As one of the most beloved film series comes to a close later this year, celebrate the first glimpse at a galaxy far, far away with a community screening of Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope, with special guest, author and Arroyo Grande native, Ken Napzok. The movie screening will be on Saturday, Aug. 24 from 4:30 – 9:30 p.m. at the Clark Center in Arroyo Grande.
“I remember seeing Star Wars for the first time at a friend’s house, and thought “What is this?’ I was hooked immediately and remember going to opening night of Return of the Jedi in 1983,” Napzok said.
The fundraising event is hosted by the Central Coast Film Society, a new nonprofit dedicated to fostering future media artists, and to create opportunities to get involved in the industry by hosting lectures, screenings and a film festival in the Santa Ynez Valley in fall of 2020.
“We are so thrilled to have Ken be a part of this event. He is a perfect spokesman for the Fandom of Star Wars. The audience will be captivated by his insight and humor with all things Star Wars,” said Daniel Lahr, executive director of the CCFS.
Ken “The Pitboss” Napzok will introduce Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope and participate in a post screening Q and A. He is a co-creator of the ForceCenter podcast feed with Joseph Scrimshaw and Jennifer Landa, is a frequent contributor on Collider Jedi Council and the 2017 Movie Trivia Schmoedown Star Wars Champion. And yes, he has a lifesize Ewok in his living room.
Napzok recently published his first book, “Why We Love Star Wars: The Great Moments That Built A Galaxy Far, Far Away” released by Mango Publishing.
“The book is really about the journey as a fan of the series. You don’t have to be an expert in Star Wars to get what I am talking about, it’s written for every generation of Star Wars fans,” Napzok said.
Napzok grew up in Arroyo Grande and attended Arroyo Grande High School, graduating in 1994. He was a radio disc jockey for a local station before they were taken over by a larger company, and he left to move to Los Angeles in 1998, starting his career in stand-up comedy. Napzok was also a screenwriter and his day job was producing podcasts. In addition to hosting various shows on the ForceCenter podcast feed, he has his personal podcast, The Napzok Files.
“I am excited to be coming back to the Central Coast and talking about what I love. I miss Arroyo Grande and Pismo and I can’t wait to visit my old stomping grounds,” Napzok said.
The event has several levels of participation from the VIP Experience ($35) starting at 4:30 p.m., where a limited amount of tickets will be sold to attend a pre-screening, meet and greet with Napzok and include a signed copy of his book. There will be reserved seating included.
The Early Admission ($15) tickets starting at 5 p.m., will have access to theater seating an hour before the screening and access to pre-screening activities before general admission.
General Admission ($10/adults and $7/kids) will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the screening begins at 6 p.m.
This is a celebration of Star Wars, so feel free to wear your costumes and join in the fun. There’s bound to be a few surprises!
For more information on the Central Coast Film Society visit centralcoastfilmsociety.org or follow them on social media, and to purchase tickets visit clarkcenter.org/event/star-wars-iv-a-new-hope.