Barbara Walters chats with Forward Syria
Swaying between art and seduction
Discussing monetary policy with the man in charge
Where the earth screams in horror
08/03/2010 - Issue 42
Kabour: All of us were victims on 9-11
Syrian expat ventures into Hollywood after decades of medical achievements Ameer Kabour M.D., Director of the National Arab American Medical Association, Chief of Cardiology and President at the Mercy St. Vincent Hospital, is one of the most respected specialists in his field in the US. Lately though, he has taken a special interest in the movie production industry, founding 3K Pictures LLC. Forward sat down for more on that, from the Syrian expatriate visiting home this summer.
What is the reason behind your recent venture into the movie industry?
This is partly related to the post shock of 9/11. We’re trying to show that we are the victims as are the Americans, and that we have nothing to do with what happened.
We’re trying to change the media perspective, where Arabs are always portrayed as terrorists, or gullible rich Sheikhs in Hollywood; we’re trying to show the west our true nature.
What movies have you released to date?
We have a short film out; it is called “Raised Alone” and currently, we’re producing a movie called “Why Me?” The cast includes actors from different countries, from Arab, Indian, Pakistani to American and even Jewish; we’re using the ensemble because the story targets almost every fraction of the US populace.
We’re considering making two versions for the movie; using the Mustafa Akkad legacy.
Having been a doctor all your life, where do you find yourself more? In the clinic or in the studio?
In the clinic of course, it is my education, love and passion; while production is just a hobby I had which started from my days in medical school.
I started the production company out of passion for ideas and expressions. Expressions of what we are and what we’re against.
So do you consider 3K Pictures LLC to be your greatest achievement?
The thing I’m most proud of is the idea of mobile heart cathartic labs, which previously operated exclusively in hospitals. But through the assistance of lawyers in Washington we were able to negotiate with the government to allow it, and so we started the first mobile independent cathartic lab in the US in Ohio. It was my proudest achievement and it boomed.
From any of your several ongoing projects, do any of them target Syria?
Yes. We’re currently planning a Syrian heart centre and a nursing school to be administered around the clock by American certified cardiologists, based on research and statistics produced by a major American company.
Scientific research is so important and unfortunately we don’t have any of that in Syria; someone has to start this initiative. Especially that Syria is under sanctions and no research produced in the US could be transferred here.
In conclusion, what do you advise those who want take initiative to effect change?
If you have a passion you should pursue it. Put the fear aside and take chances in order to succeed. Many people fail though they have a good idea, a good education and a sound business plan, because they are always fearful of loss and failure.
