Doc. film TREAD, sourced by KILLDOZER book, premieres at South by South West

The documentary film about the bulldozer rampage that took place in Granby in June of 2004 has its world premiere March 8 at the South by Southwest Film Festival in Austin, Texas.

The film is called TREAD.

The film is based in part on source material from the book by Patrick Brower, called “KILLDOZER: The True Story of the Colorado Bulldozer Rampage.” Brower, of Granby, was a consulting producer for the film. The book is available at Old Firehouse Books in Fort Collins.

Film crews were in Granby, Grand Lake and other parts of Granby Coloado in February and March of 2018. They returned in June to complete other portions of the film and wrapped up their work in Grand County in October of 2018.

Aside from interviewing many local residents who were directly and indirectly involved in the bulldozer rampage, its origins and its aftermath, the film relies on some recreations of critical events in the rampage that weren’t already available through live news and observer footage shot at the time of the rampage.

Paul Solet directed the film. Producers on the film include Sean Stuart of Sutter Road Picture Company, based in Beverly Hills, Calif., and Glen Zipper of Zipper Bros. Films, also of Beverly Hills. Zipper Bros’ first feature film was Undefeated, which premiered at the 2011 South by Southwest Film Festival and went on to win the 2012 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

Another notable producer for the film is Doug Limon, who has a long list of renowned production and direction credits that include these well-known films: American Made, The Bourne Identity, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, The Wall, Swingers, Fair Game, and Jumper.

What follows is a synopsis of the film written by the South by Southwest Film Festival:

“On June 4th, 2004, a sixty-three-ton bulldozer, fortified with steel and concrete, systematically destroyed numerous businesses and homes in the small mountain town of Granby, Colorado. The rampage lasted over two hours and resulted in more than eight million dollars in damage. State and local police were incapable of even slowing the machine. Though it was armed with three high-powered firearms, no one but the driver was killed. His name was Marvin Heemeyer. TREAD explores the polarizing perspectives on this man, his motives, and what drove him to the breaking point.”

The film is showing again at the festival Saturday morning, March 9 and March 14.