Standout: The Ben Kjar Story (2025)
With no chance at an ordinary life, he lived an extraordinary one.
99 min
Standout tells the powerful story of Ben Kjar, born with Crouzon Syndrome, a rare craniofacial disorder. From birth, doctors warn that his life will be overshadowed by limitations. Ben yearns for an ordinary life free from the harsh scrutiny he faces daily. However, each experience of adversity, including relentless bullying and a series of painful surgeries, ignites a fire within him. Wrestling becomes his proving ground, a place where he learns to transform his facial difference into a source of power. Determined to succeed, he pushes himself relentlessly, breaking through physical, social, and even romantic barriers that once seemed insurmountable. But as unexpected challenges arise and ridicule resurfaces, Ben finds himself at a defining crossroads: fade into the background of a “normal” life, or fully embrace his unique path and boldly stand out.
- Release date
- January 23, 2026
- Country of origin
- United States
- Music
- Christian Davis
Trailer
Cast
- Emily Wadley as Young Stana
- Scarlett Hazen as Cheerleader
- Ben Kjar as Self
- Scott Kjar as Self - Parent
- Stana Kjar as Self - Parent
- Louis Morales Jr. as Self - Pediatric Craniofacial Surgeon
- Logan Essig as Self - Cousin
- Shauna Essig as Self - Aunt
- Nate Clark as Self - Friend
- Greg Kjar as Self - Uncle
- Bart Thompson as Self - Viewmont High Wrestling Coach
- Shandell Smoot as Self - Uncle
Crew
- Tanner Christensen · Director
- Tanner Christensen · Writer
- T.C. Christensen · Producer
- Tanner Christensen · Producer
- Jared Hess · Producer
- Ben Kjar · Producer
- Christian Davis · Composer
- T.C. Christensen · Cinematographer
- Tanner Christensen · Editor