“Going for Home” Brings Altadena’s Story of Resilience to Pasadena and Beyond

A close-up of the “Going for Home” movie poster.

Academy Award-winning filmmaker Eric Simonson continues the festival run of his acclaimed documentary Going for Home with an upcoming screening at the Pasadena International Film Festival on Wednesday, April 15 at 5:50 pm, followed by a special community outdoor screening in Altadena on May 16.

By News Desk

The film, which first premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, tells the deeply personal story of a Little League community in Altadena grappling with the aftermath of the Eaton Fire. As families face displacement and uncertainty, the documentary follows a group of young players who choose to continue their season, finding purpose and connection through baseball amid the challenges of rebuilding their lives.

The April 15 screening in Pasadena marks a significant stop in the film’s growing presence on the festival circuit. In addition to Santa Barbara, Going for Home has screened at the Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival and is slated to appear next at the Arizona International Film Festival.

Produced by Sue Cremin, the documentary offers an intimate and nuanced portrait of a community in recovery. Its emotional depth is further enhanced by an evocative score from Gordon Gano of Violent Femmes, whose music underscores both the hardship and hope woven throughout the story.

April 16: Loma Alta Park Screening

A highlight of the film’s run will be the May 16 outdoor screening at Loma Alta Park. Timed to follow closing day ceremonies, the event brings the documentary directly to the community it portrays. Set under the open sky, the screening is expected to serve as a gathering point for families, players, and residents to reflect on shared experiences of loss, resilience, and unity.

Going for Home has drawn widespread praise for its emotional authenticity, balancing humor, heartbreak, and triumph in a story that resonates far beyond the baseball field.

Screening Details
Pasadena International Film Festival:
April 15, 2026, 5:50 pm
Community Outdoor Screening:
Loma Alta Park, Altadena, CA
May 16, 2026, 8:00 pm