Firefly

Writer-director Joss Whedon turned 42 last week. In recognition of his birthday, dozens of theaters around the country, and in Australia, New Zealand and England, are showing his 2005 science-fiction film "Serenity."

One of the venues, starting on Friday, is Real Art Ways in Hartford.

The movement is an effort by the show’s fans - called "browncoats," after the resistance fighters depicted in the film - to build support for a second movie based on the short-lived TV series "Firefly," or a new "Firefly" series altogether. (Real Art Ways’ cinema coordinator Erik Bowen is a devoted browncoat.)

The 2005 film follows the galactic adventures of a bunch of rebels on the run from oppressive government forces.

Especially important is keeping a telepathic girl away from those who would exploit her.

The film is 119 minutes and is rated PG-13.

Screenings will be Friday and Saturday at 9:30 p.m., and July 7 and 8 at 9:30 p.m.

Real Art Ways is at 56 Arbor St. in Hartford. Admission is $5 for members; $4.50 for senior and student members; $9 for nonmembers; $6.25 for nonmember seniors and full-time students with ID.

For details, call 860-232-1006, or visit www.realartways.org