Stylebender

Stylebender is a 2023 New Zealand documentary film, focusing on the life of Nigerian and New Zealand professional mixed martial artist Israel Adesanya.

Stylebender
Directed byZoe McIntosh
Written by
  • Zoe McIntosh
  • Tom Blackwell
  • Brendan Donovan
Produced by
  • Tom Blackwell
  • Fraser Brown
  • Leela Menon
StarringIsrael Adesanya
Cinematography
  • Jacob Bryant
  • Ian McCarroll
  • Gareth Moon
  • Jeff Sainlar
  • Tammy Williams
Edited byPeter Roberts
Production
company
FluroBlack
Distributed by
Release dates
Running time
102 minutes
CountryNew Zealand
LanguageEnglish

Synopsis

The film follows Adesanya's early life, upbringing, and his decision to pursue mixed martial arts professionally.

Production

The film is the sixth major release by director Zoe McIntosh,[1] who began working on the film in 2019.[2] The film was shot over a five-year period.[3] Adesanya was inspired to create the film documenting his life, to combat ideas of toxic masculinity.[4]

Release

The film debuted at the Tribeca Festival on 11 June 2023,[5] which Adesanya attended in person.[6] Stylebender was nominated for Best Documentary at the festival.[3] The film was later screened at the Zurich Film Festival in September 2023.[7] The film received a wide release in New Zealand cinemas on 28 September.[4][3]

References
  1. Riddlejun, Mathew (7 June 2023). "Israel Adesanya: "Stylebender" Documentary to Premiere on June 11, "Men Need to See This Film"". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 6 September 2023.
  2. Okiche, Wilfred (2023). "A New Documentary Aims to Reach the Emotional Core of Israel 'Stylebender' Adesanya". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 6 September 2023.
  3. "Israel Adesanya's colourful life explored in warts-and-all doco". Stuff. 23 August 2023. Retrieved 13 September 2023.
  4. Hall, Derek (5 August 2023). "Israel Adesanya Stars In 'Stylebender' Documentary Discussing 'Fake Masculinity & Lack Of Emotional Intelligence'". Retrieved 6 September 2023.
  5. "Stylebender: What life was really like for MMA champion Israel Adesanya before his rise to stardom". Whanganui Chronicle. The New Zealand Herald. 20 April 2023. Retrieved 6 September 2023.
  6. "Israel Adesanya Makes A Fashionable Appearance At The Tribeca Film Festival". BellaNaija Style. 27 June 2023. Retrieved 6 September 2023.
  7. "Stylebender von Zoë McIntosh". Zurich Film Festival. Retrieved 14 September 2023.
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