacutata coach in 1972. Rush is hired to coach a basketball team that is underfunded and not prepared to compete in collegiate women’s basketball. But with the help of spunky assistant coach "Sister Sunday," played by Marley Shelton (Grindhouse, Pleasantville), and with the support of a booster club of elderly nuns, Rush is able to inspire her team to greatness, leading the Macs to win the first women’s basketball national championship.

The movie was written and directed by Philly’s Tim Chambers and co-written by Philadelphia sports radio personality Anthony Gargano.

Inspiring and entertaining, The Mighty Macs opens in theaters across the country Oct. 21.

Photos by Mark McNutt:

Mayor Michael Nutter with David Boreanaz

Carla Gugino

Tim Chambers, center, celebrates with friends