Neeraj Kohli, MD, MBA [right] and his wife |
Clinical & Research News Profile
BWH Doc Wins Oscar for Documentary
Neeraj Kohli, MD, MBA: Documentary Producer and Urogynecologist
One night, you're receiving an Oscar in L.A. for producing a documentary; the next morning, you're jetting back to the East Coast to treat urogynecology patients. It may sound like a daydream for some physicians, but it's one that came true for Neeraj Kohli, MD, MBA, this year.
He was an executive producer of "Undefeated," which won best documentary at the 84th Academy Awards last month and a distribution deal with the legendary Harvey Weinstein.
"I'm constantly in awe of how these events have actually occurred," said Kohli, who previously served as BWH's chief of Urogynecology, and continues to teach and operate at BWH.
The film followed the Manassas Tigers, a high school football team in Memphis, during their 2009 season. With the guidance of a new coach, the under-funded and under-privileged team turned their losing streak around.
"The film idea got pitched to my friend's brother, and I thought it sounded interesting, so I put up some funding," said Kohli, adding that this was his first time delving into a Hollywood venture. "From there, three directors moved to Tennessee for nine months with cameras and captured 500 hours of footage. There was no film crew, no scripting - they were basically flies on the wall and just watched it happen."
After the film was edited into a 90-minute documentary, it was shown at South by Southwest, a major music and film festival, in Texas last March. The time of the screening changed at the last minute, and Kohli was unable to make it because he was operating.
"I thought that was the only time I'd ever get to see the film at such a big event," he said, admitting his disappointment in missing the show.
Little did he know that the film would receive a standing ovation from viewers and evoke a bidding war among film companies, resulting in Harvey Weinstein signing it and submitting it for an Oscar. Sean "P. Diddy" Combs then signed on as an executive producer to help promote the film.
Kohli and his wife watched the Oscars from a party nearby the Kodak Theatre. A ticket to the event wasn't provided for his wife, so Kohli gladly swapped the glamour and celebrity of that venue for a party at a restaurant just down the street in Hollywood, where they watched the big moment at the end of the night.
While the film focuses on football, its underlying messages apply to medicine as well, Kohli said.
"The biggest message is that no matter if the chips are down, if you really believe in something and work hard and work together, you can truly accomplish anything," he said.
The other message is that one person can make a difference. "This coach is the most giving person I've ever met, and he truly made a difference for this team," Kohli said. "In medicine, you wonder each day if you're making a difference, and there are a lot of external forces pushing against us. When you hear a patient tell you how their life has changed because of their treatment, it's incredibly rewarding and you realize how much you can make a difference to a person."
On April 26, the New England Patriots will host a special screening of the documentary as a fundraiser for the Manrise Foundation and the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation. Dr. Kohli will join Manassas Coach Bill Courtney and Patriots players and alumni at the event. The event is 7 to 10 p.m. at Patriot Place in Foxborough. Tickets are $150 each, or $125 each if you purchase four. For more information, visit www.zipperbrothersfilms.com/charity