Dick’s Market in Centerville served as one of the filming locations for the feature film “STANDOUT: The Ben Kjar Story,” which opens in theaters nationwide this weekend following its win at the 2025 Slamdance Film Festival.
The film chronicles the life of Ben Kjar, a Utah native born with Crouzon syndrome who went on to become a three-time state wrestling champion, an NCAA Division I All-American at Utah Valley University and a world champion competing for Team USA. Filming locations across Utah, including Dick’s Market, provide the backdrop for his story.
The scene at the store was one of the film’s most emotionally charged sequences, depicting a childhood moment that helped shape Kjar’s outlook on life. The production team worked closely with store leadership, team members and AFS communications to capture the scene in an authentic community setting.
“Dick’s Market was incredibly supportive from the start,” said Elizabeth Barnett, senior communications specialist, who coordinated with the local director and producer, Tanner Christensen, during filming. “They understood the importance of the story being told and were fully prepared to have their store on camera. That kind of readiness and professionalism makes a big difference when you’re filming on location.”
The Dick’s Market team transformed a checkstand to reflect the 1980s, stocking it with classic candy and period-specific items. They also made temporary operational adjustments and worked closely with the crew to ensure filming went smoothly while maintaining the strong guest service the store delivers every day.
Producers expressed appreciation for the store’s flexibility and hospitality, noting that the authenticity of the location added emotional weight to the scene and reinforced the film’s central themes of belonging, visibility and courage.
“STANDOUT: The Ben Kjar Story” explores Kjar’s journey from a childhood marked by repeated surgeries and public cruelty to elite athletic achievement and international success as a motivational speaker. The film challenges audiences to reconsider what is possible when adversity is met with purpose rather than retreat.
With its nationwide theatrical release this weekend, the film brings national attention not only to Kjar’s story, but also to the local communities and partners, including Dick’s Market, that helped bring it to the screen.