Standout: The Ben Kjar Story opened Friday night in theaters across Utah, marking the latest locally connected release from Angel Studios and a familiar group of Utah filmmakers.
The film was produced by veteran filmmaker T.C. Christensen (Escape From Germany, The Cokeville Miracle, 17 Miracles) and Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite, The Minecraft Movie), and directed by Christensen’s son, Tanner Christensen, in his directorial debut. Together, the team brings to the screen the story of Ben Kjar, a Centerville native whose life and athletic career have made him a national inspiration.
Standout documents Kjar’s journey growing up with Crouzon syndrome, a rare craniofacial condition that required numerous surgeries and subjected him to years of challenges. Rather than allowing those challenges to define him, Kjar found purpose and strength through wrestling. He went on to become a three-time state champion at Viewmont High School, Utah Valley University’s first NCAA Division I All-American, and a world champion competitor representing Team USA. Beyond athletics, the film explores Kjar’s resilience, relationships, and personal outlook, painting a fuller portrait of the man behind the accomplishments.
This past Saturday evening, Christensen made an appearance at Walker’s 8 Cinema in Perry, just south of Brigham City, thanking audiences for coming out to support the film. He answered a few questions and told some sweet stories, including how they found Colton Fielding, who plays young Ben, and who turned out to be a perfect fit for the role. Christensen also explained that he had known of Ben Kjar for decades, having lived in Centerville near Kjar’s family. As a child, Kjar stood out for his energy and determination despite looking different. Christensen recalled telling his son Tanner more than 30 years ago that “that kid’s a movie,” a thought that ultimately led to the project years later after deeper research into Kjar’s life.
The screening was part of a broader press and community tour designed to bring the filmmakers directly to Utah audiences. Following opening weekend, Standout continues its statewide rollout with a series of in-person screenings and Q&A sessions featuring members of the filmmaking team and those connected to the story. Over the next week, audiences will have opportunities to attend showings with appearances from Kjar, Tanner Christensen, T.C. Christensen, and others involved in the film.
Upcoming Appearances
Ben Kjar
- Cinemark Spanish Fork — Monday, January 26, 7:30 p.m.
- Megaplex at Legacy Crossing (Centerville) — Tuesday, January 27, 4:25 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Tanner Christensen
- Cinemark Spanish Fork — January 26, 7:30 p.m.
- Cinemark Farmington — January 27, 5:15 p.m., 6:10 p.m., and 7:55 p.m.
T.C. Christensen
- Megaplex Sunset Stadium 8 (St. George) — January 27, 3:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and 8:30 p.m.
- Additional appearances January 28–30, with showtimes to be announced.
More times and appearances will be planned as the film spreads to more theaters. Keep an eye on Standout social media pages and website for more info.
Standout Website
Standout Movie Review
I thought Standout was genuinely a great movie. T.C. Christensen always has such a great gift for story, and combined with the directorial skills of his son and the production value that Angel Studios always brings, I think it is really worth your time to see.
I will have a full review of it up soon, and will link it here.
