Log in
Blind Determination: An Athlete's Journey

Blind Determination: An Athlete's Journey

Born blind and battling a torn ACL, U.S. judoka Christella Garcia fights by feel, falls to the world No. 1 in Paris, and claws back for bronze—eyes up for the 2028 games in Los Angeles.

64 min · Documentary

​​Born totally blind, Christella Garcia fights heavyweight judo by feel—reading opponents through grip, breath, and tremor. Raised wrestling cousins in New Mexico, she found “freedom” on the mat; now in Sacramento she travels to Denver to sharpen under Paralympic legend Scott Moore with coach Heidi Moore (Pan Am bronze) and absorb grip craft from Olympic medalist Edward Liddie. The grind is nonstop. An ACL tear and kneecap arthritis force a brace and a training pivot: swims she hates but guts out with her partner Joe, strength with coach Miguel Sandoval, hard rounds at Team Sacramento Judo, and endless travel that never quite replicates her long-levered, top-ranked rival. In Para judo’s J1 class—where every bout starts in the grip—Christella bends matches by touch, tempo, and pace. Paris tests everything. She blasts a first-round win, hits the world No. 1, resets fast, and fights through four brutal minutes for bronze. Home brings tears, surgery talk—and a new target: Los Angeles 2028.

Directed by Daniel L. Bernardi · Written by Daniel L. Bernardi

Your Rating

Cast

More from Daniel L. BernardiSee all →

Noble Sissle's Syncopated RagtimeNoble Sissle's Syncopated Ragtime · 2018
Noble Sissle's Syncopated Ragtime
2018
MovieDocumentaryMusic
Combining footage unseen since WWI with original scores from the era, this film tells the story of Noble Sissle's incredible journey that spans "The Harlem Hellfighters" of World War I, Broadway Theatre, the Civil Rights movement, and decades of Black cultural development.
Aldo Giannini: Pacific TheatreAldo Giannini: Pacific Theatre · 2014
Aldo Giannini: Pacific Theatre
2014
MovieDocumentaryWar
Like many other young men of his generation, after Pearl Harbor was attacked, Aldo Giannini joined the Marines with little idea of what lay ahead. After training, he was quickly deployed overseas and fought in the bloody Battle of Tarawa, surviving with a shrapnel injury and the haunting memory of witnessing the loss of 3,250 U.S. lives. He went on to fight in other battles and returned home after 3 intense years of service. Nearly eight decades later, he still questions if winning the island was worth the price.
Who is Weary Willie?Who is Weary Willie? · 2021
Who is Weary Willie?
2021
MovieWarDocumentary
"Who is Weary Willie?" explores the life of the once-famous circus character Weary Willie and his story tied to controversy and confusion over identity between his creator, Emmett Kelly Sr., and his son, Emmett Kelly Jr.
Pride of the Buffalo SoldierPride of the Buffalo Soldier · 2017
Pride of the Buffalo Soldier
2017
MovieWarDocumentary
African American soldiers throughout the 19th and 20th Centuries faced discrimination and segregation, yet many still chose to fight for their country.
Buffalo Soldiers, Victorio and Manifest DestinyBuffalo Soldiers, Victorio and Manifest Destiny · 2017
Buffalo Soldiers, Victorio and Manifest Destiny
2017
MovieWarDocumentary
A look into the 19th century American-Indian Wars, Manifest Destiny, and the conflicts between Apache tribes and the African-American Buffalo soldier regiments.
The Singer: A Montford Point MarineThe Singer: A Montford Point Marine · 2023
The Singer: A Montford Point Marine
2023
MovieWarDocumentary
“The Singer: A Montford Point Marine” tells the story of Henry Charles Johnson, one of the first African Americans in the U.S. Marine Corps and a professional crooner. Lured by the dignified Marine uniform and the allure of the G.I. Bill, he's abruptly thrown into the bare, segregated world of Camp Montford Point, a far cry from the lush expansiveness of Camp Lejeune he'd imagined. The harsh realities of Southern segregation strike a jarring contrast to his accustomed diversity of Manhattan, escalating further with hostility from drill instructors. Undeterred, his resolve is galvanized by the dream of donning the Marine uniform and the prospects following discharge. Post-discharge, Johnson immerses himself in New York's music scene, enchanting audiences with his soulful, Sinatra-esque timbre. This riveting narrative portrays the unmatched fortitude of the Montford Point Marines, representing a crucial African-American, American, and globally relevant human experience.
The Chaplain: MAJ Brenda ThreattThe Chaplain: MAJ Brenda Threatt · 2023
The Chaplain: MAJ Brenda Threatt
2023
MovieDocumentary
In a profound exploration of faith, service, and identity, this documentary film follows Brenda Elizabeth Threat, an ordained minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and a military chaplain in the California State Guard. Born in Los Angeles, Threat's story is a captivating tapestry of her spiritual journey, her tireless advocacy for veterans, her innovative response to 9/11, and her reflections on race and personal integrity. Her life is a testament to the power of perseverance, love, and community. Guided by a commitment to education and a mission to help others be the best they can be, her story is a soul-stirring reminder that each of us has the potential to make the world a better place, one good deed at a time.
