A Q&A with “The Knights of Swing” filmmaker is Friday.

The 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center presents a special screening of the currently unreleased film “The Knights of Swing,” followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Emilio Palame on Friday at 7 p.m.

Set in the late 1940s, “The Knights of Swing” chronicles a group of young jazz musicians whose dream is to form a “really swingin’ big band.” But as they pursue this dream, harsh realities of the times get in the way. Through the lens of band director Herb Miller and the musicians of The Knights of Swing, we learn their journey through music isn’t about race, gender, or ability – it’s about the gifts of their cultures, blending together through music, healing and inspiring each other.

The film also deals with many of the troubling personal and social issues of post-World War II America. We see and feel the psychological and emotional effects of war on our main characters. Families, friends, and romances are tested, but the love they learn to share for each other only grows.

Presented in partnership with the Fredonia Jazz Festival, this special screening of The Knights of Swing will feature an introduction and talk back via Zoom with filmmaker and State University of New York at Fredonia graduate Emilio Palame, who wrote, directed and stars in the film.

The film is not yet available for theatrical distribution. The Opera House screening is through special arrangement with the filmmakers. Unrated, it runs two hours, 30 minutes.

Not a part of the Opera House Cinema Series, tickets are $10, $5 (Students), and may be purchased in person at the Opera House Box Office or by phone at 716-679-1891, Tuesday through Friday, 12-4:30 p.m. They also may be purchased anytime online at www.fredopera.org.

The 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center is a member-supported not-for-profit performing arts center with a mission to “present the performing arts for the benefit of our community and region … providing access to artistic diversity … and high quality programming at an affordable price.” It is located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.fredopera.org.