To beat death, an aging financier aims to break a world speed record on a one-of-a-kind motorcycle. When things take a devastating turn, he must face death at the finish line in the new feature documentary Racing Mister Fahrenheit, making its World Premiere at the 18th annual Dallas International Film Festival (DIFF).
From acclaimed Dallas-based filmmaker Michael Rowley, an alum of DIFF with his feature documentary debut Hurdle in 2019. Eligible for the Texas Features Jury and Audience awards at DIFF, Racing Mister Fahrenheit will screen on 7:30 p.m. CT on Friday, April 26 at Violet Crown Cinemas in Dallas followed by a Q&A with Rowley and film participants Stacey Mayfield (also Executive Producer), Craig “Rodsmith” Pressnell and Chris “Sparky” Williamson.
Racing Mister Fahrenheit follows the charismatic 74-year-old financier, Bobby Haas, as he sets out to gain a “pinch of immortality” by attempting to break a world speed record on a hand-built motorcycle affectionately named Mister Fahrenheit. Haas, once the co-owner of Dr. Pepper, 7-Up and other soda giants, abandoned his business career in search of more adrenaline-based endeavors. Founding and curating the world-famous Haas Moto Museum in Dallas – a pristine collection of vintage and custom built motorcycles – Bobby decided it wasn’t enough to just look at the bikes he loved, but to get into the race himself. Atop his world-renowned sidecar racer, hand-built by Craig Rodsmith, Bobby turns the energy of his twilight years towards cementing his name in the land speed record books. But when things take a sudden and devastating turn, Bobby and those closest to him must pick up the pieces and face death at the finish line.
“Making this film was a profound experience for everyone involved and I’m excited to finally share this unique story with the world. My hope is that this film will remind audiences that life is meant to be lived. Epic adventures are still possible. Defining success is a personal journey. And, ultimately, once we’ve left this race of life, there is more past the finish line,” said Racing Mister Fahrenheit director Michael Rowley.
Michael Rowley (Director, Producer, Co-Cinematographer, Editor) is an award-winning documentary director, producer, cinematographer and editor living in Dallas, Texas. Rowley’s work has been characterized as defiant, visceral and deeply human. Themes of justice, human connectivity and harrowing circumstances emerge throughout his films. From tear-gas filled streets of refugee camps to the open prairies of the American West, Rowley’s voice has earned him the Austin Film Society’s North Texas Pioneer Film Grant twice, five festival jury awards for exceptional work, and press features in The New York Times, Variety, Deadline and The Globe and Mail. Following his feature documentary directorial debut Hurdle (2019), and co-directing Praying for Armageddon (2023) with Tonje Hessen Schei, Racing Mister Fahrenheit is Rowley’s third documentary feature film.