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Shami's indie record label is expanding its collaboration with 'American Doctor' distributor Watermelon Pictures to provide soundtracks and music licensing for Watermelon releases.
‘s Sundance documentary about three American physicians — one Palestinian, one Jewish, one Zoroastrian — who travel to Gaza to provide medical care in the middle of a war zone.
'Butterfly Jam' Review: Barry Keoghan and Riley Keough Blend Into a New Jersey Circassian Community in Absorbing but Meandering Drama. Shami was an executive producer on Annemarie Jacir’s Oscar-shortlisted drama, and Empire compiled a 36-track companion soundtrack for the movie. Watermelon co-produced, a period drama set during the Arab revolt against British colonial rule, and released the film stateside.
“I’m thrilled to be here in Cannes alongside the Watermelon Pictures team celebrating this film and everything they’ve built,” said Shami. “What Watermelon Pictures has accomplished in such a short time is truly inspiring. Both Empire and Watermelon were founded on the belief that independent voices deserve global platforms.is one of the most important documentaries I’ve seen in years, and I’m proud to join the project as it continues connecting with audiences around the world.
”, Shami said Empire is looking to broaden its collaboration with Watermelon Pictures to support their films “with music licensing, soundtracks, with anything we can do,” “We’re honored to continue our partnership with Ghazi,” added Hamza Ali.
“Ghazi is someone who has consistently broken barriers and created space for independent voices to thrive on a global scale. To have him joinis deeply meaningful. There’s a shared mission between our companies rooted in culture, storytelling, and creating real impact through art. ”in domestic theaters this summer and be making “a full awards push” for the documentary.
Following Sundance, the film toured the festival circuit, with stops in SXSW, CPH:DOX, Hot Docs, and the Thessaloniki International Documentary Festival, where it won the Amnesty International Award and the Peter Wintonick Audience Award.
“To stand alongside Hamza Ali, and now Ghazi Shami, two bold visionaries whose work speaks for itself, is both deeply comforting and exciting,” saidFounded in 2010 in San Francisco, Empire is the largest privately-held independent record label, distributor, and publisher in the United States. The company famously distributed Kendrick Lamar’s debut album “Section.80” and the work of the late rapper XXXTentacion, as well as a broad roster of global music artists, including Nigerian superstar Asake and K-Pop rapper G-Dragon.
‘Butterfly Jam’ Review: Barry Keoghan and Riley Keough Blend Into a New Jersey Circassian Community in Absorbing but Meandering Drama‘A Woman’s Life’ Review: Léa Drucker Seals Her Status as One of France’s Best Actresses in This Perceptive Portrait of a Surgeon at a CrossroadsJulian SanctonThe Hollywood Reporter is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2026 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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