A film director headed back to his hometown of Poughkeepsie in an effort to prevent gun violence.

Hezues R says he nearly died after being shot 22 times years ago, and he's used his second chance at life to become an award-winning director.

The Poughkeepsie native is now giving back to the city that raised him by partnering with SNUG and city government to try to end gun violence by focusing his lens with a short film for and by the community.

The announcement happened a day after a 20-year-old was shot on Winnikee Avenue Sunday night. According to police, it was not a random act.

Mayor Rob Rolison says he is ready to go all in on whatever it takes to stop the violence.

SNUG says Hezues R is looking to open up a film school in Poughkeepsie.

Hezues says they are still ironing out some details on the film but hope to finish it by January 2021.