Slamdance Film Festival 2025 – Even for the non-sports fan, director Tanner Christensen‘s documentary Standout: The Ben Kjar Story is an inspiring tale. As the title implies, it follows the story of wrestler Ben Kjar, who was born with a Crouzon Syndrome, a rare craniofacial disorder. Despite this, Ben had quite a successful career as a wrestler, becoming Utah Valley University’s first-ever Division 1 Wrestling All American. He also represented the USA team internationally. The documentary tracks his highs and his lows, while ultimately offering quite the uplifting story.

Throughout the runtime, Kjar isn’t shy talking about his struggles. The documentary essentially moves in chronological order throughout his life. He had no easy path in school and recounts, in quite great detail, the bullying that he faced. One parent even told their kid to get away from him, stating that his condition could spread to their child just by coming into contact with Kjar. During junior high, cheerleaders used to mock him and joke about dating him. Others labeled him Quasimodo. Anyone facing such bullying likely would have quit, and Kjar admits the bouts of depression he faced. However, wrestling became his outlet, especially in junior high and more so in high school.

Kjar started to win match after match. More than one relative and coach mentions how kind he was off the mat, but once a match began, he was ruthless. Kar simply had a natural talent for the sport, coupled with a dedication and relentless drive to improve and to win. Whatever bullying and backlash he faced, he harnessed that to become a better wrestler. About the first half of the documentary focuses on his time in school and how he eventually became a fairly well-known wrestler once he arrived at Utah Valley University, earning attention from ESPN and other major sports outlets. It’s an enjoyable ride, watching a younger Kjar blossom into a confident athlete, who drew the attention of women who used to bully him.

Kjar’s time at Utah Valley University, which may be familiar to sports fan because of the media attention it garnered, is also given ample time. This includes a few of his setbacks, regrets, and triumphs. Kjar is amazingly candid throughout the documentary, as he reflects upon his career and his unlikely journey. The documentary then shifts to focus more on his personal life, his wife, and their eventual three children that were adopted. This again is another win, and it’s pretty cool to see Kjar coaching his children, who started wrestling in a little league.

Ultimately, Standout: The Ben Kjar Story is a feel-good story about a wrestler who refused to allow his Crouzon Syndrome to pin him down. Kjar is honest in front of the camera, and there’s plenty here for a general audience to enjoy. Everyone loves a good underdog story.