Science on Screen at the State! Whale Rider, Sunday January 12 at 3:00 PM

For my Modesto area readers: I've been involved for the last 18 months with an innovative program at the State Theatre called Science on Screen. The program offers movies with science themes and speakers who can offer additional perspective (and sometimes "constructive" criticism) of Hollywood's version of science. I want to invite you to attend tomorrow's event, a screening of the movie Whale Rider, and a presentation by Kimberly Stevenot.

Read below for more information (from the State Theatre Facebook page):

Topic: Does Saving a Culture Sometimes Rely on Challenging its Traditions?
 
Science On Screen begins the New Year with Whale Rider, a magical film about a 12-year-old Maori girl who dares to defy tradition and challenge her family, only to bravely fulfill her destiny as the leader of her village. This family-friendly film is rich in its imagery, its depictions of the Maori tribe, and in its own bravery in seeing the need for cultures to change, possibly in order to save them. The speaker is Kimberly Stevenot, a noted Miwuk traditionalist, basket weaver, artist and teacher who will discuss tribal customs and cultures, and will also have native regalia, jewelry and baskets on display in the lobby. The Miwuk are native Americans who have long lived in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys, and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

Science On Screen at The State Theatre is made possible through a grant by the Coolidge Corner Theatre, with support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. This pioneering program creatively pairs Hollywood films with notable experts from the world of science, technology, mathematics and medicine. Interactive activities and displays in the lobby from 2 to 3 p.m.; Ms. Stevenot, who will speak at 3, will return for a Q&A following the screening of the film.

Doors and interactive activities at 2; presentation and film at 3 p.m.; Q&A to follow film
 
Admission: $8 or $6 for student with ID
 
Group discounts are available for classes and organizations (comprised of 10 or more) wishing to attend films in the Science On Screen series. For more information please call State GM Sue Richardson at 209-527-4697.

"Another Earth" showing at the State Theatre, Modesto on Nov. 10

What happens if you meet yourself? What would you have to say?

To all of my Modesto area readers: I want to let you know about a great film series going on at our historical State Theatre in the downtown area (1307 J. Street). Science on Screen pairs films with a plot that includes a scientific component with experts in the field. Last month we paired "Spiderman" with a spider expert, with some very cool live arachnids in the lobby. This Sunday we are screening the movie "Another Earth", and our speaker will be Dr. Jim Hetrick, professor and chair of physics at the University of the Pacific (UOP) who will discuss the physics and astronomy in the film.

Another Earth stars William Mapother (Ethan in "Lost"), and Brit Marling (who also was one of the screenwriters) in a drama set at the time of the discovery of another Earth that might be a near exact match to our own planet. The planets in parallel Universes were identical up until the moment they became aware of the existence of the other. Tragedy at the time of discovery might not have happened on Earth II. Maybe.

The film was the first for director Mike Cahill, and when screened at the Sundance Movie Festival, it received a standing ovation and several accolades, including the Alfred P. Sloan Prize for "focusing on science or technology as a theme, or depicting a scientist, engineer or mathematician as a major character."

The State Theatre in Modesto is a wonderful 1930s vintage movie house that recently underwent a complete renovation. It is a marvelous place to watch a movie and other shows. We will have displays and activities in the lobby prior to the movie, which starts at 3:00 PM. The doors will open at 2:00.

Science on Screen is supported by a grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and is a local effort to increase science literacy in our region. I've been on the steering committee for the last year and a half. It's a great program. I hope that my friends and readers in the area will take advantage of this great opportunity and come out for the show! More information can be found at the facebook page for the State Theatre at https://www.facebook.com/events/1426917090862479/. The website for the State Theatre at http://www.thestate.org/.

We have three more films in the Science on Screen series for this season: Whale Rider will screen on Sunday, January 12, Blue Butterfly on March 9, and Avatar on March 31. We also have a special program on April 13, Physics and Fastballs, a presentation by a recently retired Exploratorium expert on America's greatest sport (yeah, argue all you want).