DocYard: América

FILMMAKERS IN PERSON!

2018, dir Erick Stoll, Chase Whiteside, 76 min, DCP

Diego is a circus artist performing for indifferent tourists in Puerto Vallarta when his elderly grandmother, América, falls and hurts herself. In response, Diego and his brothers reunite to take care of América, help her recover, and fight to release their father from jail for elder negligence. First-time feature directors Erick Stoll and Chase Whiteside lived with this extraordinary family over three years, capturing their love and dedication for each other with a joyful, intimate approach that never relinquishes its grip on the difficulties of caregiving and the complexities of living. América was broadcast on POV, PBS’ premiere documentary strand, in October 2019 — the DocYard is presenting the full, theatrical cut that best showcases this humanistic gem’s exceptionally tender edit.