AMHERST – Amherst Cinema will open its theaters to full capacity later this week, but in doing so, moviegoers will need to prove that they have received the COVID-19 vaccines or that they are not infected with the virus.

On October 29, operations at the 28 Amity St. site will return to normal, but with a vaccination policy designed to ensure the safety of the public and staff.

Upon entry, guests will be required to present proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of the time of the show, along with valid photo ID.

The new entry policy is consistent with other entertainment and performance venues in the area, such as the Northampton Academy of Music, as well as indoor events at the University of Massachusetts, including sports at the Mullins Center and activities at the Fine Arts Center.

The Cinema released a statement that the new vaccination policy “will help ensure the continued well-being and safety of our audience and staff, which remains our top priority as we continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape. evolution of COVID-19 ”.

Masks and face coverings will continue to be mandatory for all cinema guests, whether or not a person is vaccinated. Customers can remove their masks only when eating or drinking in their theater seats.

Due to the screening process, people should plan to arrive early for screenings.

Full capacity will be in effect with the debuts of new films, including “The Electric Life of Louis Wain” starring Benedict Cumberbatch, which opens this week, and two films opening on November 5, director Wes Anderson’s ode to print journalism. ” The French Dispatch “with Timothée Chalamet, and” Spencer “, a biopic on Diana, Princess of Wales with Kristen Stewart.

To accommodate different levels of comfort within the community, the Amherst Cinema continues to offer “Masked Mornings” on Saturdays and Sundays. These early showings of the day are capped at 25% of capacity and no concessions are sold, meaning customers will have their faces covered at all times. Virtual screenings are also continuing.

In the meantime, the cinema has announced that it is one of seven independent arthouse cinemas in the United States that will present a specially curated selection of Sundance Film Festival films during the closing weekend, from January 28 to 30, 2022.

Amherst Cinema is also returning the specialty series Bolshoi Ballet and Exhibition On Screen, as well as a new series “Big Scream Classics” which includes screenings of “The Shining”, “Get Out” and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”.

Scott Merzbach can be reached at [email protected]