Terrance Wallace grew up on Chicago’s West Side, but since 2011 he’s been on the other side of the globe, giving academic opportunities to underprivileged youth from New Zealand’s indigenous Maori and Pasifika communities.

Through his InZone Project, Wallace runs two hostels in affluent New Zealand neighborhoods. Kids living there can attend some of the country’s best schools, which require students to reside in their school zone with a guardian – in this case, Wallace.

Wallace has brought his unique mission and method to his hometown – InZone Project now runs a home for Chicago kids in Wauconda, Illinois, a village about 45 miles northwest of the city.

The 2018 film “In The Zone” by Vendetta Films documents Wallace’s efforts in New Zealand and his 2017 return to Chicago. 

As part of Black History Month, the film will premiere at AMC River East 21 on Thursday at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. and a question-and-answer session with Wallace and director Robyn Paterson will start at 6:45 p.m.