Local filmmakers unveil new documentary

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - After over a year in the making, two local filmmakers are ready to unveil their latest documentary to the world. On the Lake, Life and Love in a Distant Place, is an emotionally powerful true-life tale of friendship and love in tragic circumstances.

"It's a look a the tuberculosis epidemic of the early 1900s. Which a lot of people don't know about. In America it was a devastating epidemic. A lot of people died. But, also a lot of people survived,"said Wayne Miller, writer director of On the Lake.

While the film chronicles medical stories, Director David Bettencourt, says the focus isn't just about the disease.

"This film focuses on more of the patients, and more of the families that live at these sanitariums. It's really a fascinating time in our country's history," said Bettencourt.

The one-hour film also has a strong local angle.

"Wayne and I, we live here, and we started this whole thing right here at Zambarano Hospital, which is on Wallum Lake, in Pascoag, Rhode Island. A lot of our stories come from that sanitarium," added Bettencourt.

Some of the more powerful parts of the movie come from old black and white photographs, letters or from survivors themselves. Barbara Pakos, of Newport, recalls when the doctor told her she'd be staying at Zambarano for two years.

"I told the doctor, I'm not staying here. My father told me I would be staying here two weeks."

Barbara is one of many survivors who share their vivid memories. It's their stories that are a triumph of the human spirit.

Bettencourt hopes the movie" will educate and entertain. And people will watch it for years to come."

To watch a trailer of On the Lake, click here. And to see where you can watch it, go to the movie's website.