Experience Elevated Cinema in Fresno: Cen Cal Cinema Brings Free Screenings to the Central Valley

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!

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Jason Farris

Head YES man at FresYes.com

I grew up in Fresno. Relaxed in its calm breezes, listened with my dad to the crack of the bat at little league baseball games when I was a kid and now take my son to do the same at minor league games. I broadened my mind at its schools (I went to high school right here at San Joaquin Memorial, and to college at Fresno State!) I love that if I drive for two hours in one direction, I can be in the mountains. For two hours in another, luxuriating on a California beach. I can enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere of San Francisco or Los Angeles, but still be able to come home to relaxation, calm, and quiet.

I love where I live, and I also love what I do. I'm lucky to be able to work in a profession in which I get to build relationships; one that has me meeting new people each and every day and helping them to build new lives in my beloved city. I'm lucky enough to work in a profession in which I can marry cutting-edge technologies and marketing techniques to good, old-fashioned, nose-to-the-grindstone work. I am lucky enough to work in a profession that allows me to work as an advocate for my clients; to use every tool at my disposal to get a job done well for them, and with as little stress and expense as possible.

I love my city. I love my job. One inspires my excellence for the other.

Fresno? I say FresYES