Land Rover reveals second instalment of ‘My Journey, My Inspiration’ film series

Premium SUV manufacturer, Land Rover, has revealed the second instalment of its ‘My Journey, My Inspiration’  film series. The film depicts the inspiring story of Lebanese paraplegic, Michael Haddad, who defied all odds to become a professional athlete, as well as complete record-breaking walking and climbing challenges to raise awareness for individuals with disabilities. 

Land Rover MENA launched the film series earlier this year as part of its creative communications platform, MYLAND, as a way to showcase the unique and inspirational stories of achievers from across the region.  The achievers, from Oman, Qatar, Lebanon, Kuwait and the UAE, all share one thing in common, they are inspired by the culture and heritage of their land, and have succeeded in truly going above and beyond in their accomplishments. 

At the age of six, Michael was involved in a jet skiing accident that left him paralysed from the chest down, with the heart-breaking diagnosis that he would never walk again. In October 2013, Michael defied all odds to achieve his first world record by walking 19km - an equivalent of 60,000 steps - in the mountains of Lebanon with a cedar tree on his back, braving the natural elements and sub-zero temperatures. His achievement prompted the Municipality of Bsharri in Lebanon to plant 60,000 cedar trees as a tribute to Michael’s 60,000 steps. 

Throughout his story, it is clear that Michael has been inspired by his land, and he concludes his film by explaining what the concept of MYLAND means to him, “My land is not just a place, my land is the people I love standing beside me. My land is my universe, and I am proud to say that wherever I am in the world, I try to evolve and change, because every step forward is better than ten steps looking back.” 

Chris Wilde, Brand Director of Jaguar Land Rover MENA, added, “Michael’s story perfectly encapsulates what ‘My Journey, My Inspiration’  is all about - celebrating people from across the region who are inspired by their land, heritage or country to defy the odds and truly go above and beyond in their achievements.  We are thrilled with the response we have received so far, and I hope Michael’s film will be equally inspiring for audiences across the region to strive to overcome life’s challenges and achieve their dreams.”  

The ‘My Journey, My Inspiration’ series has been produced by Emirati film director, Ali Mostafa, and directed by Emirati filmmaker, Ahmed Abdulqader. Michael’s story is now available to view on www.myland.landrover-me.com.