Palestinian
Dr. Thaer Ahmad
Emergency medicine physician, Chicago. Humanitarian relief in Gaza and Lebanon.
The Film
American Doctor
A documentary by Poh Si Teng · in select theaters August 14, 2026
About the film
Three doctors. One war. One shared oath.
American Doctor is a 2026 vérité documentary from Oscar-nominated, Emmy-winning filmmaker Poh Si Teng, produced by Tiny Boxer Films and distributed in North America by Watermelon Pictures. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
The film follows three American physicians of different faiths — a Palestinian, a Jew, and a Zoroastrian — friends who could not be more different, united by a single mission: to volunteer their medical skills in Gaza, where healthcare infrastructure has been devastated.
Dr. Thaer Ahmad is one of the three. His colleagues on screen are Dr. Mark Perlmutter and Dr. Feroze Sidhwa. Together, they offer a portrait of medical conscience across the lines that usually divide.
- Director
Poh Si Teng
Oscar-nominated, Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker. Feature directorial debut.
- Production
Tiny Boxer Films
Producers include Poh Si Teng, Oscar nominee Kirstine Barfod, and Reem Haddad.
- Distribution
Watermelon Pictures
North American rights acquired April 2026.
- Premiere
Sundance Film Festival
World premiere.
- Theatrical
August 14, 2026
In select theaters.
The three on screen
A Palestinian, a Jew, a Zoroastrian.
Jewish
Dr. Mark Perlmutter
American physician who volunteered in Gaza. [confirm full title/bio with film]
Zoroastrian
Dr. Feroze Sidhwa
American physician who volunteered in Gaza. [confirm full title/bio with film]