CHS Senior Ari Turobiner has been working on a film project since early quarantine, called Back to the Future: Project 85. His project is a film based on the first movie of the Back to the Future trilogy, putting a modern-day twist on the original movie’s plot. 

Turobiner is the director, co-organizer, and producer of BTTF: Project 85. His inspiration for the film came about when he saw a fan-made remake of Back to the Future Part II called “BTTF Too” on YouTube. Turobiner gathered a team of over 250 people from around the world, including his assistant director from London to raise money and celebrate the 35th anniversary of the original movie.

“We have a FaceBook group where all 250 members operate, and a scene list,” said Turobiner. “I also have group chats with every team involved.”

The plot of the 1985 time-travel classic is about an 80’s teenager, Marty McFly, who accidentally travels back in time to 1955 in a DeLorean time machine. McFly and his scientist friend, Doc Brown, must figure out a way for his parents to fall in love in order to save his own existence and get back to 1985.

“It’s the same movie that you know and love, just remade by fans with its own unique charm,” said Turobiner. “Some filming methods include live action, animated, stop motion, and more.”

Turobiner’s lifelong inspiration has been actor Michael J. Fox, famously known for his role as Marty McFly in the Back to the Future trilogy. His admiration for Fox prompted him to give all proceeds made from the film to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Turobiner lost a family member to Parkinson’s Disease, and wears a Parkinson’s bracelet everyday in remembrance of his family member and love of Fox.

“As someone with a personal connection to Parkinson’s Disease, Michael J. Fox’s optimism is something I try to hold on to,” said Turobiner. “Michael J. Fox inspires me so much every single day. I love him as a person, actor, [and] activist, and I carry his optimism with me everywhere I go. To me, Michael J. Fox is my hero.”

Fans should expect BTTF: Project 85 to premiere on YouTube Sunday, November 15, 2020, if delays do not occur. Project 85 includes many cast cameos from the original movie, including two lead stars, one of which is Lea Thompson, who reprises her role as Marty’s mom Lorraine.

“I’m really excited for this project to come out,” said Turobiner. “I can’t wait for everyone to see it. This has been a passion project of mine, and I’m so happy that I now have the chance to fulfill my dream. Every second working on this project has been incredible, and I’ve gotten to meet so many amazing people.”

Turobiner encourages people to follow their social media pages: @bttfproject85. To watch the premiere, subscribe to @BTTF Project 85 on YouTube.