The Malibu Mutt

Malibu Mutt tells the true story of Ziad Karram, a young Palestinian refugee who arrived in 1970s Los Angeles chasing an education—and stumbled into creating an iconic food shack that embodied his version of the American Dream. Through a vibrant mix of live-action, animation, and archival footage, the film follows Ziad’s journey from struggling student to co-founder of Malibu Mutt, a food stand that won over both locals and celebrities with its falafel sandwiches. Decades later, the shack still stands, serving as a reminder that grit, community, and a little bit of luck can leave a lasting mark.