Thursday, March 29, 2018
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Volume 63 | Number 31
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CELEBRATING THE RESIDENTIAL PARK COMMUNITIES FOR 63 YEARS
American Documentary Film Festival Seeing the Bigger Picture
By Alison Elsner
C
omedy…mystery…drama… romance…that’s right, we’re talking about documentary films. To encounter thrilling plot lines, mind-boggling scientific endeavors, eye-popping historical discoveries and intense character development, one doesn’t need to rely on fabricated stories. Documentaries have now taken a seat at the head table of popular film genres, attracting audiences and talented filmmaking teams that rival many blockbuster, box-office hits. Proving that truth is often stranger – and more exciting – than fiction, visionary film producer and director Teddy Grouya will once
again bring a showing of this magnificent art form to the Coachella Valley for the 7th annual American Documentary Film Festival, known as AmDocs, set to take the stage (or rather the screen) in Palm Springs from April 6 to 14, 2018. Grouya wished to create a forum to celebrate and promote documentary film and the independent filmmakers around the world who bring knowledge and awareness through their tales about real people and salient issues. AmDocs was launched in 2012 and now screens over 120 films from around the world, including animated works. Past honorees have included Peter Coyote, Dionne Warwick, Peter Bogdanovich, Jamie Redford and Oliver
Stone. This year’s opening night on April 6 will feature a reception and screening of “Allegiance To Broadway,” a film by Greg Vander Veer. The film depicts the challenges involved in bringing the story, based on George Takei’s experiences in World War II Japanese internment camps, to the Great White Way with the musical “Allegiance,” as two novice producers, against all odds, attempt to create a hit Broadway musical about the tough subject matter of this shameful period in American history combined with their obligation to Takei’s legacy. Guests will be able to meet Takei in person at the event while enjoying wine and hors d’oeuvres, as Takei receives the Rozene Supple Humanitarian
Award for his profound and dedicated work to equal rights. Other awardees scheduled to attend various film screenings throughout the Festival include Shia LaBeouf, Nastja Säde Rönkkö and Luke Turner who will be recognized for their unique and new vision in film with the presentation of the Seeing the Bigger Picture Award. Closing night, held on April 12, will screen “Poisoning Paradise,” a film by Keely Shaye Brosnan, award-winning broadcast journalist turned award-winning documentary filmmaker. “Poisoning Paradise” takes viewers on a journey to the seemingly idyllic world CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
ENTERTAINMENT
RECIPE
FUNNY COMICS
Check out this week’s calendar listings to get your weekend started.
Celebrate Spring with Australian Lamb: Braised Lamb Shanks.
The Spats, Just like Cats & Dogs, They’ll do it every time.
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