American Documentary and Animation Film Festival

The 12th annual Am Docs will take place March 30–April 3, 2023 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center.

Opening NIght Event: The Power of Inclusivity / Thursday, March 30, 2023

The 2023 American Documentary and Animation Film Festival will kick off its 12th annual event with a series of films focused on individual empowerment. The screening is set for the Camelot Theatres at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, Thursday, March 30, 7 pm,  noted AmDocs Director and Founder, Teddy Grouya.

Grouya has selected a diverse set of films that are sure to inspire our audience.

• Longhouse, USA, 2min. (Erik Sanchez)
• Rachel, JAPAN, 3min. (Toko Shiiki)
• Pete, USA, 7min. (Bret Parker)
• Keeping Time, USA, 17min. (Michael Morgenstern)
• Angel Dose, USA, 26min. (Sami Khan)
• David Grabias, USA, 26min. (David Grabias)

Films with LGBT Themes

Kenyatta, Do Not Wait Your Turn / March 31, 6:30 p.m.

Malcolm Kenyatta, the self-described “poor, Black, and gay kid from North Philly” is running for the United States Senate. But this race is about more than taking on Malcolm’s political competition. It’s about taking on an entire system. The film examines a key question facing our nation: what does it mean to be “electable”?

Hope Acre / April 1 / 4:30 p.m. 

A queer, women-owned, small farm in Sebastopol, CA finds hope through fostering and creating space for community.

¡Nails! / April 1 / 4:30 p.m. 

When Catalina develops a crush on another girl in her Quinceañera court, her fingernails grow at a superhuman pace — a blessing in Black and Latina beauty culture, but a curse for a lesbian (at first glance).

It's A Gray, Gray World  / April 1 / 4:30 p.m. 

In a completely gray world, the colorful identity of a conservative young man is accidentally revealed by a playful boy. People are terrified of this, calling the police to arrest the young man. But the young man managed to escape, returning the next day to defend his right to freedom.

Before Her Body Left / April 1 / 4:30 p.m. 

A trans woman scrutinizes her reflection in the mirror, a battle between the self and the allo-self, in a surreal dream occurs. Meanwhile, her desires become an alien, breast floating, tentacles trembling, constantly luring her to the outside world.

Salman Toor's Emerald Green / April 1 / 4:30 p.m. 

In a light-filled Brooklyn studio, acclaimed Pakistani born artist Salman Toor is at work on a new figurative painting that’s going to be shown alongside canvases by art historical heroes like Johannes Vermeer at the Frick Madison in New York City.

In Bloom / April 1, 4:30 p.m. 

Audi Culver and Ivy Siosi work as if at play, at their own pace, and they document their process and the world around them, watching it unfold into a life beyond their wildest dreams. 

Hope Acre / April 1, 4:30 p.m. 

A queer, women-owned, small farm in Sebastopol, CA finds hope through fostering and creating space for community.

AmDoc Tickets

The Big Deal VIP All Access Pass / $169.00

• This pass not only gives you full access to the entire program, but includes the Opening Night as well. If there are lines, this pass will allow you early entry to theatre(s). This Pass is ideal for those who are die hard film-lovers and want to attend as many films as possible, including Opening Night.Flex Express Pass

Flex Express Pass / $149.00

• The Flex Express Pass allows you to attend ALL program screenings EXCEPT the Opening Night, which can be purchased separately or by purchasing the Big Deal VIP Pass. This Pass is ideal for those who are die hard film-lovers and want to attend as many films as possible, excluding Opening Night.

6 For 5 Pass / $50.00

• The 6 for 5 pass is just that, for every pass you receive access to six film programs for the discounted price of five. This Pass is ideal for those who want to not only attend a few shows but save a bit as well. (PLEASE NOTE: This is a hole punch pass and will allow you to use for you and another- for each person and program attended, your pass will be "punched."

The 2 Day All Access Pass / $70.00

• The 2 Day All Access Pass allows for the pass holder to attend all film programs within a consecutive 2 Day period. If the 2 Day period starts on Opening Night, pass holder will need to purchase a separate Opening Night ticket should they want to attend that event. This Pass is ideal for those who love attending the event but are limited 2 days.

3 Day All Access Pass / $85.00

• The 3 Day All Access Pass allows for the pass holder to attend all film programs within a consecutive 3 Day period. If the 3 Day period starts on Opening Night, pass holder will need to purchase a separate Opening Night ticket should they want to attend that event. This Pass is ideal for those who love attending the event but are limited 3 days.

 OPENING NIGHT AmDocs 2023 / $25.00

• There's always something special about Opening Night! Expect some music, awards and great films.
• Longhouse, USA, 2min. / Rachel, JAPAN, 3min. / Pete, USA, 7min. / Keeping Time, USA, 17min. /Angel Dose, USA, 26min. / Flightpath, USA, 26min.

Individual Shows/ $10.00

Schedule

Click here for the Thursday Schedule

Click here for the Friday Schedule

Click here for the Saturday Scheulde

Click here for the Sunday Schedule

Click here for the Monday Schedule

The main objective of AmDocs is to promote a world vision of film as seen through the eyes of the filmmaker. The Festival works in conjunction with the Palm Springs Cultural Center.