Van Nuys travels back in time with “Back to the Future” screening

My Valley Pass hosted an event on Saturday called Back to the Valley, in which the classic 1985 film “Back to the Future” transformed the Van Nuys Civic Center.

By Natalie Metcalf, Valley Life Editor

The DeLorean, adorned with a Mr. Fusion transfer on the back of the car, was one of two DeLoreans at the event on Saturday, September 2, 2022. Van Nuys, Calif. (Ava Rosate/Valley Star)

As a clueless Marty McFly stumbles through Hill Valley, the iconic 80’s film “Back to the Future” illuminates the Van Nuys Civic Center on Saturday night, sending 500 fans back in time.

My Valley Pass –– the official guide to the San Fernando Valley –– hosted a “Back to the Future” themed event called Back to the Valley. Two Delorean time machines could be seen from Sylvan St., one time machine from the first film and the other from the second –– the only difference being the Mr. Fusion energy reactor. Another notable film car from the 80’s classic was Marty McFly’s 4x4 Toyota truck.

“We wanted to find a nice way to involve the community,” said the co-founder of My Valley Pass, Jared Cowan. ““Back to the Future” is a fan favorite, it really is amazing the power this movie has.”

Tickets for the screening cost $5 with all proceeds being donated to the San Fernando Valley Tournament of Roses organization. My Valley Pass will design a float for the Rose Parade this year, centered around the San Fernando Valley.

The Flux Capacitors band performs an 80's hit 'Living On Video.' Saturday, September 2, 2022. Van Nuys, Calif. (Ava Rosate/Valley Star)

Before the screening, the official “Back to the Future” franchise band, The Flux Capacitors, performed memorable 80’s songs such as The Power of Love by Huey Lewis and the News, Just Like Heaven by The Cure, Ghostbusters by Ray Parker Jr and Dancing With Myself by Billy Idol. Two songs from the “Bright Lights, Big City” (1988) soundtrack –– which also starred Michael J. Fox –– were added by a DJ before the live band performed.

Bob Gale, the co-creator, writer and producer of the film, recorded a message at the end of the movie for fans.

“I’m here to tell you you’re in for a great treat,” said Gale. “Seeing a movie like this with an audience is the best way to see it.”

Lenny Hockteil, a Valley resident, owns an infamous time-traveling Delorean. The film car fanatic has owned the car for 10 years. During the film’s 35th anniversary back in 2015, he participated in four “Back to the Future” events a month. The time machine owner has met cast members from the film, including Claudia Wells (Jennifer Parker), Lea Thompson (Lorraine Banes McFly) and Donald Fullilove (Goldie Wilson).

“The roots [for the car] are basically my son,” said Hockteil. “He was born in 1985, so he grew up watching the movie. It took 30-some years and he was graduating from college.”

The film ‘Back to the Future’ was released in 1985 and instantly became a hit, making $388.8 million in box office revenue worldwide. Marty Mcfly (Michael J. Fox) accidentally travels back to 1955, interrupting his parent's first meeting. With the help of Doctor Emmett Brown (Christopher Lyold), Marty struggles with returning to present-day 1985. “Back to the Future” was filmed in the Valley. The original Hill Valley town square and the clock tower were filmed at Universal Studios Hollywood.

“This is my Hill Valley, I was born and raised here,” said an actor portraying Doctor Emmett Brown at the event. “All I want to do is contribute in any way possible. It’s heartwarming that a movie stuck around for that long and touched so many people."