Dakar: A Race Against Time and Terrain

Production Details

Title: Dakar

Format: Feature Film

Production Begins: January 2026

Filming Location: Dubai, UAE

Producer: David Leitch – Kelly McCormick – Karina Miller – Remy Miller – David Kaufmann

Writer: David S. Ward – Greta Heinemann

Director: Catherine Hardwicke

Production Manager: Matt Jones (mattjonesfilm1@gmail.com)

Synopsis

The life story of the first and only woman to win the brutal off-road endurance race, the Dakar Rally. Often called the most dangerous race on the planet, it has claimed over 70 lives since its inception in 1978. The 2020 rally marked its first occurrence in the Saudi Arabian desert, challenging drivers with an unannounced course. Jutta Kleinschmidt’s journey from a physics student to a champion is a testament to perseverance, as she became the first woman to win a stage in 1997 and ultimately the race in 2001.

Production Companies

87north Productions

8711 Aviation Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90045
erin@87north.com

Sparkhouse Films

info@sparkhousellc.com |

DevonSheer Media

info@devonsheermedia.com

Topic Studios

114 Fifth Ave. 9th Floor
New York, NY 10011
917-477-6500
production@topicstudios.com

Phone contact for the film: 323-421-4862

About Dakar

The Dakar Rally is an annual off-road race known for its challenging courses and diverse terrains. Originating in 1978, this multi-stage event began in Paris and concluded in Dakar, Senegal. Over the years, it has become a benchmark in motorsports, attracting participants from around the globe. Starting in 2020, the rally shifted to Saudi Arabia, introducing a new level of difficulty by revealing the course only moments before each stage began. Jutta Kleinschmidt made history in this demanding race, becoming the first woman to win a stage in 1997 and later finishing third overall with the first all-female team in 1999. Her dedication to motorsports, fostered by a physics background and early experiences at BMW, culminated in her winning the Dakar Rally in 2001 after years of effort. This event continues to challenge racers and provide thrilling competitions in unforgiving landscapes.