EXCLUSIVE: Kiana Madeira (Fear Street trilogy) is making her first leap into producing as executive producer and star of Baby Love, an indie fighter drama marking the feature debut of writer-director Joseph Marconi.

Others set to star include Marielle Scott (Lady Bird), Homeland‘s Maury Sterling and Amy Hargreaves, Blake Lindsley (9-1-1) and Irene Bedard (Avatar: The Last Airbender).

The film centers on Rhiannon “Baby Love” Mitchell (Madeira), 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 ring or forge a new path.

Lysette Urus (As We Speak) and Sterling are serving as the film’s producers.

“Baby Love is a very special and personal film that combined two worlds—MMA and Equine Therapy—and allowed me to tell a recovery story in fresh and unexpected ways,” Marconi told Deadline. “Working with Kiana in the lead role was miraculous; she brought a fierce and vulnerable energy to Rhiannon Mitchell that elevated the film.”

Best known for starring in Netflix’s coming-of-age drama series Trinkets, Madeira’s credits on the film side include Netflix’s horror film trilogy Fear Street and the hit After franchise of YA films, as well as such recent indie titles as Brother and Perfect Addiction.

Beginning his career in advertising, Marconi transitioned to writing and directing short films, music videos, and branded content after a brief stint as a New York City nightlife photographer. A 2021 Film Independent Fellow, his short film Wild Animal won Best Short Film and Best Made in Montana Film at the 2021 MINT Film Festival.

Madeira is represented by Verve, Ambition Talent, Luber Roklin Entertainment, and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller; Scott by Gersh and Mosaic; Sterling by Innovative Artists, Forward Entertainment, and Gerber & Co CPAs & Business Managers; Hargreaves by Artists & Representatives and Smith Talent Group; Lindsley by Angel City Talent; Bedard by Vox; and Marconi by Entertainment 360.