Hidalgo is a 2004 American-British epic biographical Western film directed by Joe Johnston and written by John Fusco. Based on the legend of American distance rider Frank Hopkins and his mustang Hidalgo, it recounts Hopkins racing his horse in Arabia in 1891 against Bedouins riding pure-blooded Arabian horses. The film stars Viggo Mortensen, Zuleikha Robinson, and Omar Sharif. Hidalgo was released by Buena Vista Pictures Distribution under the Touchstone Pictures label on March 5, 2004.