‘Belfast’ will be screened Saturday and Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

The 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center opens its 2022 Cinema Series with the semi-autobiographical “Belfast.” It will be screened Saturday and Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

Opera House Executive Director Rick Davis notes that “due to the continued high positivity rate of COVID in Chautauqua County, and in accordance with CDC, local and State guidelines, we are requiring all patrons to wear masks before, during and after Opera House events. Masks must securely and snugly cover the nose and mouth entirely. Neck gaiters and bandanas are not permitted.”

Written and directed by Kenneth Branagh and based on his own childhood, “Belfast” is the story of a nine-year-old boy who must chart a path toward adulthood through a world that has suddenly turned upside-down. His stable and loving community, and everything he thought he understood about life, is changed forever; but joy, laughter, music and the formative magic of movies remain.

The film stars Caitriona Balfe, Judi Dench and Jamie Dornan. Peter Travers, on ABC News, calls the film “the Oscar frontrunner for Best Picture.” Cary Darling, in the Houston Chronicle, calls it “a love letter to growing up in tumultuous times.” Richard Roeper, in the Chicago Sun Times, says “the film is both specific and universal, grand and intimate, sweetly romantic and shockingly violent.” James Berardinelli, in ReelViews, calls it “unquestionably, one of 2021’s most affecting motion pictures.” Rated PG-13 for strong language and some violence, “Belfast” runs one hour, 37 minutes.

Tickets are available at the door for $7 (adults), $6.50 (seniors & Opera House members) and $5 (students) the night of each screening. A book of 10 movie passes is available for $60 at the door or online at www.fredopera.org. For more information, call the Opera House Box Office at 716-679-1891. The Opera House Cinema Series is sponsored by Lake Shore Savings Bank.

The Opera House is equipped with individualized closed captioning eyeglasses for the deaf as well as with assistive listening headsets for the hearing-impaired. Simply request one from any usher or Opera House staff member. 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.