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Logline

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.

Synopsis

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.
 

Meet the Filmmakers

Joseph Marconi – Writer/Director/Producer
Joseph is a writer and director from the Hudson Valley, New York. He began his career in advertising, working with global companies like BBDO and Showtime. After a brief stint as a New York City nightlife photographer, he transitioned to writing and directing short films, music videos, and branded content. His short film, Wild Animal, won Best Short Film and Best Made in Montana Film at the 2021 MINT Film Festival. He edited the documentary feature Hargrove (directed by Eliane Henri) and the Muslim Futurism music video Alhamdu (directed by Abbas Rattani), both of which premiered at Tribeca 2022. Joseph is also a 2021 Film Independent Fellow. Baby Love will be his debut feature film. Joseph is represented by Brian Levy at Entertainment 360.

Lysette Urus – Producer
Lysette is a multifaceted producer originally from the NY metro area. Lysette has built a career producing documentaries, including As We Speak for Paramount+ which premiered at Sundance in 2024 and Who is Michael Jang? which premiered at the San Francisco Doc Fest in 2024. Baby Love will be Lysette’s first narrative feature as the lead producer. She is a 2021 alumni of the Film Independent Producing Lab and Fast Track.

Maury Sterling – Producer/Actor
Maury is an actor, writer, and producer originally from Mill Valley, California. As an actor, he has appeared in numerous films, series, and recurring roles, most notably of late as Max Piotrowski on the Showtime juggernaut Homeland. Maury and his wife Alexis recently launched their production company Little Idea Media. Under the banner of this new production company, which aspires to create stories that challenge narrative, perspective, and tradition, they have produced the short film Blood and Water, the feature My Dead Friend Zoe (winner of the 2024 SXSW Audience Award) and now Baby Love. Maury is represented by Forward Entertainment, and Innovative Artists.

David Vollrath – Director of Photography
Originally from Northern Virginia, David moved to NYC in 2009 to pursue his career in film. He worked his way up through the camera department while honing his craft as a cinematographer on TV commercials. David moved to LA in 2017 working on Music Videos and Narrative projects. Combining his deep technical understanding of the filmmaking process with strong creative sensibilities, David strives to find the most unique and authentic moments that make a film stand out.

Chance Housley – Co-Producer
Chance Housley, a Montana native born and raised in Billings, is a film producer with a passion to help bring various stories fixated around the human condition. In 2018, he graduated from Montana State with a BA in Film and Photography and has been based in the gorgeous Bozeman area ever since! His high energy, passion for his work and life shine through in everything he does.

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Contact

For inquiries, please contact fiscalsponsorship@filmindependent.org.