Kathmandu— American Doctor is a cinematic account of three US volunteer physicians – Thaer Ahmad, Mark Perlmutter, and Feroze Sidhwa – who traveled to Gaza to provide medical care amidst ongoing conflict. The film follows their experiences at Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, documenting the dire conditions within the hospital and the immense strain on healthcare workers. Upon returning to the United States, the doctors encountered a wall of disbelief and resistance as they attempted to share their firsthand accounts with Congress and the media, highlighting a disconnect between the realities on the ground and the narratives presented elsewhere.

Filming Under Siege

Director Poh Si Teng faced significant challenges in capturing footage from within Gaza due to Israeli restrictions on foreign correspondents. Unable to travel there herself, she collaborated with a local team of filmmakers who documented the doctors’ work at Nasser Medical Complex, agreeing to prioritize getting the footage out of the enclave. The resulting film offers a rare glimpse into the daily struggles of medical staff operating under immense pressure and limited resources. “We followed them in their lives as they work in a besieged hospital in Gaza and then return home to the United States to try to spread the message of what they saw,” Si Teng explained.

A Disconnect Upon Return

The doctors encountered significant resistance when attempting to share their experiences with US lawmakers and media outlets. Perlmutter noted that reporters often seemed more inclined to believe Israeli accounts than eyewitness testimonies from those on the ground. This skepticism extended beyond media interactions, as the doctors faced difficulty even securing meetings with congressional representatives, often being relegated to discussions with junior-level aides. Si Teng observed this dynamic, noting the privilege afforded to Perlmutter, who as a Jewish doctor, could sometimes articulate concerns in ways that others might not be able to.

Bearing Witness to Carnage

American Doctor features graphic footage from operating rooms within Nasser Hospital, depicting the devastating consequences of the conflict. While acknowledging the disturbing nature of some images, Si Teng emphasized that the film deliberately avoids sensationalism, aiming instead to present a realistic portrayal of the situation. She questioned why these images might be perceived as more shocking than those frequently shown from other war zones, suggesting it may stem from the involvement of US taxpayer money and a sense of complicity. The film also highlights the immense toll on Gazan healthcare workers, with estimates indicating that over seventeen hundred have been killed in recent years.

Calls for Accountability

The documentary underscores the urgent need for greater accountability and a shift in public perception regarding the situation in Gaza. Si Teng hopes the film will serve as a catalyst for change, prompting viewers to question prevailing narratives and demand action from their elected officials. She expressed frustration with the lack of progress made even after recent votes by House Democrats against further military aid to Israel, acknowledging that sustained pressure is needed to address the ongoing crisis. “I hope this film can continue to just show the truth and be real with folks,” she said.

American Doctor opens in select cities across the United States beginning August 14th, with screenings scheduled for New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. The filmmakers aim to expand distribution and reach a wider audience, hoping to contribute to a more informed understanding of the situation in Gaza.

(With inputs from Jacobin)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.