by Lorie Lewis Ham

If you are looking for a fun free movie night, check out Cinemelt at Goldstein’s Mortuary & Delicatessen in the Tower District of Fresno. This October they are featuring a scary movie in honor of Halloween and you can even wear a costume. I chatted with one of the founders of Cinemelt, Ben Woodcock, to learn more.

KRL: What is your role with Cinemelt?

Ben: I co-run Cinemelt, along with my boyfriend Vance. We are very thankful that Goldstein’s graciously lets us use their patio once a month.

KRL: What is Cinemelt?

Ben: Cinemelt is a free movie night at Goldstein’s. We screen films on the back patio, weather permitting, of course, as sometimes we move it indoors.

KRL: Where did the idea come from and when did it first start?

Ben: We were looking at ways to screen films that could also be outside and in a spot that felt right. We wanted to also start a free movie night. Goldstein’s is a community hub in Tower and was the right space for us. We started in September 2022!

KRL: Has it always been at Goldstein’s?

Ben: Yes, we have always been at Goldstein’s.

KRL: How many movies do you show each year and from when to when?

Ben: We have nine screenings each year from September to May. We start once it is dark enough to screen and for this reason we don’t screen during the summer months as it gets dark way too late.

KRL: How do you choose the movies?

Ben: Vance and I usually pick the films we show, along with input from friends as well.

KRL: What is the setup like where you watch?

Ben: We screen on the patio of Goldstein’s. There are plenty of tables and seats. We provide candy to snack on but everyone is always welcome to bring food if you are hungry, Goldstein’s has beverages if you are thirsty, and has chips and salsa.

KRL: Is there a cost?

Ben: It is free!

KRL: When, where, and what time do they happen?

Ben: We screen on the last Wednesday of the month, at Goldstein’s, and usually start around 6:30ish.

KRL: What movies do you have planned this season? Doing anything special for Halloween?

Ben: We will be showing Zombeavers for our October 29 screening. The rest will be an entertaining mix of genres. We always encourage everyone to dress up during our October screening!

KRL: Anything else you would like to add?

Ben: Cinemelt is a fun return to group movie watching that really feels like a group of friends have sat down and are watching a movie at home. Audience feedback during viewings is so enjoyable. If you are free on the last Wednesday of the month, definitely come check it out and our Instagram, @cinemeltfresno for more information.

For more scary movie fun this Halloween season, check out Fresno Filmworks event Spooktacular!

Lorie Lewis Ham is our Editor-in-Chief and a contributor to various sections, coupling her journalism experience with her connection to the literary and entertainment worlds. Explore Lorie’s mystery writing at Mysteryrat’s Closet. Lorie’s latest mystery series is set in the Tower District of Fresno and the world of community theatre! Book 1, One of Us, and Book 2, One of You, are both available to purchase–links on her website.