Beacon Film Society Presents:
VALVE TURNERS – in partnership with Beacon Climate Action Now

In VALVE TURNERS, a small group of activists travel to remote valve sites and take a daring stand against the fossil fuel industry. Acting in solidarity with Standing Rock, they carefully plan a bid to disrupt the entire flow of tar sands oil from Canada into the United States. Pipelines carrying 2.8 million barrels per day are halted, eliciting a firm counteraction from the fossil fuel industry and local authorities.

Director Steve Bonds-Liptay and fellow climate doc filmmaker Deia Schlosberg will be in attendance for a Q&A following the screening, moderated by Beacon Climate Action Now.

Director’s Statement
From the Boston Tea Party to the Greensboro Four, the American story is punctuated by ambitious small groups engaging in nonviolent resistance against injustice and the abuse of power. Again and again, people organize and use nonviolent tactics to galvanize the public around pressing issues. I write this as the 2025 fires in Los Angeles are upending countless lives. The momentum of the climate emergency feels relentless and the fossil fuel industry’s grip on our lives, our politics and our economy can seem insurmountable. In the years ahead, what will be our collective response? When political systems are captured by corporate interests, what will spur them to act? And if governments are unable to protect us, at what point must we take matters into our own hands? These are difficult questions that the public continues to grapple with. They afford no easy answers. My hope is that VALVE TURNERS can support and amplify the ongoing conversations around direct action and legal strategies that challenge and expose the fossil fuel industry and their political allies.

Filmmaker Bio
Steve Bonds-Liptay contributed cinematography and editing to the award-winning HBO documentary How to Let Go of the World (and Love All the Things Climate Can’t Change) which premiered at Sundance 2016. That same year, he co-directed and produced DIVEST!, a concert film about fossil fuel divestment and began filming VALVE TURNERS. Steve's photography has appeared in Rolling Stone, The New York Times and The Boston Globe.

Beacon Climate Action Now
The Mid-Hudson Valley is our home, so we’ve come together to find political solutions for the climate crisis and empower communities to take action at all levels of government. We believe that the impact of our local organizing can ripple out well beyond our region to other parts of the state and country. Embedded in all our work is the intentional prioritization of marginalized communities who are most impacted by the crises we face. @beacon.can

Beacon Film Society
Beacon Film Society is a volunteer run organization that hosts screenings of socially relevant films with the participation of the filmmakers. Each screening takes place in Beacon, NY and is followed by a live Q&A. The goals of BFS are two-fold: to provide a venue for films not otherwise available theatrically in the surrounding region, and to create a space for dialogue – about both the art and craft of filmmaking, and the content presented within each film. Currently helmed by filmmaker Lucas Millard and producer Jenny Tibbels. @beaconfilmsociety

The Beacon Movie Theater is hosting The Beacon Film Society this spring with a line-up of films by New York filmmakers. VALVE TURNERS is the second screening of the season.

Sunny days are storming into cool nights as summer seeps into September. School will soon begin, work schedules will fill up, weekend plans may be a little harder to make. Drive-in movie theaters provide an easygoing mode of entertainment to ease the transition of summer break into a fall state of mind, especially since most theaters are open rain or shine until mid-September. If you are looking for an evening of nostalgia from the glow of the silver screen, a whimsical summer night with starry lights and blankets on the plush grass, or a breezy family night, cruise around the Hudson Valley to spend an evening at one of these eight locations before summer slips away.

Overlook Drive-In

Poughkeepsie, 30 minutes, 18 miles from Beacon

Located in Poughkeepsie, Overlook Drive-In proudly offers a screen about the size of a six-story building, the largest in the tri-state area. Opened in 1955, Overlook hosts 750 cars to view their double-feature movies. Classic movie theater snacks such as popcorn and candy are sold here, along with pizza, hot dogs, and burgers. In addition to the massive screen, the freshly made funnel cakes set Overlook apart from the other drive-in movie theaters. Adults pay $10, children ages 5-11 pay $7, and kids under 5 are free. If you are able to make it to Monday Bargain night, everyone pays $7 for a ticket.

Hyde Park Drive-In

Hyde Park, 35 minutes, 21 miles from Beacon

If you are looking for a simple setting, this is the place. Hyde Park Drive-In consistently screens recent releases, accommodates around 670 cars in this pet-friendly location, and offers fried dough and cappuccinos, in addition to fast food and theater snacks. Bargain night is Tuesday night, when all tickets are at times reduced to $7.

Four Brothers Drive-In

Amenia, 50 minutes, 45 miles from Beacon

Established in 2014, this ’60s themed drive-in provides a modern yet whimsical aesthetic. General admission is set at $11, seniors pay $8, children 5-10 pay $6, and children under 5 are free. Four Brothers has a playground, mini-golf course and a hotel on site. Movies are centered around family-friendly content, ranging from comedy to drama, with the occasional cultural indie film. Their grounds boast a lively atmosphere, a wheelchair accessible park, and a communal litter box for the welcomed pets. The elaborate menu goes beyond the classics and dives into innovative, including hand-spun shakes with flavors such as baklava or wine, grilled burgers that go beyond beef to include salmon or veggie options, and paw treats for pets. I could probably write a separate piece on the menu alone.

Warwick Drive-In

Warwick (Orange County), 50 minutes, 41 miles from Beacon

Open seven nights a week with three screens, this rustic setting plays recent releases. First opened in 1950, this drive-in serves usual theater snacks and fast food, most notably their popcorn chicken. Adults ages 12 and up pay $12, children 4-11 and seniors are $8, and children under 4 are free.

Hi-Way Drive-In

Coxsackie (Greene County), 1 hour, 68 miles from Beacon

Open seven nights a week since 1951, four screens showcase a different double feature every night. Offering only a classic snack bar, this location plays recent releases. Admission is set at $10 for adults, $5 for children 3-11, and free for kids under 3.

Greenville Drive-In & Beer Garden

Greenville (Greene County), 1 hour 18 minutes, 77 miles from Beacon

In business since 1959, this drive-in leans toward playing independent films, shorts, community works and the occasional classic. Locally produced beer, wine, and spirits are served here. Occasionally, drinks are coordinated to theme with the scheduled film, such as a kryptonite drink for the Superman movie. Outdoor seating provides a stage for live music, and the snack bar includes potato skins, ice cream and locally made popsicles.

Hollywood Drive-In

Averill Park (Rensselaer County), 1 hour 41 minutes, 102 miles from Beacon

Look out for random free passes at the bottom of your popcorn boxes at this charming drive-in. First opened in 1952, the Hollywood Drive-In plays a double feature seven nights a week. Crunch on nachos and pizza as recent Hollywood releases flicker across the silver screen. General admission for adults is $10, kids pay $5.

Jericho Drive-In

Glenmont (Albany County), 1 hour 25 minutes, 87 miles from Beacon

Jericho Drive-In provides an old-time feel but plays recent releases. Pets are welcome - bring your pup on Sundays after 6 pm to receive a free Doggie Vanilla treat. An on-site ice cream shop sells fun flavors such as s'mores or Raspberry Rumble, a heavenly blend of raspberry swirls and truffles. Classic snacks and fast food are available, ranging from mozzarella sticks to popcorn and slushies. Adults pay $10, kids $5. Oh, and be sure to save your ticket stubs for a prize at the door!