Modesto Film Society Cinema Club
The State Theatre is home to The Modesto Film Society (MFS), an organization dedicated to the exhibition and preservation of films of exceptional quality and significance. During its nine-month season, members are invited to attend 18 films -- nine of which are classics, often released in the ‘60s or in the decades prior, and nine of which may be contemporary and destined to become classics, or older films that are of particular note in terms of direction, cinematography or their contribution to a certain film genre. Membership benefits are many, including deeply discounted or free admissions, depending on the level at which members join. In addition to the films shown during the MFS season, which runs July through May, members are invited to several special film events and receptions. They also receive regular updates on what's screening at The State Theatre and when, Film Notes (crib notes that include fascinating trivia about upcoming classic films), and advance notice on The State's first-run film fare. Members can see the best films from American directors when attending selections from the Society's "Classic" series, or they can see art, indie and foreign films at the Cinema Club series on Tuesdays.
The Film Society presents its classic films on the third Sunday afternoon of the month, and its contemporary, Cinema Club series on the first Tuesday evening of the month. On Sundays, members see classic cinema, often in a 35mm format, that replicates the film-going experience of a bygone era. Members often attend dressed in costumes in keeping with the film's theme or characters,
participate in trivia contests and take part in drawings. On Tuesday evenings, members view films that are followed by thought-provoking discussions led by film industry insiders, professors and sometimes the filmmakers themselves. Members join for a "season," which runs from July through June of the following year. MFS does not usually screen films in the months of August, December or June unless there's a special member event scheduled.
Founded in 2005, The Modesto Film Society now boasts a membership of more than 200 dedicated members who support the exhibition and preservation of classic film and classic film presentation.
Among the classic films members have enjoyed in the past are Casablanca, Gone With The Wind, Breakfast at Tiffany's, North by Northwest, From Here to Eternity, Singing in The Rain, The Wizard of Oz and The Sound of Music. Cinema Club screenings have included Vertigo, Cinema Paradiso, Chinatown, Seven Samurai, The Conversation, The Last Picture Show, Bonnie and Clyde and Annie Hall, as well as documentaries and more current foreign and independent films. We invite you to join us by completing and returning the application below.
Click here for a complete list of MFS classics
Click here for a complete list of Cinema Club screenings
Click Here For Printable Brochure
