The untold story of legendary motorsports pioneer Mary McGee a.k.a. MOTORCYCLE MARY will come to the big screen at the 2024 Tribeca Festival in New York where it will make its world premiere in the shorts competition on Friday, June 7th (with additional screenings June 13 and 15).

ESPN Films recently announced it has acquired the film. MOTORCYCLE MARY will become part of ESPN’s 30 for 30 Shorts catalog. Per the network (via Deadline), its premiere on ESPN will be announced at a later date. The film’s trailer was just released today and may be viewed here.

The 22-minute documentary short MOTORCYCLE MARY, directed by Haley Watson and produced by Rachel Greenwald and executive produced by two-time Oscar® winner Ben Proudfoot and seven-time Formula One World Champion, Lewis Hamilton, brings McGee’s life to the big screen with stunning never-before-seen archival footage and photographs. McGee’s racing career spanned thirty years and saw Mary shatter gender norms while mastering multiple racing disciplines. The film is Watson’s directorial debut.

Director and producer Haley Watson said: “I’m thrilled to debut Motorcycle Mary at Tribeca. Learning about Mary’s groundbreaking feats, like being the first woman to race motorcycles in the U.S. and her achievements in road racing with Porsche left me amazed by her overlooked story. Working alongside a dedicated female-led team has been immensely fulfilling. From the outset, our producer, Rachel Greenwald, championed Mary’s narrative. With the support of Breakwater Studios and Lewis Hamilton, our executive producer, I’m hopeful that audiences will be inspired by Mary’s unwavering courage and fearless spirit.”

Producer Rachel Greenwald said: “It has been an honor to be a part of telling Mary’s story. I cherish the time making this film and getting to know such an incredible trailblazer. What I gravitated to most about Mary’s story is that she never let the challenges of the time prevent her from enjoying herself in a sport she loved so much and as a result changed it for the better. This is a story for women crafted by women to inspire viewers everywhere. I cannot wait for the world to fall in love with Mary as much as I did.”

Born in Alaska on the eve of World War II, Mary’s early life is riddled with fear but, with her older brother Jim’s guidance, she conquers her apprehensive nature and discovers the art of composure—a skill that serves her to take on the racetrack. Following in her brother’s footsteps, her remarkable racing odyssey begins in the world of cars, where she outshines her male competitors, only to later discover her greatest sense of freedom racing motorcycles. She was the first woman to race motorcycles in the United States.

Confronted by sexism and personal tragedy, Mary perseveres, pushing herself to greater and greater heights—culminating in her most hair-raising challenge: Becoming the first person ever to solo the grueling Baja 500 on a motorcycle.

Executive producer Lewis Hamilton said: “I’m passionate about the importance of telling stories that need to be told. When I first heard about Mary, I immediately knew that her experiences and her character would inspire everyone who sees this film. What Mary has achieved in her lifetime is truly remarkable for anyone, but to do so in a male-dominated sport and at that time, is testament to her courage and her determination to live life without limits. Hayley, Rachel and their female-led team have created something truly powerful with Motorcycle Mary, and I hope that by supporting the project, I can help raise awareness of this film and this remarkable woman.”

Executive producer Ben Proudfoot said: “In 2020, Haley suggested I look into the story of women’s sports legend Lucy Harris, which led to the development of The Queen of Basketball. I said, “What’s your next idea, Haley?” We here at Breakwater Studios are honored to have backed Haley and Rachel in bringing Mary McGee’s incredible life story to a much wider audience and am proud of the female-led team who brought it to life.I am also thrilled Lewis Hamilton has come on board as part of his commitment to support and celebrate diverse stories, both inside and outside the world of racing.”

MOTORCYCLE MARY is a production of Breakwater Studios. Directed by Haley Watson. Produced by Rachel Greenwald and Haley Watson. Executive Produced by  Lewis Hamilton and Ben Proudfoot. Cinematographer Haley Watson. Composer Katya Richardson. Editor Cody Wilson. Sound Designer/Re-recording by Sean Higgins. Colorist Stephen Derluguian.

MOTORCYCLE MARY premieres at Tribeca Film in the “Shorts: Personal Best” program on June 7th, 2024 at 5:30 PM ET in New York City at AMC 19th Street East 6 (890 Broadway, New York, NY 10003), followed by subsequent screenings at 6:15 pm on Thursday, June 13th and 2:15 pm on Saturday, June 15th. Director/producer Haley Watson and film subject Mary McGee in-person for Q&As along with other filmmakers.