Beneath the Ashes Premieres TODAY – A Community’s Story Rises

Today, February 1, 2026, marks more than a film premiere—it marks a movement.

Tonight, the highly anticipated documentary Beneath the Ashes: The Past Reimagined makes its debut in Pasadena, and with it comes the heart, history, and healing of a community forever changed by one of California’s most devastating disasters: the Eaton Fire.

This isn’t just a film. This is the voice of Altadena. This is the soul of West Pasadena. And it’s a call for the world to listen.

The Fire That Tore Through—and the People Who Stood Up

In January 2025, flames ripped through Altadena, turning beloved homes, businesses, and legacies to ash. The Eaton Fire ravaged over 14,000 acres and destroyed nearly 9,400 structures, with West Altadena’s historically Black neighborhoods hit the hardest.

These were not just buildings—these were generations of wealth, identity, and dreams, painstakingly built by families who’d found refuge in Altadena when other cities turned them away. And overnight, much of it was gone.

But Altadena didn’t fold. It organized. It showed up. It stood tall.

From Tragedy to Testimony: The Power of Storytelling

Beneath the Ashes: The Past Reimagined captures that very spirit. Produced by local leader Brandon Lamar and directed by award-winning filmmaker Hrag Yedalian, this documentary is a raw, artistic, and unfiltered look at what the fire took—and what can never be taken: resilience, culture, and community.

Tonight’s screening is a tribute to every elder who lost a home, every family who stayed with neighbors, every child who drew strength from ashes.

This is your story, Altadena.

Brandon Lamar: A Leader with Vision and Heart

Brandon Lamar is more than a Pasadena City Councilmember. He is a cultural preservationist, an activist, and a force behind this movement. From day one of the fire’s aftermath, Lamar rolled up his sleeves to serve, organize, and make sure West Altadena would not be forgotten.

He founded Dena Relief, partnered with dozens of community groups, and now leads the effort to put our recovery on the screen—not just for remembrance, but for justice. As the producer of this film, Lamar is making sure that history is not written about Altadena—it’s written by Altadena.

A Portrait in Ashes and Art: The People Behind the Film

The film features stories from real survivors:

• Elders who escaped through smoke with photo albums in hand.

• Artists like Keni “Arts” Davis, who lost decades of work, but now paints the ruins with hope in his series “Beauty for Ashes.”

• Families of Jackie and Mack Robinson, who honor the legacy of strength passed down from Pasadena’s most legendary sons.

The premiere will be filled with community members who lived through this tragedy and are now stepping forward as storytellers. These are not actors. These are neighbors. And they are bringing truth to light.

Altadena artist Keni “Arts” Davis holds one of his watercolors painted after the fire, standing before the ruins of a beloved local building. Through art, Keni preserves memories of what was lost and helps the community imagine renewal.

TONIGHT: Join Us in Honoring, Healing, and Rebuilding

The Beneath the Ashes premiere takes place tonight at 4:30 PM at the AGBU Vatche & Tamar Manoukian Cultural Center in Pasadena.

• Doors open at 4:00 PM

• Event includes film screening, panel discussions, and opportunities to support ongoing recovery efforts.

• Admission is free, but you must register in advance.

This is more than a documentary. It’s a turning point. An opportunity to reflect, to honor, and to recommit ourselves to rebuilding a stronger, more just, and more united Altadena.

How You Can Support the Movement

• Show up tonight. Your presence matters.

• Share this story. Let the world know Altadena is not forgotten.

• Support organizations like Project Passion Inc., Dena Relief, and Juicy Little Society, who continue to serve those still recovering.

• Purchase or donate to MADE IN DENA, which has partnered with recovery leaders to create gear that funds local aid and amplifies the pride of this community.

Because out of the ashes, we rise together.

Event Details

Beneath the Ashes: The Past Reimagined📅 TODAY – Thursday, February 1, 2026🕓 Doors Open: 4:00 PM | Screening: 4:30 PM📍 AGBU Vatche & Tamar Manoukian Cultural Center2495 E. Mountain Street, Pasadena, CA 91104

🎟️ Register to attend: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beneath-the-ashes-the-past-reimagined-tickets-1976654104637

🔗 More info via PBS: https://www.pbssocal.org/event/beneath-the-ashes-the-past-reimagined-premiere