Upperstate · Feature film · 2026

Baby Love

Written & directed by

Joseph Marconi

Starring

Kiana Madeira

Runtime

87 min

▶ Watch the trailer Press kit ↓

WINNER · BEST PICTURE · BEST ACTRESS — SANTA MONICA FILM FESTIVAL

WINNERBest Picture Best ActressSANTA MONICA FILM FESTIVAL

The film

A female MMA fighter on the brink of self-destruction finds a lifeline in a court-ordered equine therapy program, leading her to confront her past and redefine her future.

Rhiannon “Baby Love” is an MMA fighter on the brink of self-destruction who battles through underground fight circuits, facing physical and emotional turmoil. When a series of concussions threaten her career, she is forced into an unconventional equine therapy program.

Skeptical and defiant, she gradually bonds with the horses and the program’s patients, rediscovering her inner strength and confronting her past. As she heals, she must decide whether to return to the cage or forge a new path.

Trailer

Official trailer · 2:05

Cast &
filmmakers

Cast

Kiana MadeiraRhiannon Mitchell

Maury SterlingDaryl

Amy HargreavesLeighann Mitchell

Marielle ScottSierra

Irene BedardCherry Bennet

Blake LindsleyNora Owens

Filmmakers

Written & directed byJoseph Marconi

Produced byLysette Urus, p.g.a, Maury Sterling, Joseph Marconi

Executive producersKiana Madeira, Jon Collins-Black, Natasha Silver Bell, Stephen Nemeth, Blake Lindsley, Ireland Moran, Zachary Green, Divisionist Films, Alinor Sterling, Molly Sterling, Young Boozer, Dan Morilak, Victoria Shamshoyan, A-List Construction

Casting byTerese Classen

Director of photographyDavid Vollrath

Production designerTessla Hastings

EditorArianna Tomasettig

Music byMondo Boys

Line producerJeri Rafter