Runnin’ Down A Dream tells a great American story, that of a band that came from the middle of nowhere to win the hearts of millions. The film focuses not only on the Heartbreakers’ inspiring ride to the top but the story of what they did when they got there, as artists, as a band, as people. Bogdanovich’s film explores many of the underlying reasons for the band’s unparalleled capacity not only to endure but to thrive. Gritty, exuberant, infectious: Runnin’ Down A Dream tells the Heartbreakers’ story as never before. The New York Film Festival screening will take place at the legendary Walter Reade Theater on October 14. Beginning October 15, Runnin’ Down A Dream will be screened at select theaters nationwide. A list of cities and participating theaters will be announced shortly.

The film, two years in the making, weaves together remarkable archival material, previously unseen 8mm footage, new live and rehearsal footage, and extensive interviews conducted by director Bogdanovich. Producer, George Drakoulias claims that it was Bogdanovich’s work on The Last Picture Show that made him think the director would have a sensitivity for the context of the Heartbreakers’ story. “That movie made me think that Peter could really grasp the intricacies of what we were looking at in this 30 year career,” Drakoulias explains. In zeroing in on both the shadows and the light around the band’s uniquely American success story, Bogdanovich finally explores the complexity of the American dream itself. As he describes, “I saw the film as a vivid piece of Americana about a natural-born poet-musician from Florida who decided to go West with a richly talented band to become rock stars. It is an extraordinary odyssey, the fascination being I think in the details of the adventure.”

Runnin’ Down A Dream digs deep in order to reveal the combination of unwavering talent, artistic vision, and sheer persistence that has made the Heartbreakers’ thirty-plus year run possible. The film features in-depth interviews with Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, and the circle of musicians, friends and collaborators who came into the band’s orbit over the years. Participants include Stevie Nicks, Eddie Vedder, Dave Grohl, George Harrison, Jackson Browne, Roger McGuinn, Dave Stewart, Jeff Lynne, Rick Rubin, Jimmy Iovine, Johnny Depp, and others.