A new short documentary follows a young street performer through a day of shows on the Santa Monica Pier and his life beyond it.
"Beyond the Performance," a 26-minute, 52-second film by director Valentine Di Marco, follows Jay, a 22-year-old street performer who has performed on the Santa Monica Pier since he was 18. The documentary spends a day with him, beginning with the performers' spot lottery and following several shows on the Pier.
The film observes how Jay and his crew organize their performances, split their earnings and navigate the physical demands of the work. It later follows Jay to boxing training in Venice Beach, revealing another part of his life beyond the Pier.
The film is part of "What a Life," an independent documentary series created and directed by Di Marco. The series explores the lives people build around the things that matter to them, using an observational approach rooted in everyday life. Most subjects are people Di Marco meets naturally, especially around Los Angeles, and each story develops through spending time with them rather than beginning with a predetermined narrative.
Filmed at the Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach, "Beyond the Performance" is set for release Sept. 23, 2026.
More information is available at whatalifestories.com or on YouTube at @whatalife.stories.
Edited by SMDP Staff