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Hi, I'm Abbas Hojatpanah, a documentary filmmaker with a deep passion for telling real stories of people, specifically capturing extraordinary humans and how they've shaped the cultural landscape of our people. I have a history of 50+ years in the documentary film (90% of which are biographical) and have won multiple international awards in addition to also being a photographer and visual artist.
My love of stories that inspire, uplift, and remind us of the strength of the human spirit has brought me here now to tell the story of an amazing person.
I’m currently working on a documentary that does exactly that — capturing the extraordinary life and comeback journey of an incredible athlete who defied the odds after suffering a devastating stroke and heart surgeries.
This isn’t just a story about sports, this isn't a story about a person - It’s a story about resilience, about refusing to give up, and about the fight to reclaim identity, strength, and purpose after life knocks you down.
Meet: Magic (Majid) Seghat
A gifted athlete, coach, and mentor, Magic lived and breathed sports. Still to this day, you can walk around anywhere in Park City, Utah and EVERYONE knows him - I can honestly say, everyone! His life was shaped by discipline, perseverance, and a drive to push limits. Among his many accomplishments:
- Accomplished and highly decorated national team water skiier
- Accomplished and highly decorated snow skiier
- Accomplished mountain climber and mountain biker (scaled Kilimanjaro and Mt Damavand)
- Highest level of ski instruction obtained in Austria - where he also coached multiple skiiers that have gone on to win titles
- Ski instructor/coach since 1980 in Park City, Utah - and was selected as one of the best coaches in addition to holding the record for coaching the most people in one ski season
- Coached an international Olympic ski team (2002 Winter Olympics - Utah)
But everything changed when a sudden stroke nearly took his life and left doctors uncertain if he’d ever walk — let alone train — again.
But he is no ordinary fighter
What followed was nothing short of remarkable: months of intense rehab with some of the best at Intermountain Health Park City - small victories led to bigger ones, and a relentless determination to not just survive, but thrive. Today, he’s defying medical expectations, continuing to inspire others, and living proof that the human spirit can overcome even the darkest chapters
Why This Documentary Matters:
In a world overwhelmed by bad news, we need stories like this. Stories that remind us what’s possible and that to keep hope alive. Stories that bring people together. This documentary will shine a light on Magic’s incredible journey — from incredible athletic prowess and the best supportive mentorship to hospital beds to the training field — and the people (like the amazing staff of doctors and therapists at Intermountain Health), who helped him find his way back.
It will be raw, honest, and powerful — highlighting not just the comeback, but the setbacks, the moments of doubt, and the incredible resilience it takes to rise again
How You Can Help:
We’re seeking $12,000 to help fund the production, filming, editing, and distribution of this documentary. Every dollar will go directly toward:
Equipment and crew costs
Travel to key filming locations
Post-production and editing
Marketing and outreach to get this story seen by as many people as possible
Whether you can give $5 or $500, your support means the world. And if you can't donate right now, please consider sharing this campaign — it truly helps more than you know.
Let’s bring this story to life — and show the world what resilience really looks like and highlight an important voice in our world.
Thank you for believing in this project and in the power of real stories
With gratitude,
Abbas