LOGLINE
In the 1950s, Mary McGee found her sense of freedom when she became the first American woman to race motorcycles. Mary’s pioneering journey of conquering sexism and her own fears paved the way for the next chapter in motorsports.
SYNOPSIS
The untold story of legendary motorsports pioneer Mary McGee, MOTORCYCLE MARY brings to light, with stunning never-before-seen archival footage and stills,
an undaunted racing career spanning thirty years that saw Mary shatter gender norms while mastering multiple racing disciplines.
Born on the eve of World War II, Mary’s early life is riddled with fear, but with
her older brother Jim’s guidance, Mary 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, Mary's 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.
Confronted by sexism and personal tragedy, Mary perseveres, pushing herself to greater and greater heights—culminating in her most hair-raising challenge: Attempting to become the first person ever to solo the grueling Baja 500 on a motorcycle.
Motorcycle Mary is a resounding reminder that women can do anything.
This film reflects Mary McGee’s life and her resilience in the face of adversity.
Mary never let anyone stop her from doing what she loved most in this world: racing. Along with her extensive list of glass ceilings broken for women in
various motorsport disciplines, including transcending gender and becoming
the first person to ride the Baja 500 solo on a motorcycle, Mary demonstrates unmatched courage.
I wanted to make this film because it is important to shed light on a story
that is more than just ‘firsts’ or a list of accomplishments for an athlete.
It is the mentality behind the wins and losses that makes Mary triumphant
in the face of tragic loss, injury, misogyny, all while riding on trails described
to be “designed by the devil himself.” During her racing career, Mary was
never fully recognized for the roads she paved, yet she still found optimism
in everyone and everything.
In the 1950s, Mary McGee found her sense of freedom when she became the first American woman to race motorcycles. Mary’s pioneering journey of conquering sexism and her own fears paved the way for the next chapter in motorsports.
SYNOPSIS
The untold story of legendary motorsports pioneer Mary McGee, MOTORCYCLE MARY brings to light, with stunning never-before-seen archival footage and stills,
an undaunted racing career spanning thirty years that saw Mary shatter gender norms while mastering multiple racing disciplines.
Born on the eve of World War II, Mary’s early life is riddled with fear, but with
her older brother Jim’s guidance, Mary 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, Mary's 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.
Confronted by sexism and personal tragedy, Mary perseveres, pushing herself to greater and greater heights—culminating in her most hair-raising challenge: Attempting to become the first person ever to solo the grueling Baja 500 on a motorcycle.
ABOUT DIRECTOR HALEY WATSON
Haley Watson is a director known for crafting intimate films that delve into the depths of the human experience. Her keen storytelling prowess was exemplified when she discovered and pitched the original story for the 2021 Academy Award-winning "The Queen of Basketball." Haley's journey began in the camera department, where she honed her filmmaking skills while on set with luminaries
like Lynn Shelton and David Lynch.
Transitioning to a director of photography, her exceptional talents earned recognition from institutions like AFI's Cinematography Intensive for Women
and ASC's Vision Mentorship Program. Subsequently, she ventured into directing; helming independent narratives and commercials for clients like Puma and Microsoft. Haley now marks her short documentary directorial debut with "Motorcycle Mary".
Motorcycle Mary is a resounding reminder that women can do anything.
This film reflects Mary McGee’s life and her resilience in the face of adversity.
Mary never let anyone stop her from doing what she loved most in this world: racing. Along with her extensive list of glass ceilings broken for women in
various motorsport disciplines, including transcending gender and becoming
the first person to ride the Baja 500 solo on a motorcycle, Mary demonstrates unmatched courage.
I wanted to make this film because it is important to shed light on a story
that is more than just ‘firsts’ or a list of accomplishments for an athlete.
It is the mentality behind the wins and losses that makes Mary triumphant
in the face of tragic loss, injury, misogyny, all while riding on trails described
to be “designed by the devil himself.” During her racing career, Mary was
never fully recognized for the roads she paved, yet she still found optimism
in everyone and everything.
Why wouldn’t anyone want to be able to find levity in the face of a challenge?
This holistic sense of peace, while remaining under the shadow of her male
peers, kept Mary in balance to chase her passion and never let anyone stand
in the way of her happiness.
While riding under the radar, Mary is still able to find a sense of grace on the
track. You can replace a motorcycle with any other discipline in a male-dominated field, and you will find incredibly courageous women. Women that, by their presence, make a statement of saying ‘I belong.’ In a world where women
still fight for access to their own bodies, I hope women are inspired by
Mary’s story. I hope anyone can learn from her impervious optimism.
