OPENING NIGHT EVENT
The 2025 American Documentary and Animation Film Festival will kick off its 14th annual event with the screening of The film and discussion is set for the Camelot Theatres at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs, Thursday, March 27, 6 pm, noted AmDocs Director and Founder, Teddy Grouya.
Our 2025 event will showcase some films related to the world of music, complimented by some musical performances, including:
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Dale Silverman is a native Chicagoan whe moved to Los Angeles for a post grad degree in violin from USC. After university she joined the violin section of the LA Phil in 1979. Not long after that she discovered, to her surprise, that her true passion was the viola. She reauditioned for the section and a year later became the associate, (second chair) principal. The personnel make up of the orchestra was primarily white males. There were only a few women and four non-white men. She was the first Asian woman to be admitted. Not being much of a traditionalist, she pushed the envelope of lifestyle, dress code and hair styles. In her long association with the orchestra she was privileged to work on a regular basis with Henry Mancini, John Williams, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Michael Tilson Thomas, Pierre Boulez, Zubin Mehta and many honorable others.
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Candace Mae Williamson is an award-winning director and filmmaker from Orlando, Florida, known for her vibrant storytelling and self-proclaimed title of ‘cool gal.’ Her work is rooted in the belief that joy is a radical form of resistance, and she sees filmmaking as a powerful tool for fostering
belonging and deep, authentic joy. Currently an MFA candidate at USC School of Cinematic Arts, Candace’s films have been showcased at Oscar-qualifying festivals such as the Florida Film Festival, Cleveland International Film Festival, and AmDocs. Her work has also screened on an international stage, including the renowned Cannes Film Festival and the Geelong International Film Festival.
Candace’s storytelling shines a light on overlooked aspects of Black culture and identity, with a
signature style that blends poignant insight and humor. She believes laughter is a universal
language, a connecting thread that brings people together across cultures.
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Bella Sheehan began her musical journey at age five, receiving instruction in ukulele and guitar from the late Jeanie Cunningham. As a member of The Mighty Ukesters, a youth ukulele
ensemble, Bella acquired valuable experience performing before diverse audiences in various venues. From 2020 to 2023, Bella was an active player with the Academy of Musical Performance (AMP.org), where she expanded her skills by playing in several rock and roll bands. She participated in AMP’s summer programs, focusing on songwriting, arranging, and stage setup. Bella has performed at numerous locations throughout the Coachella Valley, including the Rock Yard at Fantasy Springs Casino and at the Big Rock Pub in Indio, California. Bella continues to embrace the joy of music by playing a variety of instruments, such as the piano, bass, and both acoustic and electric guitars. Bella also has an interest in filmmaking. She produced and directed a short film entitled Love of a Pet which was screened at AMDOCS 2024 as part of the Coachella Valley Student Film Program.
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Past AmDocs Opening Night special guests have included the likes of:
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- 5-time Grammy winner Dionne Warwick,
- Oscar®-winning Director Oliver Stone,
- Emmy-winning host of The Amazing Race Phil Keoghan,
- legendary actor George Takei, Peter Bogdanovich, Ed Asner, Pierce Brosnan, Shia LaBeouf
- Oscar®-nominated Director Julie Cohen, and
- Native American activist and Oscars legend Sacheen Littlefeather, among others.
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