Digital transformation company Publicis Sapient has teamed with Academy Award winning director Ben Proudfoot and his company Breakwater Studios on a short documentary film called “Doc Albany” that explores the healthcare challenges faced by rural Americans and  the need for “structural changes to ensure access to healthcare for all.”

The film is set to make its world premiere at this year’s Tribeca Festival in New York on June 8.   

The effort is the latest film that Publicis Sapient has produced, through a unit called Impact Films which is led by company Global Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Teresa Barreira.  

The films are non-branded and focus on the missions and work of clients and the societal benefits achieved through that work. In this case the client is the Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA), part of the Department of Health and Human Services. HRSA has a loan repayment and scholarship program that help bring doctors and nurses to rural areas where they are badly needed.    

Publics Sapient’s work with the agency over several years helped it transform outdated systems and manual processes and bring scale and efficiency to its operations.  

“Doc Albany” is set in rural Georgia and tells its story through the perspective of Dr. Jim Holz, who founded Albany Area Primary Health Care, and Dr. Sheena Favors, and OB-GYN at the health center. Holtz is credited with inspiring the 1991 Michael J. Fox film “Doc Hollywood.”    

Both doctors have witnessed firsthand the healthcare disparities found within marginalized populations. And both have experienced how HRSA has not only helped but how its services have improved as a result of the transformational upgrades to its operations brought by Publicis Sapient.   

“With this short film, we’re striving to put a human face on digital business transformation because behind every system and screen is a real person, with real needs,” stated Barreira. “Thanks to our collaboration with HRSA, we’re helping drive meaningful change through innovative and impactful digital systems. We hope this film inspires healthcare professionals and gives hope to those navigating today’s healthcare landscape.” 

Pictured above is a still image from 'Doc Albany." Credit: Breakwater Studios.