New documentary captures Lockport’s history, city’s ‘hidden gems’

Lockport — The ROXY Theatre in Lockport will host a special premiere screening of “Land of Locks – Welcome Home to Lockport,” a documentary chronicling the city’s history, “vibrant life” and “hidden gems.”

The screening will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday at the ROXY, 1017 S. State St.

The 45-minute documentary was produced and directed by Michael Fanter through his Lemon Town Films company and was locally sponsored by Realtopia Real Estate, which will be providing refreshments from Taco Heaven and The Cupcakery Bakery for the invitation-only premiere.

“Teaming with local residential real estate experts means we check all the boxes important to people shopping for homes and communities,” Fanter said in the event announcement. “I know local residents will be thrilled to see the features of their own town on the big screen.”

The documentary includes interviews with business owners, elected officials and residents, and was created using traditional film equipment to capture the downtown streets of Lockport, as well as specialty drones to capture aerial shots and provide “a bird’s-eye view of the city.”

According to Lemon Town, the documentary “weaves through the town’s historical past, the charm of daily life and includes an adventurous day trip while also unveiling Lockport’s ultimate hidden gem.”

“From the initial footage we’ve seen, Michael and Lemon Town have captured the vibrant life of Lockport,” Realtopia managing broker and owner Ashley York said. “Our residents love their city, and the film will affirm for them why and more. I can’t wait to see our city captured on film.”

Residents invited to the screening will have the chance to give feedback before the short officially debuts at 9 p.m. Jan. 25 on YouTube.

“I am so excited for our premiere as well as the feedback we’ll receive on the cusp of finalizing our Lockport film,” Fanter said. “Capturing the city that ‘made Chicago famous’ is exhilarating in its own right, and with that comes the weight of great expectations.”

The production is part of a series of short-form documentaries produced by Fanter on YouTube that “delve deep into the heart of various communities, offering viewers an inside look at the towns they might one day call home or visit.”

Each episode is meant to highlight the unique aspects of a town, including its history, real estate, schools, businesses, attractions and dining options, and uses “state-of-the-art filmmaking techniques” including professional voiceovers and screenwriting, animation, immersive music and high-quality sound design.

“Documenting the city and all it has to offer has been an incredible journey, and capturing the strength and dramatic beauty of the city through stunning cinematography has been a truly rewarding experience,” Fanter said.