South Bay Film Fest Celebrates Local Cinema and Global Impact

Redondo Beach, CA --- On April 11th, the Rotary Club of Redondo Beach hosted the South Bay Film Fest, a one-night celebration of classic films shot on location in the iconic South Bay--and a heartfelt fundraiser supporting impactful community and international service projects.

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The evening featured screenings of beloved movies filmed in the region, offering a nostalgic look at the South Bay’s cinematic legacy. Film lovers gathered at the Hermosa Beach Community Theatre to enjoy these locally made treasures while championing a global cause.

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Two special guests added a memorable dimension to the event: Geoffrey Blake, actor in many Hollywood blockbusters, including Forrest Gump, Apollo 13, and Contact, captivated the audience with behind-the-scenes stories from his career and his ties to the South Bay. Rick Andersen, one of the original skaters featured in the groundbreaking short film Skaterdater (1965), shared personal anecdotes about the making of what is considered the first skateboarding film ever produced.

A highlight of the evening was the awarding of the Student Film Contest Prize, celebrating the theme of Kindness. Three local high school students were recognized for their original short films that explored this powerful theme with creativity, depth, and heart. Caitlin Rohde, Catherine Curry, and Nathan Kneller each had their films screened before a live audience and received cash prizes for their work.

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“Chasing Kindness” by Nathan Kneller, the first-place winner, transforms the solitary act of running into a deeply communal and reflective experience. Through his connection with teammates and the stunning landscapes of the South Bay--its streets, trails, and beaches--Nathan captures the quiet beauty of movement, friendship, and place. With gentle glimpses of seagulls overhead and sunsets melting into the horizon, the film plays like a love letter to running, the bonds we build along the way, and the natural beauty of the South Bay that inspires it all.

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“Spinning” by Caitlin Rohde is a quiet meditation on a feeling many know all too well — the comfort of routine slowly giving way to emotional numbness and the quiet question: Is there more beyond the familiar? Through subtle storytelling, the film explores the “functional freeze” that can settle in unnoticed, until the gentle concern of friends nudges the protagonist toward re-engagement with the world. Their empathy and encouragement become a catalyst for rediscovering color, connection, and the richness of life beyond habit. It’s a poignant reminder of the transformative power of human kindness.

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“That’ll Be Ten Dollars” by Catherine Curry is an uplifting reflection on how turning a personal disappointment into an opportunity to help someone else can transform not just one moment, but lives. With warmth and sincerity, the film reminds us that kindness is contagious, and no gesture is ever too small to make a meaningful difference. It’s a heartening story about the ripple effect of compassion and the quiet power we each have to brighten the world around us.

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Proceeds from the event will benefit a wide range of Rotary programs, including:

• Music Mends Minds, a therapeutic music program for people with neurodegenerative conditions

• Vision To Learn, offering free eye exams and glasses to students in need

• Scholarships and entrepreneurship competitions for local high school students

• Support for first responders, as well as victims of domestic violence and human trafficking

• Outreach to the unhoused

• International clean water projects in Kenya, Fiji, Guatemala, and the Philippines

• Girls' education and empowerment efforts in developing countries

• Community gardens and global peace initiatives

• Polio eradication