Altadena Little League's Comeback from Eaton Fire Inspires Documentary

Film follows community's resilience as they rebuild after devastating wildfire

Apr. 14, 2026 at 11:27pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, breaking a Little League baseball game down into sharp, overlapping geometric planes of color and abstract shapes, conceptually representing the community's resilience and unity after a natural disaster.A cubist interpretation of a Little League baseball game captures the community's resilience and unity in the wake of a devastating wildfire.Pasadena Today

A documentary film that follows the 2025 Central Altadena Little League season in the wake of the Eaton fire will be screened at the Pasadena International Film Festival. The film, directed by Eric Simonson and produced by his wife Sue Cremin, captures how the community rallied around baseball to find a sense of home and normalcy after the devastating wildfire.

Why it matters

The Eaton fire devastated the Altadena community, leaving many families displaced and without homes. The documentary showcases how the local Little League provided a much-needed sense of community and hope for residents during a difficult time of recovery and rebuilding.

The details

Simonson and Cremin, who have a personal connection to the Altadena community, filmed the 2025 Central Altadena Little League season without any preconceived notions. What they captured was a community that united around baseball, with families and neighbors supporting each other even if their own children weren't playing. Despite struggles finding places to practice and travel challenges, the Altadena Reds team featured in the film went on to win the regional Tournament of Champions.

  • The documentary will premiere at the Pasadena International Film Festival on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
  • The film will also be screened on the final day of the 2026 Central Altadena Little League season on Saturday, May 16 at Loma Alta Park.

The players

Eric Simonson

The writer and director of the documentary, who lives in Glendale with his wife Sue Cremin.

Sue Cremin

The producer of the documentary, who is married to director Eric Simonson.

Owen Okelberry

A 12-year-old player on the Altadena Reds team featured in the documentary, who said the team's triumph against more resourced opposition was a powerful example of overcoming obstacles.

Jessie Okelberry

The mother of Owen and Lewis Okelberry, who described the 2025 season as therapeutic for her family after losing their home in the Eaton fire.

Nathan Okelberry

The father of Owen and Lewis Okelberry, who said the Little League provided a 'nice little distraction' and sense of community during the difficult recovery process.

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What they’re saying

“Just watching baseball felt like home to them. They had lost their home, this was their home now, their home was their community and their home was the baseball field.”

— Eric Simonson, Director

“I think for us it was a nice little distraction. To have something that devastated that entire neighborhood and community, but then still seeing everybody together and doing something that was collectively for our kids.”

— Nathan Okelberry, Parent

“A lot of people got to see this group of kids that had been through everything succeed, it gave them a little up in their day.”

— Owen Okelberry, Player

What’s next

The documentary will be screened at film festivals in Arizona and Wisconsin later this year after its Pasadena premiere.

The takeaway

This documentary showcases the power of community and the restorative role of youth sports in the aftermath of a devastating natural disaster. It serves as an inspiring example of how a local Little League team and their families were able to find hope, unity and a sense of home during a time of great upheaval.