Robert Reich documentary opens, with Berkeley screenings this month

Berkeley residents and film enthusiasts are invited to engage with Robert Reich’s latest documentary, "The Work in Progress," which opens today, September 4. The first screening in Berkeley will take place on September 15 at Rialto Cinemas Elmwood, featuring a question-and-answer session with producers Heather Kinlaw Lofthouse and Elliot Kirschner. This event marks a significant cultural moment for the community, offering a platform for dialogue and reflection on the state of American society.

The documentary, directed by Ian Cheney and executive produced by Reich, aims to foster meaningful conversations among Americans from diverse backgrounds. The film’s screenings in Berkeley are expected to resonate deeply with local residents, particularly students and faculty at UC Berkeley, where Reich is a professor emeritus. The film’s themes of bridging ideological divides and promoting civil discourse are especially relevant in a city known for its intellectual and political engagement. Reich’s involvement underscores the university’s commitment to fostering public discourse and civic engagement.

Robert Reich, a renowned political economist and former U.S. labor secretary, conceived the project to explore how Americans can engage in constructive dialogue despite their differences. The film was shot in six states across the country, including Iowa, Arizona, Illinois, Maine, Alabama, and Hawaii, deliberately avoiding typical political hotspots. Reich’s tenure at UC Berkeley from 2006 until his retirement in 2023 has made him a familiar and influential figure in the community, and his latest project is expected to draw significant interest.

The Berkeley screenings at Rialto Cinemas Elmwood will run from September 15 through September 24, with the first showing followed by a Q&A session with the producers. On October 14, Zellerbach Hall will host a special screening, featuring a discussion with Reich himself. Tickets for the Zellerbach Hall event are priced at $5 for students and $15 for the general public, with 500 and 1,400 tickets available respectively. The Elmwood theater will provide additional details for the screenings.

For those interested in participating in the dialogue sparked by "The Work in Progress," the upcoming screenings offer a chance to engage with the film’s themes and contribute to the broader conversation about civic engagement and community building. Residents can follow updates on the Rialto Cinemas Elmwood and UC Berkeley websites for the latest information on showtimes and ticket availability. This documentary promises to be a catalyst for meaningful discussions that could help bridge the divides in our society.