CineCulture Screenings at Fresno State

Fresno, Calif. – Never before has Fresno had such a big venue to screen Independent Films, like it does within Cineculture.

The program, which is helmed by Dr. Mary Husain, aims to expose students and the community to global culture.

“Nobody has ever seen anything like this anywhere on the planet. And they wonder how they can be involved in something like this, so it’s a privilege and an opportunity,” Dr. Husain said.

And she’s right that there’s nothing else like it, especially in the context of Fresno State. Cineculture stands on its own as a true jewel of academics and ethics at the university.

“It’s very important in today’s world that students learn how to think globally. And to expand their worldviews,” Dr. Husain said.

But in order to sustain such an ambitious endeavor like Cineculture, it calls for a personal investment. Luckily, Dr. Husain has been more than up for the challenge for 18 years.

“I try to have a variety of films from all over the world, a mix of narratives and documentary films, i try to get as many directors from the films as possible,” Dr. Husain said.

The influence of these film screenings can be felt and seen in its audience, as Dr. Rose Marie Khun relates.

“The students really appreciated the discussion, not only from a classmate but also from other people around the audience,” Dr. Khun said.

The continued funding by Fresno State of Cineculture is important to Dr. Husain.

“Film and the arts have a unique ability to open up hearts and minds. I’m going to quote a line from a Harry Belafonte film. “Artists are the gatekeepers of truth.” Dr. Husain said.

If you’d like to sit in on one of Cineculture’s free community screenings, Dr. Husain hosts a new film every Friday at 5 pm within the student recreation center at Fresno State.