To roll into the new technological age and meet changes in how movies are distributed, both the Woodstock and Rhinebeck Upstate Films locations will have to convert their projectors from film to digital or see their ability to offer their customers topnotch entertainment disappear within the next few months. While private donations and grants for the not-for-profit theaters have made up the vast majority of the $180,000 needed to complete the conversion, a pair of benefit screenings will take place this weekend to help nudge Upstate Films closer to the finish line.
Ain’t In It for My Health, a documentary feature by Jacob Hatley, tells the story of the late musician Levon Helm of The Band. Shot during the course of two-plus years, the film focuses on the four-time Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer after the 2007 comeback album, Dirt Farmer, brought him back into the public spotlight. Ain’t In It for My Health is an in-depth and intimate look at the Woodstock musician who died of cancer in April 2012.
Of the documentary, longtime Helm collaborator and musical director Larry Campbell says, “Jacob was the perfect fly on the wall for many months as we experienced the ups and downs of a wonderful time in all our lives. The result is a rare, artful and honest glimpse into the fascinating world of one of our true American treasures, Levon Helm.”
On Saturday, April 13, Upstate Films in Woodstock will host a 2 p.m. screening of Ain’t In It for My Health, with special guests Amy Helm, Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams. And on Sunday, April 14, Upstate Films in Rhinebeck will host a screening of the documentary at 6 p.m.
Tickets to the Woodstock screening and event are $20, while tickets to the Rhinebeck screening are $12. For more information, visit https://upstatefilms.org/events. Upstate Films is also still taking private donations, which can be given in person, online or by sending a check to Upstate Films, PO Box 324, Rhinebeck NY 12572. For more information, call 876-2515 or 679-6608.
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