Racing for Paralympic GoldRacing for Paralympic Gold
Racing for Paralympic Gold
MovieDocumentary
"Racing for Paralympic Gold" is an intimate and inspiring portrait of three unstoppable women on the road to Paralympic greatness, each redefining what strength truly means. Gabrielle “Gabby” Platt, a single mother who survived being shot three times, rides to inspire her young son with every push of the pedal. Ryen Reed, born with cerebral palsy, defies medical expectations as she pushes her body beyond its limits in pursuit of a place at the LA 2028 Paralympic Games. Oksana Masters, born in Ukraine with birth defects linked to the Chernobyl disaster, transforms profound hardship into triumph as a multiple time Paralympic gold medalist. Guiding them is Carlos Moleda, a Brazilian born former Navy SEAL who turned his own catastrophic injury into purpose by becoming a champion of adaptive athletics. Together, they train with relentless intensity, pushing past pain, trauma, and stigma - not just to win medals, but to redefine what resilience looks like.
Casey Conklin: Ranger BattalionCasey Conklin: Ranger Battalion · 2013
Casey Conklin: Ranger Battalion
2013
MovieWarDocumentary
Casey Conklin joined the 3rd Ranger Battalion as a medic, because he always believed they were the toughest group around. After his experience in the Battle of Mosul in Iraq and receiving his Ranger tab, he doesn't question how tough he is. After returning home, he finds that he still must challenge himself to stay healthy and redefine toughness at home.
Richard Hank Sciaroni: Shot DownRichard Hank Sciaroni: Shot Down · 2015
Richard Hank Sciaroni: Shot Down
2015
MovieDocumentaryWar
Through the perils of air combat, and an emergency landing behind enemy lines in Italy, Hank Sciaroni utilized his capability to speak Italian to help get him and his men to safety as the Germans closed in.
Buffalo Soldiers: George Jordan and the Indian WarsBuffalo Soldiers: George Jordan and the Indian Wars · 2023
Buffalo Soldiers: George Jordan and the Indian Wars
2023
MovieDocumentary
“Buffalo Soldiers: George Jordan and the Indian Wars” is a poignant examination of the marginalized history of the Buffalo Soldiers - African American servicemen who bravely served in numerous conflicts only to face scorn, ridicule, and suppression of their stories back home. The film's epicenter is George Jordan, a formerly enslaved man turned soldier whose exemplary courage in battles etches a stark contrast against his forgotten legacy. Juxtaposing the resistance of Apache Chiefs and braves with Jordan's unwavering will to protect his comrades and white settlers, the narrative challenges us to reconcile often overlooked aspects of the formation of the West. With a stark reminder of Jordan’s decline due to his heroic yet under-acknowledged efforts and the refusal of the Army to provide him with care, the film crescendos into a plea for recognition of the Buffalo Soldiers, ultimately asking what we can give to make our country better.
Bobby Hollingsworth: Army CIDBobby Hollingsworth: Army CID · 2013
Bobby Hollingsworth: Army CID
2013
MovieWarDocumentary
Bobby served in the United States Army for 10 years in a Criminal Investigation Division (CID) unit. During that time, he was deployed once to Iraq in September 2006, where he developed PTSD.
John Baumhackl: Chemical MemoriesJohn Baumhackl: Chemical Memories · 2014
John Baumhackl: Chemical Memories
2014
MovieWarDocumentary
John Baumhackl recalls the early days of the Vietnam War when more and more troops were being sent into combat every month. In 1968, John's number came up and he was drafted into the conflict. Buying a camera at his company store before shipping off, he captured many battles while in a helicopter. John was near the front lines when President Nixon made the controversial decision to push into Cambodia. In John's view, this saved American lives.
John Henry Balch: Congressional Medal of HonorJohn Henry Balch: Congressional Medal of Honor · 2018
John Henry Balch: Congressional Medal of Honor
2018
MovieDocumentaryWar
John Henry Balch was a Pharmacist's Mate attached to the 3rd Battalion 6th Marine Regiment when his unit entered the Belleau Wood. His dedication to the Marines under his care earned him the Medal of Honor.
Scott Castle: Battle of FallujahScott Castle: Battle of Fallujah · 2013
Scott Castle: Battle of Fallujah
2013
MovieWarDocumentary
Scott Castle served in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years. While assigned to 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division he served three combat tours in Iraq, including the First and Second Battles of Fallujah.
The War to End all Wars... and its American VeteransThe War to End all Wars... and its American Veterans · 2020
The War to End all Wars... and its American Veterans
2020
MovieWarDocumentary
Relying on newly discovered archival footage, memoirs from the fallen, and expert commentary from scholars, this documentary tells the story of World War I from the American perspective: Its ace pilots, mine-laying Sailors, heroic doughboys, Harlem Hell Fighters, and courageous nurses.

More Like This

Couldn't load this row right now.

Rate this film

Your ratings make Midnight smarter