2026 · Official Selection

Baby
Love

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.

Baby Love official poster
Phoenix Film Festival · 2026 · Official Selection
Cinequest Film Festival · Official Selection
The Film

Some fighters break. Others rebuild.

A talented fighter with a traumatic brain injury. A rescue horse. One last chance to find her way back.

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.

Watch

The Trailer

Stills

From the film

Director's Note

You could say this is a boxing movie, but this isn't a boxing movie. Not to me. For me, it's about what happens after you break.

Joseph Marconi · Writer / Director
Credits

Cast & Crew

Cast

  • Rhiannon MitchellKiana Madeira
  • DarylMaury Sterling
  • SierraMarielle Scott
  • Nora OwensBlake Lindsley
  • Cherry BennettIrene Bedard
  • Leighann MitchellAmy Hargreaves
  • JoshBeau Linnell
  • HarrySam Debree
  • MaryMary Ritano
  • Annie BoylanAriel O'Neill

Crew

  • Written & Directed byJoseph Marconi
  • Produced byLysette Urus, p.g.a.Maury Sterling · Joseph Marconi
  • Executive ProducersKiana Madeira · Jon Collins-BlackStephen Nemeth · Blake Lindsley
    Natasha Silver Bell · Divisionist Films
  • Director of PhotographyDavid Vollrath
  • EditorArianna Tomasettig
  • Original ScoreMondo Boys
  • Production DesignerTessla Hastings
  • Costume DesignDaphne Sweet · Fiona Story · Misty Rose
  • CastingTerese Classen
  • Line ProducerJeri Rafter
Press

In the news

Upperstate presents in association with
Upperstate Divisionist Films Little Idea Media
Film Independent Filmed in Montana US in Progress Lensworks