Ben Kjar and I grew up in the same small town in Utah, and while his facial difference may have set him apart in our community, it was his personality and charisma that truly made him stand out. The first time I met Ben was during a recreation league basketball game as a teenager. He was, without question, the most popular kid in the gym. Right then, I knew there was something extraordinary about his story.Over the past two years, as we’ve worked on this documentary, I’ve come to realize that Ben’s story is even more remarkable than I could have ever imagined.

Standout isn’t just a film about overcoming adversity; it’s a story about how connection and love can ignite true change—within ourselves and in the lives of others. My hope is that everyone who watches Standout is as inspired by Ben’s courage and heart as I continue to be.

-Tanner Christensen