"Hurley" is the story of American racing legend Hurley Haywood, who speaks for the first time about being gay in the 1970's macho world of motor sports, and sets the record straight about his relationship with co-driver Peter Gregg. Executive produced by Patrick Dempsey
Documentary Feature - 83mins
Directed by Derek Dodge
Produced & Edited by William C. Sullivan
Indie distributor The Orchard finished first in the hunt for North American rights to “Hurley,” a documentary about a queer race car driver who kept his sexuality a secret over much of his lengthy career.
Directed by Derek Dodge and executive produced by “Grey’s Anatomy” star Patrick Dempsey, the doc premiered at the Inside Out LGBT Film Festival earlier this year and will hit theaters sometime in 2019.
“Hurley” follows Hurley Haywood, a successful endurance sports car racing driver who hid his homosexuality in a culture of toxic masculinity amid the bravado of auto sports.
“Hurley the person and ‘Hurley’ the movie are one and the same — inspiring, surprising and a window into a world many haven’t traversed,” Paul Davidson, The Orchard’s EVP Film and Television, said in a statement.”
Hurley’s story is particularly incredible because it has the power to impact the middle of America – an audience that doesn’t usually doesn’t get exposed to LGBTQ issues. Another aspect of the film deals with mental health and suicide. Hurley, who is a naturally shy person, finally feels like he needs to speak out about these issues, especially with today's climate of rampant bullying. This is not your typical racing movie. It's a human story with a powerful message that all audiences will relate to and find compelling.
