“Determination is Mine,” a documentary short about the journey of Malek Mohammad, an Afghan teen, to one day walk again after losing both his legs after stepping on a landmine, has been accepted into the Newport Beach Film Festival. The film features a team of Loma Linda University Health clinicians dedicated to the care of Mohammad’s care.
When he was 15 years old, Mohammad set out to collect firewood for his mother. As he stepped into a field he fell victim to two landmines. His legs, stripped from his body, lay several feet away from him. Two years later, in 2008, he came to America filled with hope. His goal — to return home to Afghanistan walking.
The 35-minute film follows Mohammad as he travels from his hometown to Loma Linda, where he would live for two years as he received extensive treatment for his injuries at Loma Linda University Health.
In addition to medical care, Mohammed is introduced and adapted into a whole new culture. He built a life during his time in Loma Linda – he attended school, made friends, and joined PossAbilities, a free community outreach program that offers disabled individuals who were born with or have permanent physical injury a sense of community, as well as offer activities and practical direction to help them lead active, fulfilling lives.
Produced by Mound City Films, “Determination is Mine” distills the essence of Loma Linda University Health’s motto, “to make man whole.
Director Patricia Kelikani captured footage and interviews both in Loma Linda and Afghanistan to create the film. "It was an honor to tell Malek's story of courageous transformation. His determination to never give up encourages viewers to keep going despite whatever challenging circumstances we face," she said.
“Determination is Mine” will be screened at the film festival in Costa Mesa Sunday, April 23 at 8:15 p.m. and Thursday, April 27 at 7:15 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online.