Community Corner

Comedic Filmmaker Returns to Her San Gabriel Valley Roots

Cherie De Pietro Kerr, an Arcadia High School and Citrus College graduate, will screen her quirky comedy "We've Got Balls" at Monrovia's Action on Film Festival.

San Gabriel Valley native Cherie De Pietro Kerr has worn many hats in her career, from running a public relations firm and a communication skills training company, to performing, directing and writing sketch and improv comedy as the founding member of the comedy troupe L.A. Groundlings.

Now Kerr, who graduated from Arcadia High School and Citrus College before embarking on a 40-plus career in comedy, is returning to her San Gabriel Valley roots with the screening of her first feature length independent comedy, “We’ve Got Balls” at the Action on Film International Film Festival Aug. 17 in Monrovia, Calif. The film has been chosen as the festival’s Official Selection.

The quirky comedy starring Gary Austin and Andrew Dickler, tells the story of the small town of Fountain Springs and its 52 residents who are determined to save its beloved bowling alley from a filthy rich land developer and the town’s corrupt mayor from being bulldozed to the ground.

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The fate of the bowling alley ultimately lies in the outcome of a tense bowling tournament. The film has generated rave reviews and has also been chosen as an Official Selection at the Newport Beach Film Festival.

Kerr said she is thrilled to see her film screened in the San Gabriel Valley.

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“It feels like coming home,” said Kerr who now lives in Orange County. “I have many incredible memories of growing up in the San Gabriel Valley, which shaped most of my career goals. It’s such a joy to come full circle and return ‘home’ to showcase my work.”

Following graduating from Arcadia High School and Citrus College where she majored in Humanities, Kerr established herself firmly in the Southern California comedy scene. Kerr’s comedy troupe L.A. Groundlings included well-known comedians Will Farrell, Phil Hartman, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph and Kathy Griffin. In 1990, Kerr founded the Orange County Crazies. Kerr is also an author of 11 books and was named Ten Most Sensational People in Orange County” by Orange Coast magazine.

Kerr plans to showcase “We’ve Got Balls” in film festivals through the end of the year before seeking film distribution. She is currently working on her next film, “Small Claims.”

“We’ve Got Balls” will screen at the Action on Film International Film Festival 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17 at the Krikorian Premiere Theatre in Monrovia.

Tickets for the film are currently available at www.AOFfest.com.


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