Ghazi Al-Shami, founder and CEO of leading American independent record label Empire, has signed on as executive producer American doctora Sundance documentary directed by Poh Si Teng about three American doctors — one Palestinian, one Jewish, one Zoroastrian — who travel to Gaza to provide medical care in the middle of a war zone.
Al-Shami announced this collaboration with Badie and Hamza Ali, co-founders of Watermelon Pictures, to be released American doctor In North America, at the Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday evening. Outlook Filmsales is handling international sales of the film and bringing it to buyers at the Cannes market.
this American doctor Tie Marks follows Empire and Watermelon Pictures’ collaboration Palestine 36. Al-Shami was an executive producer of Anne-Marie Jacir’s Oscar-shortlisted drama, and Empire also compiled the film’s 36-track soundtrack. Co-produced watermelon Palestine 36a period drama set during the Arab Revolt against British colonial rule, and the film was released in the United States.
“I am thrilled to be here in Cannes alongside the Watermelon Pictures team to celebrate this film and everything they have built,” said Al-Shami. “What Watermelon Pictures has accomplished in such a short time is truly inspiring. Both Empire and Watermelon were founded on the belief that independent voices deserve global platforms. American doctor “It is one of the most important documentaries I have seen in years, and I am proud to join the project as it continues to connect with audiences around the world.”
talking to Hollywood ReporterEmpire is looking to expand its collaboration with Watermelon Pictures to support its films “through music licensing, soundtracks, anything we can do,” Al-Shami said.
Hamza Ali added: “We are honored to continue our partnership with Ghazi.” “Ghazi is someone who has been breaking down barriers and creating space for independent voices to flourish on a global scale. We want to have him join American doctor After we cooperated on Palestine 36 Deeply meaningful. There is a shared mission between our companies rooted in culture, storytelling and making a real impact through art.
Ali said that watermelon will be introduced American doctor in local theaters this summer and will “pay full awards” for the documentary. After Sundance, the film toured the festival circuit, with stops at SXSW, CPH:DOX, Hot Docs, and the Thessaloniki International Documentary Film Festival, where it won the Amnesty International Award and the Peter Wintonic Audience Award.
“Standing alongside Hamza Ali, and now Ghazi Al-Shami, two bold visionaries whose work speaks for itself, is very comforting and exciting,” he said. American doctor Director Boh Si Teng in a statement.
Founded in 2010 in San Francisco, Empire is the largest independent record label, distributor and publisher in the United States. The company is best known for distributing Kendrick Lamar’s debut album “Section.80” and the works of the late rapper XXXTentacion, as well as an extensive roster of international music artists, including Nigerian superstar Asake and Korean rapper G-Dragon.
Watermelon Pictures, launched in 2024, has been a producer and/or distributor of films shortlisted for the Academy Awards. From scratch, Palestine 36and All that’s left of youIn addition to the Best Film award for Kaouther Ben Hania, who was nominated for an Oscar Hind Rajab’s voice.
