Documentary ‘Mettle’ spotlights journey of blind judo Paralympian Liana Mutia

“Mettle,” the inspiring short documentary that chronicles the remarkable journey of Liana Mutia, a blind Filipino American judoka, has made its debut on the global stage.

The film premiered at the 2024 International Sport Film Festival in Napoli, Italy, on November 26 where it was honored with the prestigious award for “Best Student Work.” The film is co-directed by Chelsea Casabona and Surabhi Sundaram, and executive-produced by Robe Imbriano.

Mutia, battling health issues and severe injuries, has trained to create history at what could potentially be the final Paralympics of her career. She has been training for her second Paralympics, aiming to become the first American woman to bring home the gold in para-judo, a form of Japanese martial arts practiced by the visually impaired.

“Outside the dojo, Liana is a software analyst and video game developer. Living alone in a

Philadelphia apartment, her days are a balancing act of office duties and rigorous judo practices,” according to a press statement.

The filmmakers said she wishes to lead a life “on her own terms” and provide for herself.

With years of dedicated training and hard work, Liana strives to fulfill her dream for herself and as a role model to her judo community and blind audiences across the country and the world.

Liana immigrated to the United States from the Philippines when she was 2. Her parents were destined to achieve the American Dream for themselves and their two daughters. But at the age of 15, Liana’s life changed forever. Five years after being diagnosed with ischemic optic neuropathy, she gradually, but completely lost her vision, forcing her to relearn how to function as a person, according to the statement.

Undeterred by her disability, she became the world’s #1 ranked para-judoka. As a two-time Pan American champion, Parapan American Games silver medalist, and two-time World bronze medalist, she now has her sights set on the Paralympic gold.

Using the cinéma vérité style of filmmaking, archival footage, and expert interviews, this experiential sports documentary takes the audience into the inspirational life of a blind athlete who defies all odds to create history. Through Liana’s deeply personal journey, the filmmakers see her navigate both physical and social challenges one day at a time.

The filmmakers

Surabhi Sundaram is a multimedia journalist with over four years of experience covering gender-based issues, public health, and politics. With a background in tennis and a love for sports, she gravitates towards sports journalism, driven by a passion to amplify stories of underrepresented communities.

Chelsea Casabona is a documentary filmmaker and journalist based in New York City. Inspired by her childhood career in Judo and stories from her Cuban and Puerto Rican grandparents, Chelsea enjoys making films that highlight the voices of women, immigrants, and athletes.

“Mettle” marks their debut as co-directors, drawing from their shared passion for social impact storytelling and journalism.

Casabona and Sundaram developed “Mettle” as their master’s project in the Documentary Program at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. Through their dual roles as co-producers, co-editors, and co-cinematographers, the directors reveal the dedication and sacrifices that go into shaping a champion. “Mettle” screened the first week of December at Columbia Journalism School’s annual DocFest.