Standout tells the inspiring story of Ben Kjar, born with Crouzon Syndrome, a rare craniofacial disorder. From birth, doctors warned that his life would be dominated by limitations, bullying and harsh scrutiny. Despite that prognosis, Ben yearned for an ordinary life free from judgment and harassment.
However, each experience of adversity, including relentless bullying and a series of painful surgeries, ignited a fire within him. Wrestling became his proving ground, a place where he learned to transform his facial difference into a source of power. Determined to succeed, he pushed himself relentlessly, breaking through physical, social, and even romantic barriers that once seemed insurmountable.
But as unexpected challenges arose and ridicule resurfaced, Ben found himself at a defining crossroads: fade into the background of a “normal” life, or fully embrace his difference and boldly stand out.
The Cast
Ben Kjar
Ben’s heartfelt story inspires anyone who has ever felt they didn’t fit in.
Stana & Scott Kjar
Ben’s parents, a source of strength and support in the face of unimaginable hardships.
Anthony Robles
The one person that stands between Ben and his goal of becoming a national champion. He wrestles with physical issues of his own.
Seth Wright
A troubled fellow wrestler who pushes Ben to reach his potential.
LaCol Grant
Ben’s love interest. Can she ever really love him enough to overlook Crouzon Syndrome? And what would that mean for their future children?
Colton Fielding
“Young Ben”
5-year-old Colton was born with Crouzon Syndrome just like Ben, and plays Ben’s younger self in Standout.
From a 12-hour cranial surgery as an infant to becoming a wrestling champion, STANDOUT: The Ben Kjar Story is a shattering yet uplifting journey through adversity. Winner of multiple festival awards including Spirit of Slamdance, this expertly crafted documentary combines powerful interviews, dramatic reenactments, and archival footage to create an unforgettable portrait of perseverance that rivals classic American sports narratives.
Go deeper into Ben Kjar’s extraordinary journey in this exclusive interview with director Tanner Christensen and Ben himself. Discover the pivotal 2011 match against NCAA champion Anthony Robles, the unwavering family support that fueled Ben’s success, and the defining moment when he chose to stand out rather than blend in. A celebration of courage, resilience, and brotherhood on the mat.
Ben Kjar brought his powerful message to Cokeville High School students in an amazing assembly about overcoming challenges and not letting others’ words determine who you become. Featured in the documentary STANDOUT: The Ben Kjar Story produced by T.C. Christensen, Ben’s journey of resilience and kindness continues inspiring students across the country.
After spending nearly two decades building a career as a film editor, Tanner Christensen made the jump to the director’s chair with his debut feature documentary, Standout: The Ben Kjar Story. As an editor, Christensen contributed to a variety of projects, including feature films, commercials, short films, and television productions—most notably the hit Netflix documentary series Muscles & Mayhem: An Unauthorized Story of American Gladiators.
T.C. Christensen, ASC
DP / Producer
T.C.’s film work includes 10 IMAX / large format films, hundreds of TV Commercials, and 32 feature-length films including 17 Miracles, Forever Strong, The Cokeville Miracle and Escape from Germany. In 2010, T.C. was invited to join the American Society of Cinematographers.
Jared Hess
Producer
Jared Hess is an Academy Award nominated filmmaker from Preston, Idaho. His directorial debut Napoleon Dynamite premiered at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival and went on to become a comedy box office hit. His other films include Nacho Libre, Gentlemen Broncos, Don Verdean, Masterminds and the animated feature Thelma the Unicorn. He also produced and co-directed the hit Netflix documentary series Murder Among the Mormons and Muscles & Mayhem: An Unauthorized Story of American Gladiators. In 2024, Jared and his wife Jerusha were nominated for an Academy Award for their animated short film Ninety-Five Senses. He recently directed the upcoming A Minecraft Movie starring Jack Black and Jason Momoa.
Christian Davis
Original Music
Christian is a multi-talented media composer, moving seamlessly from romantic comedies, We Love You, Sally Carmichael! to sci-fi thrillers, Atomica and everything in between. Davis began his career at Hans Zimmer’s Remote Control Studios, working closely with Rupert Gregson-Williams (Wonder Woman, Hacksaw Ridge) on multiple studio feature films and television series. Some of Davis’s solo titles include Christmas Eve starring Patrick Stewart, Invitation to a Murder starring Mischa Barton and BYUtv’s Dwight in Shining Armor.
