INTERNATIONAL
Pro-Palestine documentary “American Doctor” by Malaysian filmmaker to screen at Sundance 2026
American Doctor tells the story of three American doctors of Palestinian descent from different ethnic backgrounds who help their fellow medical professionals in Gaza. Photo: American Doctor.
A pro-Palestine documentary, American Doctor, directed by Malaysian filmmaker Poh Si Teng, is set to be screened at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival in Utah, United States.
According to Si Teng, who hails from Penang, her upbringing and education in Malaysia shaped the humanitarian values that form the core of the film. She added that Malaysia’s support played a crucial role in the project’s early development, reflecting the country’s commitment to humanitarian storytelling and solidarity with the Palestinian people.
“The values I embraced growing up in Malaysia—standing in solidarity with others and acting according to one’s conscience—are the very essence of this film.
“I am deeply proud that Malaysians believed in this film from the very beginning. Their generosity made American Doctor possible,” she said in a statement issued today.
For the record, Si Teng is an Academy Award nominee for St. Louis Superman and a recent Emmy Award winner as executive producer of Patrice: The Movie.
The film is recognised as a Malaysian co-production, in collaboration with producing partners from the United States, Palestine, Qatar and Denmark.
President of the Malaysian Humanitarian Aid and Relief (MAHAR), Jismi Johari—who also serves as co-executive producer of the film—described American Doctor as an important bridge for global advocacy to better understand the realities in Gaza.
Jismi also shared his experience working with Si Teng, whom he described as having a deep understanding of conditions on the ground in Gaza and other crisis zones.
“I understand how difficult it is to capture the true reality of what is happening there, as well as the immense risks taken by the crew to document these moments.
“I am confident that Si Teng is the right person to tell this story with the honesty it deserves,” he said.
American Doctor follows the story of three American doctors of Palestinian, Jewish and Zoroastrian descent who serve in Gaza, risking their lives while advocating for their fellow medical professionals in Palestine.
Gaza-based co-producer Mohammed Sawwaf and cinematographer Ibrahim Al Otla also played key roles in the making of the film. Both expressed pride in being involved in a Malaysia-supported project that seeks to tell the story of Gaza and its people with care, accuracy and dignity.
“I am deeply grateful for Malaysia’s support. Malaysians have consistently listened to the Palestinian story with empathy and moral clarity,” said Sawwaf.
Among the co-executive producers are Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir, with Imran Idzqandar serving as impact producer, supported by Datuk Seri Kalimullah Hassan, Datuk Hamdan Majeed, Nurul Izzah Anwar and Khairy Jamaluddin.
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According to Si Teng, who hails from Penang, her upbringing and education in Malaysia shaped the humanitarian values that form the core of the film. She added that Malaysia’s support played a crucial role in the project’s early development, reflecting the country’s commitment to humanitarian storytelling and solidarity with the Palestinian people.
“The values I embraced growing up in Malaysia—standing in solidarity with others and acting according to one’s conscience—are the very essence of this film.
“I am deeply proud that Malaysians believed in this film from the very beginning. Their generosity made American Doctor possible,” she said in a statement issued today.
For the record, Si Teng is an Academy Award nominee for St. Louis Superman and a recent Emmy Award winner as executive producer of Patrice: The Movie.
The film is recognised as a Malaysian co-production, in collaboration with producing partners from the United States, Palestine, Qatar and Denmark.
President of the Malaysian Humanitarian Aid and Relief (MAHAR), Jismi Johari—who also serves as co-executive producer of the film—described American Doctor as an important bridge for global advocacy to better understand the realities in Gaza.
Jismi also shared his experience working with Si Teng, whom he described as having a deep understanding of conditions on the ground in Gaza and other crisis zones.
“I understand how difficult it is to capture the true reality of what is happening there, as well as the immense risks taken by the crew to document these moments.
“I am confident that Si Teng is the right person to tell this story with the honesty it deserves,” he said.
American Doctor follows the story of three American doctors of Palestinian, Jewish and Zoroastrian descent who serve in Gaza, risking their lives while advocating for their fellow medical professionals in Palestine.
Gaza-based co-producer Mohammed Sawwaf and cinematographer Ibrahim Al Otla also played key roles in the making of the film. Both expressed pride in being involved in a Malaysia-supported project that seeks to tell the story of Gaza and its people with care, accuracy and dignity.
“I am deeply grateful for Malaysia’s support. Malaysians have consistently listened to the Palestinian story with empathy and moral clarity,” said Sawwaf.
Among the co-executive producers are Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir, with Imran Idzqandar serving as impact producer, supported by Datuk Seri Kalimullah Hassan, Datuk Hamdan Majeed, Nurul Izzah Anwar and Khairy Jamaluddin.
Your gateway to global news, insights, and stories that matter.