We’re thrilled to share an exciting announcement for film lovers in Fresno and beyond: Cen Cal Cinema is launching a brand-new film series, offering free, elevated movie experiences to communities across the Central Valley! Brought to life by the creative minds behind the beloved Swede Fest, a Fresno-born film festival that has celebrated DIY filmmaking for over 15 years, Cen Cal Cinema is on a mission to make the cinematic arts accessible to everyone. With its debut screening set for Friday, January 24, 2025, the series promises to deliver unique and memorable movie events to neighborhoods that might not typically have access to such experiences. A Personal Vision for the Valley Founder Roque Rodriguez, whose passion for film was shaped by growing up 45 minutes away from the nearest movie theater, envisions Cen Cal Cinema as a bridge between Central Valley’s agricultural roots and the magic of cinema. I had the pleasure of chatting with Roque, co-founder of SWEDE FEST about his newest venture… “SWEDE FEST really showed us that the Central Valley is filled with film lovers and with CEN CAL CINEMA we’re trying to continue to nourish that passion and create an elevated movie experience. Besides holding the screening at CMAC, Fresno’s true public access station where anyone can create their own wacky programing much like the film, we will have a “Weird Al Look-alike” contest for people who are passionate about the musician/artist to fully embrace their WEIRD and showcase it in a place where it will be celebrated. This is just the first activity we have planned for UHF and we are in the beginning stages of coming up with more fun engagement opportunities for our audience to participate in at this and future events. We have some wild ideas for the rest of the film series.” Thanks to funding from a 2024 Expanded Access to Arts and Culture grant, made possible by Measure P and administered by the Fresno Arts Council, Cen Cal Cinema is set to transform movie nights in Fresno. Mark Your Calendar: UHF Screening & “Weird Al” Contest The series kicks off with a screening of the 1989 cult classic UHF, starring “Weird Al” Yankovic, Michael Richards, and Fran Drescher, at CMAC (1555 Van Ness Ave, Downtown Fresno) on January 24, 2025. Adding to the fun, fans can participate in a “Weird Al” look-alike contest, with the winner earning a unique claim to fame. Keep an eye on Cen Cal Cinema’s social media (@CenCalCinema) for details on this and other surprises planned for the event. More Screenings to Come The January screening is just the beginning—Cen Cal Cinema has four additional screenings planned through June 2025, all completely free to the public. “Our goal is to bring the magic of cinema to underserved neighborhoods, creating a shared experience for all,” Rodriguez said. Celebrating Arts and Culture in Fresno Cen Cal Cinema is one of 112 projects funded by the first-ever Expanded Access to Arts and Culture grants, totaling $9.46 million. These grants, funded by Measure P—a voter-approved sales tax initiative—support cultural arts across Fresno for the next 30 years. For a complete list of grant recipients, visit the Fresno Arts Council website. Join the Movie Magic Whether you’re a fan of “Weird Al” or simply love great films, don’t miss this chance to experience the Central Valley’s newest cinematic series. Follow @CenCalCinema on Instagram and Facebook to stay updated on screenings, contests, and more. Lights, camera, community—see you at the movies!