Movie: Beyond the Lake

Join us for a second showing of Lakeside-inspired film “Beyond the Lake” on Sunday, Sept. 4 at 3 p.m. in Orchestra Hall. (1h 40m) There is no cost for admission.

This comedy feature tells the story of Joseph Lakeman, a former musician whose picturesque life shatters when he re-encounters Allison June, the woman who caused him to walk away from music. Both Joe and Allison must confront each other, and their past, as they decide whether their reunion will be a reconnection or a final farewell.

“Beyond the Lake” is written and directed by Lakesider Domenic Porcari and a large portion of the film was captured throughout Lakeside’s grounds in the fall of 2020. Inspired in part by his connection to Lakeside as a place to renew mind, body and spirit, Porcari said, “I wanted Lakeside to be a character in the film.”

Porcari grew up visiting Lakeside, attending God Squad, playing shuffleboard, and even helping to deliver the Lakesider newspaper. After his family purchased their cottage on Elm Avenue about seven years ago, Porcari spent summers here working at Coffee & Cream and Hoover Auditorium.

He graduated from Point Park University with a bachelor’s degree in film production in the spring of 2020. As he stepped into the next chapter of life, he recognized that he may not be able to experience Lakeside in the same way again. To him, this film is in part an “ode to Lakeside.”

Porcari’s first feature film was not without challenge and ingenuity, including rigged golf carts, rain machines and even a broken guitar. For more behind-the-scenes stories, visit beyondthelakefilm.com.