Local film fans have had an especially rough winter since the George Eastman House's Dryden Theatre, the premier archival cinema in the area, has been closed for an extensive remodel. The good news is that the wait is over, and the revamped Dryden will open Saturday, March 2, with a screening of Alexander Payne's beloved 2004 film "Sideways." The even better news is that Payne himself — he also directed "The Descendants," "About Schmidt," and "Election" — will be on hand for the event to introduce "Sideways," and to hold a Q&A after the film.

Dryden patrons will find much to be excited about with the renovations. A new, darker color scheme will make the space feel more intimate, the seats have been replaced with much more comfortable chairs, and a new digital projector has been installed, allowing the Dryden to continue to show the best in cinema in a variety of formats.

Saturday's events kick off at 5:30 p.m. with a first look at the renovated theater, and then a dinner in the Eastman House featuring wines inspired by "Sideways." Tickets to this gala dinner cost $200. The screening begins at 8 p.m., and tickets for the film and Q&A cost $25-$30.

The Eastman House is located at 900 East Ave. Additional events will be held this spring to celebrate the Dryden reopening, including a visit by Oscar-nominated director James Ivory on April 6. For more information on the Dryden or upcoming events visit eastmanhouse.org/dryden2013.