As the Winter Park Film Festival starts the run-up to its fourth year, founder and artistic director Connor Nelson has announced a public screening of “Tread.” The event will take place at 4:30 p.m. June 13 at The Foundry Cinema & Bowl, 22 Second St. in Fraser.

“Tread” is a 2019 documentary film directed by Paul Solet about the 2004 rampage in Granby carried out by local snowmobile enthusiast and business owner, Marvin Heemeyer, who destroyed several buildings using an armored Komatsu D355A bulldozer.

Through primary sources, eyewitness accounts and dramatized reenactments, the film explores what drove Heemeyer to his actions and how that day continues to shape the history and culture of Grand County.

The documentary exemplifies the mental health-focused films that will be featured during the festival Sept. 10-13 at The Foundry..

“From its beginnings in 2023, Winter Park Film Festival has been unique among film festivals by emphasizing mental health and physical disability as a distinct film category,” said Nelson. “It is one of the most important aspects of the (festival) and ties directly into Winter Park’s 50-plus year history with the National Sports Center for the Disabled … (Our) mission is to spotlight filmmakers and their stories, creating space for honest dialogue and creative expression.”

The Alive Film Challenge specifically addresses mental health and addiction. There is also a category of films by or about people with disabilities. Filmmakers interested in having their work shown at the 2026 Winter Park Film Festival may submit entries at FilmFreeway.com/winterparkfilmfestival.

“The festival has completed three successful years on a shoestring budget, supported by volunteers and in-kind donations,” Nelson said.

This year, the festival is seeking 501(c)(3) nonprofit status as part of a long-term sustainability plan. Nelson also plans to expand early morning outdoor activities before screenings to enhance the festival experience.

The festival is supported by the towns of Fraser and Winter Park, Winter Park Resort, the Otten Johnson Law Firm and Steffen Builders and many other Fraser Valley businesses and individuals. To support the festival, visit the Grand Foundation website at GrandFoundation.com/donate and insert the name “Winter Park Film Festival” in the Restricted Gift section.

For more information, go to WinterParkFilmfestival.com. To contact Connor Nelson and festival organizers, email info@winterparkfilmfestival.com.