The Maestro

For Rob Kellum, professional wrestling is a form of storytelling. A wrestling match traces a narrative arc, requiring wrestlers to be as artistic as they are athletic. Following Rob as he prepares for and competes in a highly anticipated wrestling match, “The Maestro” offers a unique look into one professional wrestler’s creative process.

Official selection to the 2018 RiverRun International Film Festival.

Director’s Statement

I first met Rob “The Maestro” Kellum on a film set where he had a bit part as a Russian circus strongman. He was, far and away, the most courteous person there. He thanked everyone constantly, which made learning he was a former WCW superstar all the more surprising. His humble manner seemed out of place for someone who had toured the world at the top of his craft, and I was even more intrigued to learn he was still wrestling.

Rob revealed that he didn’t think of himself as an athlete in the ring, but rather as a physical storyteller. He painted a picture of Shakespearean heroes and villains, of character arcs that lasted decades, and of a commitment to the audience experience that was particularly heartfelt. With “The Maestro,” I wanted to offer a seldom-seen peek behind the curtain of a professional storyteller, who, despite an ever-changing career trajectory, lives to touch lives with tales off the turnbuckle.

— Ned Phillips

Select Credits

Directed by Ned Phillips. Produced by Bradley Bethel. Cinematography and editing by Caleb Childers. Original score by Sumner James Phillips.