AmDocs attracting thousands, big names to Palm Springs

Inside Jeffrey Bernstein’s store, Destination PSP, you’d find anything Palm Springs.

From clothing, to books and all things festival.

“We sell an item from one of the film festivals pretty much every day of the year,” Bernstein said. “Between Shortfest, AmDocs and the (Palm Springs International Film Festival). And they’re now Palm Springs souvenirs.”

He’s even attracted some notable names into his store.

“Lucy Arnaz, who actually lives here, she does a lot of her holiday shopping here,” he said. “We’ve had a number of people from the film festival walk through as well. And even some of the performers at Coachella have come through.”

Bernstein is also the merchandise partner with the Palm Springs Cultural Center, hosting the American Documentary Film Festival (AmDocs).

Screening more than 170 films throughout nine days, filmmakers and organizers said there’s something special about amdocs and what it brings to the valley.

“There’s something about culture and arts that just sort of sweeps you away,” Actress and Filmmaker Sadie Katz said. “It’s really beautiful.”

“It’s interesting because most people associate narrative Hollywood films, they know that there’s stars involved, but a lot of stars have become advocates, or they’ve got personal stories they want to share,” AmDocs Director Teddy Grouya said. “You’ll see a lot of them are getting into documentary film, or maybe that’s their foreway into directing.”

This year’s festival is attracting names including George Takei, who’s screening his documentary based on Japanese-Americans imprisoned in camps during World War II.

In an interview with KESQ and CBS Local 2 photojournalist Dante Walker, Takei even reflected on his own personal experience while making the film.

“My father came out, opened the door, and literally at gunpoint, we were ordered out of our home,” Takei said. “We did nothing wrong. We were living our lives.”

With other festivals including the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Shortfest and Coachella, Bernstein and others said they believe more stars will be heading to visit the valley.

“I think the more that people see the celebrities, that other celebrities will come here as well and realize the magic of Palm Springs,” Bernstein said.

AmDocs runs until Saturday, April 14.

Other filmmakers at this year’s festival include Pierce Brosnan and Shia LaBeouf.