FIST BUMP (2025) – An Extraordinary Film With an Extraordinary Visceral Panache

FIST BUMP is a robust, rousing, superbly told story by Director Madeleine Farley, who makes films that unflinching tackle inequality, injustice and discrimination, especially those reflecting David vs. Goliath and Intrepid Underdogs Despite the Odds, thematically, as well as the reveling in the resilience of The Human Spirit.

She spotlights people facing the bleakest circumstances, and for stories showing that people on this planet who make positive things happen and serve as lessons for all of us regardless of the risks involved.

WORD audiences patrons and other visitors should know that Director Farley’s films can be earth shattering and viscerally impacting. Her FIST BUMP features a main protagonist, Marcus Night, who was born with autism and cerebral palsy. Marcus, born a micro-preemie at 26 months, also has echolalia, a condition that causes Individuals to repeat words or phrases spoken by others as if echoing them.

Despite the incredibly cruel fate, of what apparently has the all the earmarks of an undeniably bleak destiny imposed by Mother Nature, Marcus Knight, who is by-racial, and with the help of his mom, notches victories nevertheless – even as this article-review is in process. Marcus garners accomplishments and notable recognition despite challenges, obstacles and fates that could freak out if not totally stymie the best of us.

The Plot

Marcus draws on his favorite contemporary songs to help him express himself, and overcome difficulty in communicating his feelings, His undeniable track record: Excelling in high school and its social life, starring in stage musicals, and being chosen as homecoming king. He also is a fist-bumping picture taker of selfies.

He enrolls in Saddle Back College in southern California after graduating from high school to enhance his opportunities for his plans for a career on Broadway. That dream of all dreams suddenly comes under unfair siege when he’s unfairly accused of sexual harassment.

The accusation arose because of a friendly fist bump of a Saddle Back College coed as well as innocent selfies he took of her.

Although the coed did not file a complaint against him, a Title IX administration at Saddle Back College stepped in and decided Marcus was responsible for sexual harassment and censured him. Marcus was suspended from Saddle Back. Yet, with the help of his mom, he finds a lawyer to take his case to a federal judge who ruled in their favor that Saddle Back College denied Marcus due process rights and the tools with which to defend himself.

The college appealed to a different judge and won, stopping Marcus from completing his higher education.

Director Statement: Madeleine Farley Also Is the Film’s Cinematographer and a Producer

As a filmmaker I have always been inspired by actual events and am particularly drawn to the underdogs of society. Through my films my aim is to shine a light on the disenfranchised.

I’m interested in human stories, ones that hold a mirror up to society and reflect its absurdities, flaws, and contradictions. I love bringing humor into politically charged, or controversial situations, as I think it helps audiences engage in topics and subject matters that might otherwise be difficult to hear.

I spent time on the streets of LA and made TROLLYWOOD, a feature documentary film about the homeless and the flipside of the American dream, and STOOGE, a feature doc portrait of an overly obsessed Iggy & the Stooges superfan in his struggle to cope with depression and addiction.

My primary motivation for making “Fist Bump” was to give Marcus Knight a voice, and my greatest challenge as a filmmaker was to portray him with dignity and respect and give the world a chance to hear his voice.

I was originally approached by my producer Claire Best, to come on board with the project. It was her passion and drive advocating for the falsely accused in sexual misconduct cases on college campuses that drew me in. I was especially impressed (and surprised) by her knowledge on the subject matter. But it wasn’t until I first met Marcus and Aurora in 2021 that I felt committed to making the film.

I was amazed by their story; to hear of their battle every step of the way for Marcus to receive a basic education. To hear how he excelled in high school, and was awarded a full scholarship to Saddleback College, only to be rejected and vilified for a fist bump. What was astonishing to me was the lack of compassion and common sense surrounding his case.

Marcus’ accuser was not interviewed for the film, as it soon become apparent that this was not what the film was about (or not relevant to the story). The accuser withdrew from pursuing disciplinary action, as is often the case in many of these accusations. So it was the college administration that Marcus was up against. And the college did not respond to our emails for comment.

We wanted the film to have an intimate feel, and I felt this could only be achieved unencumbered by crew, so mostly it was just me and my camera. Ultimately the crucial factor in making a film of this nature is trust, and, fortunately, I was able to build that with Marcus and Aurora, who welcomed me as part of their family.

I hope the film will help shed light on other cases of this complex nature. But, most of al,l my wish is for Marcus to go on and complete his college education and pursue his musical talents. As in “Stooge” music often plays a key role in my films. Marcus is nonverbal and comminates his emotions through song.

It’s interesting to observe the healing power of music in people’s lives, as in the case of Marcus Knight, and I was excited to witness this while making “Fist Bump.” I was never sure when Marcus might start singing, so there may be one too many scenes with him in the car; it seemed to be one of his favorite places to spontaneously break into song.

There are always going to be challenges balancing human stories with the institutional politics behind that story. But Marcus is so pure and authentic that the policies surrounding his case only came across as even more absurd. Which was most refreshing, and as a result forced us to give Marcus more space.

What I found so ironic in making this film is that Marcus who doesn’t have a voice, ended up becoming the voice.