This film paves the way to celebrate a racing pioneer in motorcycle road racing,
car racing, motocross, and the grueling Baja Peninsula races. Above all, Mary chose to face her fears, breathe, and ‘just say yes’ to life.
ABOUT ESPN FILMS
ESPN Films has been an industry leader in documentary filmmaking since its inception in March 2008, producing more than 100 documentaries that have showcased some of the most compelling stories in sports. The high quality of storytelling, highlighted by the Peabody and Emmy Award-winning 30 for
30 series and the Academy-Award® winning documentary “O.J.: Made in America,” has led to record viewership as well as multiple honors and critical acclaim. Additional projects from ESPN Films over the years have included
30 for 30 Shorts, Nine for IX, SEC Storied and Emmy award-winning docu-series “The Last Dance.” ESPN+ is the exclusive home for the entire 30 for 30 library.
ABOUT BREAKWATER STUDIOS
BREAKWATER STUDIOS is a two-time Academy Award® winning filmmaking company dedicated to championing short documentaries and the works they inspire. Breakwater Studios’ work has been recognized by the Sundance Film Festival, Telluride Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, SXSW, Critics Choice Documentary Awards, Emmy Awards, James Beard Foundation Awards, and the Peabody Awards, among many others.
This holistic sense of peace, while remaining under the shadow of her male
peers, kept Mary in balance to chase her passion and never let anyone stand
in the way of her happiness.
While riding under the radar, Mary is still able to find a sense of grace on the
track. You can replace a motorcycle with any other discipline in a male-dominated field, and you will find incredibly courageous women. Women that, by their presence, make a statement of saying ‘I belong.’ In a world where women
still fight for access to their own bodies, I hope women are inspired by
Mary’s story. I hope anyone can learn from her impervious optimism.
This film paves the way to celebrate a racing pioneer in motorcycle road racing,
car racing, motocross, and the grueling Baja Peninsula races. Above all, Mary chose to face her fears, breathe, and ‘just say yes’ to life.
– Haley Watson, Director
KEY CREDITS
Featuring Mary McGee
Directed by Haley Watson
Produced by Rachel Greenwald, Haley Watson
Executive Producers Lewis Hamilton, Ben Proudfoot
Edited by Cody Wilson
Cinematographer Haley Watson
Sound Supervisor & Re-Recording Mixer Sean Higgins
Color by Stephen Derluguian
Original Score by Katya Richardson
ABOUT ESPN FILMS
ESPN Films has been an industry leader in documentary filmmaking since its inception in March 2008, producing more than 100 documentaries that have showcased some of the most compelling stories in sports. The high quality of storytelling, highlighted by the Peabody and Emmy Award-winning 30 for
30 series and the Academy-Award® winning documentary “O.J.: Made in America,” has led to record viewership as well as multiple honors and critical acclaim. Additional projects from ESPN Films over the years have included
30 for 30 Shorts, Nine for IX, SEC Storied and Emmy award-winning docu-series “The Last Dance.” ESPN+ is the exclusive home for the entire 30 for 30 library.
ABOUT BREAKWATER STUDIOS
BREAKWATER STUDIOS is a two-time Academy Award® winning filmmaking company dedicated to championing short documentaries and the works they inspire. Breakwater Studios’ work has been recognized by the Sundance Film Festival, Telluride Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, SXSW, Critics Choice Documentary Awards, Emmy Awards, James Beard Foundation Awards, and the Peabody Awards, among many others.
2024 AWARDS
Nevada Women’s Film Festival
Winner – Best Female Protagonist
Cordillera International Film Festival
Winner – Best Nevada Short Documentary
Toronto Motorcycle Film Festival
Winner – Best Short Film
Winner – People’s Choice Award
Hot Springs Documentary Festival
Winner – Grand Jury Special Mention
Newport Beach Film Festival
Winner – Audience Award: Best Action Sport Short
2024 FESTIVALS
Tribeca Festival – World Premiere
DOC NYC: Short List Shorts
Nevada Women’s Film Festival
Walla Walla Movie Crush
Indy Shorts International Film Festival
Hollyshorts Film Festival
Atlantic International Film Festival
Camden International Film Festival
Nashville Film Festival
Cordillera International Film Festival
Toronto Motorcycle Film Festival
San Diego International Film Festival
Chicago International Film Festival
Newport Beach Film Festival
Rocky Mountain Women's Film Festival
Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival
