Katha Pollitt, a columnist for The Nation, will talk Friday at Madison Art Cinemas about her book of essays that inspired a new film.

The movie is "Learning to Drive," and an advance screening will happen in conjunction with her Madison appearance. The film will then officially begin its run at Madison Art Cinemas on Sept. 11.

"Learning to Drive's" website describes the film as a "feel-good, coming of (middle) age comedy about a mismatched pair who help each other overcome life's road blocks." Patricia Clarkson plays a writer whose husband has left her. Ben Kingsley portrays a taxi driver from India who's about to plunge into an arranged marriage.

Pollitt has won The National Book Critics Circle Award in poetry and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Book Awards. She and her husband, political and social theorist Steven Lukes, live in Clinton and New York City.

The screening and Pollitt's Q&A that follows are presented by Madison Art Cinemas and R.J. Julia Booksellers. R.J. Julia will be selling Pollitt's books at the event.

"Learning to Drive" screening and Katha Pollitt Q&A, 7:15 p.m. Friday, Madison Art Cinemas, 761 Boston Post Road, Madison; $11 adults, $8.50 seniors and kids; (203) 245-3456.