HINCKLEY, N.Y. — A new documentary about a local lake premieres soon.
“Right Here on Hinckley” by local video director Zach Surprenant will debut on Labor Day weekend, Friday, Aug. 29, at Hinckley Lake.
The film explores the modern history of the lake through the stories of its residents.
Surprenant said, “I wanted to make something about the party days and all the local more recent legends, but also, I knew that a lot of these people that can tell the story are still here, or if they aren’t here, there’s at least a direct contact—someone that knew them that’s still around.”
The project began with interviews and research in 2024 and includes five years of footage from 2020 to 2025.
The project gained momentum after Surprenant connected with local lake advocate Dennis Corrigan.
Over the past five months, they have been shooting interviews and gathering footage to create a meaningful narrative.
Surprenant said the film’s message is of respecting and preserving the lake, hoping it will foster pride among locals and provide insight to visitors.
“This is a place that we love as locals, and the video is made for locals, for sure. But also, I know that there are guests that come here, and I want them to see it, too, just to see how much we love this place,” he said.
The premiere will take place at Cookingham Bay, about one mile past the dam on Rt. 365, with the screening starting at 8 p.m.
The event is expected to feature campfires.
Copies of the film will be available on DVD and VHS at the premiere and locally at Bailey’s Northway Stop & Shop, according to a release.
Check out the video below for more clips from the documentary.
A new documentary about a local lake premieres soon.