Advocacy-focused Watermelon Pictures is temporarily waiving its theatrical film rental fees and box office revenue share for the documentary “American Doctor,” giving venues the option to offer discounted or free tickets.
The campaign will span roughly 50 cities and run through the week of the United States’ midterm elections, from October 30 to November 5. Watermelon hopes to expand the film’s reach to spotlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which “American Doctor” documents through the perspectives of three physicians traveling to the region to provide medical aid.
In addition to discounted theatrical admissions, Watermelon is also making “American Doctor” available to stream free for one week on its subscription-based streaming platform, Watermelon+. The digital release runs from October 30 to November 6. A video on-demand release will follow on November 10.
“By waiving theatrical fees and offering ‘American Doctor’ free on Watermelon+, we’re making it easier for exhibitors and audiences to access this important film during election week,” said Justin DiPietro, Watermelon’s executive VP. “At a time when the humanitarian issues it explores deserve greater attention, we want to encourage meaningful conversations and ensure this story reaches as many people as possible.”
Directed by Poh Si Teng, “American Doctor” follows three U.S.-based physicians — one Palestinian, one Jewish, and one Zoroastrian — who volunteer in Gaza to provide emergency medical care as Israel’s military attacks cripple the region’s medical infrastructure. The film earned positive reviews after its Sundance Film Festival premiere in January. IndieWire’s chief film critic David Ehrlich named “American Doctor” a Critics’ Pick in August, calling it “a bracing and essential documentary about treating the despair of an ongoing genocide.” The film has earned more than $500,000 at the domestic box office.
Watermelon previously offered complimentary screenings of “American Doctor” to healthcare workers and donated net theatrical proceeds from an entire weekend to the Palestinian American Medical Association. Founded in 2024, the distribution and production banner has handled several titles focusing on Gaza, including “From Ground Zero,” “Palestine 36” and “The Voice of Hind Rajab.”
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