Seventeen-year-old Joshua Kennedy is already an accomplished actor, having starred in more than 100 films — never mind that most of those films were shorts broadcast only on YouTube.

He set his goal a bit higher with his latest self-produced movie, anyway — “Attack of the Octopus People” has been released and is distributed by Alpha Video, a manufacturer and marketer of B-movies. Fans of his work can buy the film on DVD at www.oldies.com.

First, though, Joshua will debut his movie for free at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 31, at Cine El Rey in McAllen.

The film is a tribute, of sorts, to the 1950s B-movie filmmaking era. Fans of “Godzilla” flicks and science fiction movies starring tin foil UFOs might enjoy “Attack of the Octopus People.”

“It’s kind of a love letter to cinema, I’d say,” Joshua said.

Set in the near future, octopi worldwide have mutated because of global warming, and now the giant creatures are taking over.

Joshua spent about $35 on the creation of the movie, but most of the budget was really just for the octopi.

The Edinburg High School senior acts, directs and produces films and plays, and he can often be seen on stage in school productions.

He made his first original movie titled “It Came From the Bathroom” when he was 5 years old. His love of all things dramatic continued.

Recently, Joshua found out he has been accepted to Pace University in New York where he’ll major in musical theater, though he won’t give up filmmaking.

“They have a film department there, so if I become friends with the film people I can probably use their equipment,” Joshua said.

“Attack” isn’t rated, but it is family friendly, Joshua said.

“There’s one scary part where it gets really loud and everyone’s screaming, but it’s completely tame compared to a lot of stuff they show on TV,” he said.

Admission is free, and so is the popcorn.