by Rama Gaind
Film: Stylebender
Director: Zoë McIntosh, Ahi Films
Israel Adesanya is a Nigerian-born, multi-faceted character with a compelling story – an immigrant, a dancer and New Zealand-based MMA champion.
Stylebender will be in cinemas from Thursday 28 September, following an international premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival earlier this year. The film was shot over a five-year period and features unprecedented access to the UFC World Middleweight Champion and his team.
The film is a poignant examination of the complex, electrifying and sometimes controversial figure known as ‘The Last Stylebender.’ It’s an intimate look at Israel, which goes beyond the octagon and delves deep into an unlikely fighter’s journey. It explores Israel’s experiences of masculinity, bullying, mental health and the healing power of dance.
Director Zoë McIntosh (The Deadly Ponies Gang, The World in Your Window, Lost in Wonderland, Day Trip) admits being drawn to unconventional and edgy worlds. As a filmmaker, she thrives on getting out of her comfort zone.
“Delving into compelling characters and unearthing surprising truths that lie beneath the surface. It’s those people who march to the beat of their own drum and despite often intense adversity, ultimately overcome.”
“As a filmmaker, I’ve always been drawn to unconventional and edgy worlds … delving into compelling characters and unearthing surprising truths that lie beneath the surface.”
What intrigued McIntosh the most about the MMA fighter were the stark contrasts and contradictions within his character.
“He’s a brutal fighter yet also strangely sensitive, feminine and vulnerable. My goal in making this film was simple: to strip away the gloss and hype surrounding this superstar and offer audiences a fresh and deeper insight into Israel Adesanya. Who is he really and how did he become the greatest middleweight champion in the world? I wanted to illuminate the poetry, emotion and contradictions inherent in him and to take viewers behind the curtain of both him and his sport.”
As a result, the film is emotionally raw and vulnerable.
Stylebender is screening in cinemas since 28 September 2023
