Science, robots and film in one State program

Science and film take over the big screen again on Sunday at the State Theatre in Modesto with a screening of "Robot and Frank," along with a program on robotics.

"Robot and Frank" stars Frank Langella and Susan Sarandon in an offbeat buddy movie about an elderly ex-jewel thief and his new, caretaker robot.

The science portion of the program will feature Kevin Gucwa, speaking on turning fictional robots into reality. Gucwa is director assistant at the UC Davis C-STEM Center, a program designed to improve computing, science, technology, engineering and mathematics education in K-14 education. He is pursuing a PhD in mechanical engineering with a focus on robotics.

Representatives from Doctors Medical Center also will be on hand to demonstrate the hospital's da Vinci surgical robot, and there will be a table full of mini bots in the lobby for interactive play. In addition, Beyer High School students participating in the Engineering and Robotics Pathway program will demonstrate their own award-winning robots.

Other films planned in the Science on Screen series are "The Day After Tomorrow" (April 14) and "Jurassic Park" (May 12).

"Robot and Frank" is rated PG-13. Doors open at 2 p.m., with the presentation and film beginning at 3 p.m. A question-and-answer session will follow the film.

The State Theatre is at 1307 J St., Modesto. For more, call (209) 527-4697 or see www.thestate.org.