Standout: The Utah Story of Ben Kjar’s Strength and Spirit Opens in Theaters

FM100.3 host Rebecca Cressman sits down with filmmakers T.C. Christensen and Tanner Christensen to discuss Standout: The Ben Kjar Story, the award-winning true story of resilience, humor, heart, and family bonds. The film follows Ben Kjar’s journey from a childhood marked by surgeries and bullying in Utah to becoming a world champion wrestler who refused to let his facial difference define him. Produced by Jared Hess and T.C. Christensen, and directed by Tanner Christensen, Standout celebrates the triumph of the human spirit and encourages audiences to embrace what makes them different. The film comes to theaters January 23, 2026.

Utah Weekly Forum is a weekly community affairs conversation about the growing and changing needs, resources, and issues affecting the diverse people and communities along the Wasatch Front mountains, within Salt Lake City, and beyond. Utah Weekly Forum is hosted and produced by Rebecca Cressman, KSFI Midday Radio Personality in Salt Lake City.  The interview program is broadcast Sunday evenings on FM100.3, KSFI Radio at 11:00pm and on 103.5 FM on Sunday mornings at 5:30am. You can reach Rebecca with questions and show ideas at Rebecca@FM100.com.