Those looking for Friday evening plans this fall can discover an enriching experience with CineCulture, as complimentary screenings of independent films are presented nearly every week throughout the school year. 

The screenings are back in-person after being virtual since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The series will feature thought-provoking movies, each accompanied by engaging post-screening dialogues led by film contributors or subject matter specialists.

The Fresno State CineCulture Series kicks off its fall 2023 lineup of film screenings with “Aurora’s Sunrise” (2022) at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 1, at the Peters Education Center Auditorium (west of Save Mart Center in the Student Recreation Center).

  • Discussant: Inna Sahakyan (director).
  • In Armenian, English, Turkish and German with English subtitles.
  • 96 minutes.
  • Sponsor: Armenian Studies Program.

Based on a true story, “Aurora’s Sunrise” by Armenian director Inna Sahakyan tells the story of Aurora (Arshaluys) Mardiganian, a 14-year-old Armenian Genocide survivor who managed to escape to the United States through sheer luck and extraordinary courage. Her story became a media sensation, and she starred as herself in “Auction of Souls,” a silent Hollywood blockbuster from 1919 on the Armenian Genocide. Aurora soon became the face of one of the largest charity campaigns in American history. With a blend of vivid animation, interviews with Aurora herself, and 18 minutes of surviving footage from her lost silent epic, “Aurora’s Sunrise” revives a forgotten story of survival.

Fall 2023 CineCulture lineup

CineCulture is a film series provided as a service to Fresno State students, faculty and staff, and the broader community. CineCulture is also offered as a three-unit academic course (MCJ 179) in the Media, Communications and Journalism Department. The CineCulture Club promotes cultural awareness through film and post-screening discussions.

Screenings are held at 5:30 p.m. on Fridays in the Peters Education Center Auditorium (west of Save Mart Center in the Student Recreation Center). All films screened on campus are free and open to the public. Parking is free (not enforced) after 4 p.m. on Fridays. 

Sept. 8: “Stay With Us” (2022)

Sept. 15: “The Investigator” (2022)

  • Discussant: Vladimir Dzuro (the investigator featured in the film).
  • In Czech, Croatian, Bosnian and Serbian with English subtitles.
  • 74 minutes.

Sept. 22: “Rise” (2022)

Sept. 29: “Lighting Up the Stars” (2022)

  • Discussant: Dr. Ed EmanuEl.
  • In Mandarin with English subtitles.
  • 112 minutes.

Oct. 6: “Town Destroyer” (2022)

  • Discussant: Alan Snitow and Deborah Kaufman (Directors).
  • In English.
  • 53 minutes.

Oct. 13: “La Civil” (2021)

  • Discussant: Teodora Mihai (director).
  • In Spanish with English subtitles.
  • 240 minutes.

Oct. 20: “Without Precedent: The Supreme Life of Rosalie Abella” (2023)

Oct. 22: “Orca” (2021)

  • Discussant: to be announced.
  • In Farsi with English subtitles.
  • 107 minutes.

Nov. 3: “Inside Russia: Traitors and Heroes” (2023)

  • Discussant: to be announced.
  • In Russian with English subtitles.
  • 52 minutes.

Nov. 10: Veterans Day (no screening)

Nov. 17: “Goldfish” (2022)

  • Discussant: to be announced.
  • In English and Hindi with English subtitles.
  • 103 minutes.

Nov. 24: Thanksgiving break (no screening)

Dec. 1: Film to be announced

Fresno State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, contact 559.278.6890.

Visit the CineCulture website for more information, or contact Dr. Mary Husain, instructor and club adviser.