The Downtown Cinema Theater in Mount Airy will be the first in North Carolina to host a screening of Andy Griffith’s new movie, “Play the Game.”

The screening will take place on Sunday at 2 p.m., and admission will be $5 at the door. Proceeds from the screening will be used by the Surry Arts Council to assist with landscaping at the new Andy Griffith Museum.

Tanya Jones, executive director of the arts council, said she received the invitation yesterday from the film’s production company, Story Films.

“It was totally out of the blue,” Jones commented. “They’re allowing us to be the first screening, which is very exciting.”

The independent film stars Griffith, Paul Campbell, Marla Sokoloff, Liz Sheridan and Doris Roberts. It was written, directed and produced by Marc Fienberg, who was inspired by his grandfather’s own experience re-entering the dating world.

In the film, a young man, portrayed by Campbell, teaches his dating tricks to his grandfather, played by Griffith. In the end, Campbell’s character must teach his grandfather, Griffith, that the way to win the game of love is to not play games. The film is rated PG-13 for sexual content and language.

Downtown Cinema seats approximately 450 people, but Jones said she has no idea how many people to expect for the screening. She hopes a large number will turn out.

“It’s an interesting plot, and I think the community is interested in anything Andy does,” Jones remarked. “We’re excited to be a part of it.”

“Play the Game” is the first movie Griffith has acted in for a few years. Griffith’s first movie, “A Face in the Crowd,” came out in 1958 and also premiered at the Downtown Cinema, formerly known as “The Earle.”

“Play the Game” will open nationwide on Aug. 28. Two more screenings will take place next week in North Carolina, one in Raleigh and one in Greensboro. The production company wanted the movie to make its statewide debut in Griffith’s hometown.

Jones said, “Andy Griffith is the reason we’re getting this privilege.”

Contact Meghann Evans at mevans@mtairynews.com.