The 14th Annual American Documentary and Animation Film Festival (AmDocs) returns to the Palm Springs Cultural Center from March 27-31, 2025, showcasing 240 films from around the world. This year’s festival, presented by the Supple Foundation, highlights themes including human rights, social justice, women’s rights, the environment, and more.
Special Guests & Featured Films
A highlight of the festival is a live conversation between award-winning journalist Soledad O’Brien and former U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer on March 31 at 4 PM (Program 53). The discussion will center on women’s rights following the 2024 elections. O’Brien’s short documentary, The Devil is Busy, exploring the impact of Roe v. Wade’s reversal, will screen on March 28 at 12 PM (Program 9).
Two major films headlining the festival include:
• Oscar-winning documentary, No Other Land – Follows a Palestinian activist and an Israeli journalist fighting against Israeli settlement policies (March 28, 5 PM, Program 15).
• Oscar-nominated Porcelain War – Chronicles Ukrainian artists creating beauty amid war, featuring music by Dakha Brakha (March 28, 6:30 PM, Program 16).
Animation & Music Video Competition
The festival will also spotlight animated works from global artists, including Pixar’s Masha Ellsworth, who will present her short film, Bound. Ellsworth has worked on Inside Out, Up, Toy Story 3, and Incredibles 2, with films she’s contributed to earning nine Oscars.
For the second year, AmDocs will host a music video competition, showcasing a dynamic selection of visual storytelling through music.
Local Stories & Student Films
AmDocs 2025 will feature local perspectives, including:
• NBC Palm Springs’ Olivia Sandusky with Restoring The Salton Sea and Tribes of the Coachella Valley (March 29 & 31).
• KESQ’s Hilary, Aftermath – A look at the devastating 2023 tropical storm (March 29).
The festival is also expanding educational programming with 30 student films from Palm Springs, Cathedral City, and Palm Desert High Schools. Among them is A Glimpse Into Sunnylands, directed by Cathedral City High School senior Daisy Mejia Salazar, screening March 29 & 31.
Tickets & More Information
Visit www.amdocfilmfest.com.
