A free film showing of “Flyabout” by filmmaker Monika Petrillo, a South Pasadena resident, will be presented in the South Pasadena Library Community Room on Thursday, October 7th at 7 p.m. The program is sponsored by the Library and the Friends of the South Pasadena Public Library.

Born in Munich, Germany, Monika Petrillo moved to the United States in 1991.  Since then Monika has established herself as a highly respected and acclaimed script supervisor in the motion picture industry. She has also written about her work in that capacity for publications such asFilmmaker magazine and advised directing fellows at the Sundance Filmmakers’ Lab.

Working as Writer, Director, Director of Photography, Editor and Producer, Monika finally finished “Flyabout”, her directorial debut. It’s a project whose beginning pre-dates her marriage as well as her two kids. Now that it’s completed, Monika looks forward to giving her ancient editing system the long overdue burial it so richly deserves.

“Flyabout” tells the autobiographical story of Monika Petrillo's journey piloting a small single-engine airplane. It’s a personal story of a young woman who gets a pilot’s license and inspires her father to do the same. With him, she follows her dream to fly a plane around Australia. As the only woman pilot in a group of eleven people, Monika sets out to experience the true freedom of flight above one of the most untouched places on earth. Mechanical failures, sudden loss of visibility and unpredictable crosswinds keep her busy and make her uptight. But what impacts her most is the unexpected conflict that arises between her and her father.

The Community Room is located at 1115 El Centro Street. No tickets or reservations are needed and refreshments will be provided by the Friends. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.