Riding A Dream - Documentary Film
CASE STUDY
Documentary Storytelling with Real World Impact
This project shows how Rise Pictures uses cinematic storytelling to create cultural impact, build credibility, and reach global audiences.
It demonstrates how real-world stories can become powerful strategic assets for brands, organisations, and campaigns.
About the Documentary Film
A documentary team followed the extraordinary journey of Khadijah Mellah who made global headlines and sporting history by becoming the first British Muslim woman to ride in and win a British horse race.
Following a high-profile premiere in London, attended by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, the documentary was aired three times by ITV to a cumulative audience in excess of 2 million with the film and Khadijah Mellah’s story attracting over 2000 pieces of global coverage.
Watch the full film here.
Press Coverage and Global Reach
“Riding A Dream is a highly enjoyable outsider story with a serious point at its core about racing’s need to make itself approachable for entire communities that know it not. ...I loved the way Riding a Dream introduces the sport with moments of drama rapidly intercut like something from Oliver Stone’s high-powered NFL drama Any Given Sunday.” (The Guardian)
Featured in leading global publications including:
GUARDIAN - Documentary reveals drama behind Khadijah Mellah's win
BBC SPORT - Khadijah Mellah: The history-making teen & the Brixton club trying to open up racing
EVENING STANDARD Star jockey Khadijah Mellah: I’m glad to challenge stereotype of Muslim women
THE TELEGRAPH How Khadijah Mellah rode to victory at Goodwood – and became an inspiration to other Muslim girls
THE TIMES Khadijah Mellah Interview: Meet Britain’s first hijab-wearing Jockey
CNN 'Role model' Khadijah Mellah delivers 'fairytale' win at Goodwood
Campaign results demonstrating global reach and measurable impact
What this means for our clients
Documentary storytelling that builds trust and credibility with the audiences that matter most
Campaigns designed to generate meaningful reach and sustained attention
Films that attract press coverage and position your brand at the centre of the conversation
Content that connects emotionally and drives measurable engagement
Watch the Documentary
This documentary film demonstrates our approach to cinematic storytelling, combining real-world narratives with high production value and strategic distribution.
The result is a film that reached millions, generated global press coverage, and created lasting impact.
Documentary summary:
The film follows Khadijah Mellah’s journey as she makes history as the first British Muslim woman to win a horse race.
It explores themes of identity, representation, and resilience, capturing a story that resonated globally and generated widespread media coverage.
Are you looking to generate more high-quality leads and grow your business?
Let’s see if we can help you fix that.
We’re offering a free 45 minute strategy call exclusively for clients in the built environment. On that call we’ll cover
-What’s currently blocking your growth
-How to use video to attract better leads
-See your business through a sharper lens, whatever you decide next
This call is an opportunity to explore your business, get new ideas, and see if Rise Pictures is the right partner to help you grow.
The Filmmakers Behind the Project
Tommy Bolwell – Director and Producer Tommy studied photography with Mattia Reiniger at London College of Communication, and they have been collaborating ever since. He began his film career in 2011, shooting the first episode of multi award- winning web series, Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared, winning SXSW Grand Jury Award, 2012. Just before Riding a Dream, he worked with Ed Perkins on BLACK SHEEP which was nominated for an Oscar, at the 91st Academy Awards, 2019, for best Short Documentary.
Mattia Reiniger – Director and Producer Having graduated from the University of the Arts London with a degree in photography, Mattia soon chose a career in the field of moving image. As a filmmaker he has directed advertising and branded content for a variety of clients such as eBay, Sony, Swarovski, Olympus, M&S and, in the role of documentarian, was embedded in the Nike Football Academy, where he created weekly videos exploring the challenging path in the life of a young footballer, from amateur to professional.
Our Partners
Riding A Dream was produced in association with Great British Racing, The Racing Foundation, and Goodwood Racecourse.
GBR - Great British Racing, the sport’s official marketing and promotional body, supported the film’s reach across the racing community and beyond. Their involvement helped position the story within a national conversation, connecting it to wider audiences and increasing its visibility.
Riding A Dream was produced in association with Great British Racing, The Racing Foundation & Goodwood Racecourse.
Ebony Horse Club - TEbony Horse Club, based in Brixton, provides opportunities for young people through equestrian programmes and played a central role in Khadijah Mellah’s journey. Their work reflects the deeper social impact at the heart of the story, grounding the film in real community change.