On Sunday, June 8, Dr. James Hotz and Dr. Sheena Favors walked the red carpet at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City before the world premiere of their short documentary, ‘Doc Albany.’    The physicians, who work at Albany Area Primary Health Care (AAPHC), tell the story of our nation’s Community Health Centers and serving the underserved in rural communities.

“Out of 8,000 short films submitted, the Tribeca Festival selected and premiered only 93 this year,” says Brandy Church, Public Relations Director for Albany Area Primary Health Care. “Tribeca is incredibly prestigious, often recognized as one of the ‘Big Five’ film festivals in the world. It’s an incredible feeling to see a project that we worked on last fall not only selected, but making its world premiere in New York. I’m so proud of the team that made it all happen.” 

Over 100 million people in underserved communities in the U.S. lack access to primary care services.  ‘Doc Albany’ provides an intimate look at the significant barriers Americans face in accessing essential healthcare services and the importance of structural changes required to ensure healthcare access for all, regardless of geography. 

"When 77% of rural counties in the United States are medical deserts, doctors like Dr. Jim Hotz and Dr. Sheena Favors, who save and transform lives on a daily basis in Albany, Georgia, are real life heroes worth celebrating,” says two-time Oscar-winning filmmaker and entrepreneur Ben Proudfoot.  “I am thrilled that their story will reach audiences in Manhattan, which has 11 hospitals in 23 square miles, at the 2025 Tribeca Festival.  As Dr. Favors asserts in the film, "You shouldn't have to live in New York City to be healthy!"  

The film, set in rural Georgia, tells its story through the perspective of Dr. Jim Hotz, who founded Albany Area Primary Health Care (AAPHC), and Dr. Sheena Favors, an OB-GYN and Co-Director of Women’s Services at the organization.  Both Dr. Hotz, who was the inspiration for the 1991 Michael J. Fox film ‘Doc Hollywood,’ and Dr. Favors have witnessed the profound implications of healthcare disparities found within marginalized populations. 

“More than 33 million patients across the United States rely on Community Health Centers for their care,” says Shelley Spires, Chief Executive Officer of Albany Area Primary Health Care. “This film highlights the vital work our providers do to care for our community members throughout Southwest Georgia. It also poses a powerful question: What would happen if we didn’t have providers like Dr. Hotz and Dr. Favors? What happens in these other rural communities?” 

“As a Community Health Center we step into areas that might not bring in the most money, but where we know we can make the biggest difference. What makes us different is our commitment. We are here for our patients - rich or poor, in sickness and in health. We're here through it all,” says Dr. James Hotz, Clinical Services Director for Albany Area Primary Health Care.

‘Doc Albany’ will finish its run at the Tribeca Festival on June 15th and there are plans for a wider distribution of the film.   “We would love to host a premiere of ‘Doc Albany’ for our local community right here in Albany,” says Spires.  “We’ll be looking at how we can make that happen and seeing ‘Doc Albany’ on screen together.”