Cloey Callahan is reporting for the Times Union independent movie theater Upstate Films will debut the Hudson Valley Picture Show, a combination of live entertainment and film screenings, region-wide this summer and early fall. “The idea is to create a narrative of hope and renewal as we come out of the pandemic,” said new theater co-executive director Paul Sturtz. “All of these events will be held under the stars and it will be a variety show of sorts.” The outdoor screenings will launch under Upstate Films' new leadership, co-executive directors Sturtz and Jason Silverman. For its new summer series, Upstate Films will use a state-of-the-art outdoor projection system, including a 24-foot screen, an ultra-bright projector and a powerful sound system, to screen films ranging from the 1981 classic “An American Werewolf in London” to a soon-to-be-announced Janis Joplin special. Kaatsbaan Cultural Park, Opus 40, the Bearsville Center, the Omega Institute, the City of Kingston and Bard College are a few of the institutions and places that Upstate Films has partnered with to produce the series. The first event takes place at Saugerties’ Opus 40 on July 10.  Each show will feature a movie plus live entertainment such as music, poetry, dance and conversation, and presentations from local not-for-profit organizations. Del’s Roadside, from Rhinebeck, will have its food truck to each location, serving burgers, hot dogs, special sandwiches and ice cream. The series will run until October 16 at locations on both sides of the river in Dutchess, Ulster and Columbia counties. For anyone unable to catch a film in person this summer or fall, Upstate Films is also offering virtual cinema online. The theater is also currently available for rent to small parties. Read the full story in the Times Union.