Empire Founder and CEO Ghazi Shami has joined Poh Si Teng’s documentary 'American Doctor' as an executive producer, announced at the Cannes Film Festival.
Documentary on Medical Mission in Gaza
'American Doctor' follows three American physicians—one Palestinian, one Jewish, and one Zoroastrian—providing medical care in Gaza amidst conflict. The film is set for a North American release by Watermelon Pictures, co-founded by Badie and Hamza Ali. Autlook Filmsales is handling international sales.
Previous Collaborations with Watermelon Pictures
This project follows Empire and Watermelon Pictures’ work on 'Palestine 36', where Shami was also an executive producer. Empire contributed a 36-track soundtrack for the period drama, which Watermelon co-produced and released in the U.S.
'I’m thrilled to be here in Cannes alongside the Watermelon Pictures team celebrating this film and everything they’ve built,' said Shami. 'Both Empire and Watermelon were founded on the belief that independent voices deserve global platforms. 'American Doctor' is one of the most important documentaries I’ve seen in years.'
Future Collaborations and Awards Push
Shami expressed intentions to broaden Empire’s collaboration with Watermelon, supporting their films with music licensing and soundtracks. Hamza Ali added, 'We’re honored to continue our partnership with Ghazi. There’s a shared mission between our companies rooted in culture, storytelling, and creating real impact through art.'
Watermelon Pictures plans a summer theatrical release for 'American Doctor' in the U.S., with a full awards campaign following its festival circuit success, including wins at Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival.
Empire and Watermelon Pictures' Achievements
Founded in 2010 in San Francisco, Empire is the largest privately-held independent record label in the U.S., known for distributing Kendrick Lamar’s 'Section.80' and XXXTentacion’s work. Watermelon Pictures, established in 2024, has produced and/or distributed acclaimed films such as 'From Ground Zero' and Kaouther Ben Hania’s Oscar-nominated 'The Voice of Hind Rajab'.
Director Poh Si Teng stated, 'To stand alongside Hamza Ali, and now Ghazi Shami, two bold visionaries whose work speaks for itself, is both deeply comforting and exciting.'
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/empires-ghazi-shami-joins-american-doctor-as-exec-producer-1236594560/
