About Modesto Film Society of Modesto, California

We’re an independent, community based nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving America’s cinematic heritage. We present classic feature films, cartoons, newsreels and short subjects, together with periodic discussions of historic and contemporary cinema, at Modesto’s historic State Theatre.

The Society was founded in 2005 and has a membership of more than 200. Our coming and past attractions can be found by clicking on the "Screenings" button on the Menu at the top of the screen.

The Modesto Film Society will celebrate its sixth season—and the 76th Anniversary of the State Theatre—in 2010.

What's involved in bringing classic movies to Modesto?

The Society must rent the State Theatre, pay for the projectionist and the film (the distributors normally receive 35% of box office revenues), including shipping, and absorb all promotional costs, an average of $2,300 per screening. Society membership fees supplement box office revenues and support operations. The MFS Steering Committee is all volunteer; there are no paid staff members.

The Society prefers to present the best 35 mm prints of the scheduled films, to replicate the manner and forum in which they were meant to be seen. Unfortunately, quality prints don't always exist, nor are all classics available in a digital format. One the purposes of film societies nationwide is to encourage distributors to preserve the 35 mm format and to strike new prints when necessary. The Modesto Film Society makes every effort to deal with sources like the UCLA Film and Television Archive, which make special prints available only to reel-to-reel theaters like the State.

On occasion, the Film Society will show a DVD when a quality print is unavailable and the theatrical rights can be obtained. Showing a DVD saves on shipping costs, which average $150-$200 per film.

How can I join the Modesto Film Society?

By completing and submitting the Modesto Film Society membership form found at this site. Memberships begin at just $15, and entitle members to substantial discounts on MFS admissions, advance information about Society presentations and discounts on a number of events co-sponsored by the Modesto Film Society.

Email us at ModestoFilm@aol.com, or call the Film Society at (209) 521-8772.


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We’re an independent, community based nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving America’s cinematic heritage. We present classic feature films, cartoons, newsreels and short subjects, together with periodic discussions of historic and contemporary cinema, at Modesto’s historic State Theatre. The Society was founded in 2005 and has a membership of more than 200. Our coming and past attractions can be found by clicking on the "Screenings" button on the Menu at the top of the screen. The Modesto Film Society will celebrate its sixth season—and the 76th Anniversary of the State Theatre—in 2010. The Society must rent the State Theatre, pay for the projectionist and the film (the distributors normally receive 35% of box office revenues), including shipping, and absorb all promotional costs, an average of $2,300 per screening. Society membership fees supplement box office revenues and support operations. The MFS Steering Committee is all volunteer; there are no paid staff members. The Society prefers to present the best 35 mm prints of the scheduled films, to replicate the manner and forum in which they were meant to be seen. Unfortunately, quality prints don't always exist, nor are all classics available in a digital format. One the purposes of film societies nationwide is to encourage distributors to preserve the 35 mm format and to strike new prints when necessary. The Modesto Film Society makes every effort to deal with sources like the UCLA Film and Television Archive, which make special prints available only to reel-to-reel theaters like the State. On occasion, the Film Society will show a DVD when a quality print is unavailable and the theatrical rights can be obtained. Showing a DVD saves on shipping costs, which average $150-$200 per film. By completing and submitting the Modesto Film Society membership form found at this site. Memberships begin at just $15, and entitle members to substantial discounts on MFS admissions, advance information about Society presentations and discounts on a number of events co-sponsored by the Modesto Film Society. Email us at ModestoFilm@aol.com, or call the Film Society at (209) 521-8772.