CineCulture returns to in-person screenings

Cineculture screenings have returned to campus. The Media, Communications and Journalism course had its first in-person screening in three years on September 1.

The Cineculture course, open to both students and the public, was introduced to the Fresno State campus by Dr. Mary Husain. But before that, it was a campus club.

Since its inception 17 years ago, CineCulture has always featured in-person screenings with a relevant discussant afterward. But when COVID-19 hit, the Peter’s Education Center was forced to draw the curtain on CineCulture screenings. 

“It was a real challenge,” said Dr. Husain. “The first semester they tried having all the students watch the film at the same time, but there were bandwidth problems.” 

Although challenging, the CineCulture course was able to push through three years of virtual instruction. But now students and community members alike are happy to have this beloved class back on campus. 

“The guest speakers are extremely cool,” said broadcast journalism major Cesar Maya. “We had someone come in last week who worked for the U.N., who the documentary was based on, and it’s just crazy to have been like five feet away from someone who did that.”

One upside to CineCulture is the guest speakers who have relevant expertise with the film that week. Bringing together many people from different walks of life makes for an intriguing discussion. 

“I’d say it’s definitely worth it if you’re looking to expand your horizons with not just films, but with different cultures,” Maya said. 

Cineculture is available in both the fall and spring semesters, but remember such an impactful course fills up quickly.