AmDocs Film Festival returns with 'something there for everyone' from music to inclusive stories

There's no one way to tackle the upcoming American Documentary and Animation Film Festival. But if you ask Founder Teddy Grouya, he suggests throwing a dart at the schedule and going to whichever program it lands on, because you won't go wrong.

The 12th annual AmDocs festival will showcase the latest in animation and documentary films from March 30 to April 3. Screenings, panels and more will all take place at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Tickets for individual films or packages can be purchased at www.amdocfilmfest.com.

There's no one specific theme for this year, according to Grouya. Instead, a multitude of animated and documentary shorts and feature length films have been packaged together and typically revolve around similar tones, genres and themes. Some of this year's programs include those dedicated to ethnographic exposés, high-paced sports stories, cuisines from all around the world, women's stories and more.

Grouya watches more than 2,000 films a year, and being selected for the festival is like "getting into an Ivy League school." Documentaries, in particular, are "an interesting genre," although many times ignored by the general public.

"There are people that have told me, 'Oh, we’re not interested in documentaries,' but it’s still great movies," Grouya said. "You don’t understand that you’re really limiting yourself by saying you don’t want to go see a documentary because the stories are just as engaging as any Hollywood narrative in many cases."

The decision to feature animation films alongside documentaries, he explained, is due to the success of "Searching for Sugar Man." The Academy Award-winning documentary follows two fans who attempt to find out whether the rumored death of American musician Sixto Rodriguez was true and, if not, discover what happened. The director, Malik Bendjelloul, didn't have archival footage to use, so he "very effectively integrated animation," Grouya said. The festival founder thought that was "a great tool" and decided to search for animated films that would complement documentaries.

Once he started going to more animation-focused film festivals, he realized how important that genre is as well.

"Most people think, 'Animation, that's cartoons, that's Disney stuff,'" Grouya said. "No, there's some super, super sharp, mature works that are telling stories as well." Just among this year's crop of Academy Award nominated feature and short animated films were retold classics ("Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio"), an exploration of one's sexual awakening ("My Year of Dicks") and a tale of loss and family connection ("Ice Merchants").

AmDocs' opening night festivities on March 30 are going to look a little different. In the past, the festival has traditionally invited a celebrity guest to celebrate, such as Grammy Award winner Dionne Warwick or Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone, but this year's star will be a wide selection of short films.

The picks include "Longhouse," "Rachel," "Pete, "Keeping Time," "Angel Dose" and "Flightpath," and all feature an underlying theme of the power of inclusivity, explained Grouya. The films tell stories about gender identity, a nurse who races against time to deliver COVID-19 vaccines to homebound patients, what it takes to be an animator and more.

"There's a number of films on opening night that evoke this sense of inclusivity and that our world is better because of it," Grouya said.

Music will also be a staple of opening night with performances from local artists, such as an African American gospel group from Indio, Grouya added.

The festival as a whole will celebrate musicians in a number of ways.

Charles Fox, who has composed more than 100 film and television scores and songs, such as "Killing Me Softly with His Song," will have his story told in a documentary of the song's same name at 7 p.m. March 31. After the screening, he will hit the stage at the Cultural Center.

Similarly, John Bayless, conductor Leonard Bernstein's protégé, will perform following the screening of "Left Alone Rhapsody" at 7 p.m. April 1. Bayless debuted at Carnegie Hall, performing “Rhapsody in Blue” with a full orchestra, when he was 25. That launched him into a successful 30-year concert and recording career, until a stroke at age 53 affected the right side of his body. The music could have stopped entirely, but the performer "learned to fight through it," said Grouya.

Another documentary, "TWO: The Story Of Roman & Nyro" at 2 p.m. April 1, chronicles songwriter Desmond Child and his partner Curtis Shaw's struggle to have a baby via surrogacy.

Along with film programs, the festival will also offer free panels with entertainment industry professionals. Oscar-nominated animator Bill Plympton will chat with audiences about highlights from his career. The panel will take place 11:30 a.m. March 31.

Later that same day, Jeff Gibbs, producer of "Bowling for Columbine" and "Fahrenheit 9/11," will share insights from his decades-long career on what makes a great film. He'll use examples from the Oscar winning documentary "Bowling for Columbine" and others to highlight what it takes to reach audiences and create conversations worldwide. The session will take place at 5 p.m.

AmDocs will also celebrate 20 years since "Bowling for Columbine" won an Academy Award at 7 p.m. April 2. An in-depth discussion with filmmaker Michael Moore (via simulcast) will follow the screening. Gibbs will also be in attendance for the screening of his documentary, "Planet Of The Humans," at 2:30 p.m. April 3.

Several other filmmakers are expected to be in Palm Springs for the festival as well.

Whether you've been to AmDocs in the past or this is your first time attending, Grouya invites all to seek out various films and programs during the festival.

"There's something there for everyone," Grouya said. "Even if it doesn't seem like it's your interest, it should work."

If you go

What: 12th annual AmDocs Film Festival

When: March 30 through April 3

Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs

How much: $10 to $169, depending on ticket package

More info: www.amdocfilmfest.com

Note: Attendees are encouraged to wear facial coverings

Ema Sasic covers entertainment and health in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at ema.sasic@desertsun.com or on Twitter @ema_sasic.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: AmDocs Film Festival returns to Palm Springs with 'something for everyone'