Stylebender

Stylebender is an acclaimed documentary about charismatic, sometimes controversial MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter Israel Adesanya. Award-winning director Zoe McIntosh (Lost in Wonderland) follows Adesanya as he defends his patch in the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) after his 2019 middleweight title win. In this trailer Adesanya opens up about the bullying he experienced as a Nigerian immigrant in Aotearoa, and his early outlet in dance. He describes struggles to express himself authentically, and regulate his emotions as a man and athlete amidst the hype and noise of the MMA scene. 

I was an outsider, and then I tried to fit in. But I wasn't meant to fit in.

– Adesanya on his Kiwi childhood

Key Cast & Crew

Peter Roberts

Editor

Tom Blackwell

Writer, Producer

Brendan Donovan

Writer

Leela Menon

Producer

Fraser Brown

Producer

Zoe McIntosh

Director, Writer