ROCKLAND — The Strand Theatre will host the Maine premiere of The Work in Progress, a new documentary from director Ian Cheney and executive producer Robert Reich, on Sunday, Sept. 27, at 5 p.m. Cheney will join the audience for a live post-screening Q&A. 

Filmed in six locations across the nation, including local sites in Knox County, the documentary gathers roughly 100 Americans from diverse generations and walks of life for candid, in-person dialogues. Several Knox County community members appear in the film, according to a Strand Theatre news release. 

The project builds on Cheney and Reich’s 2025 film, The Last Class, which chronicled Reich, the former U.S. Secretary of Labor and longtime professor, during his final semester teaching at UC Berkeley. The Work in Progress expands on that film's civic focus, prompting open discussions on the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States and the evolving concept of the "American Dream." 

“This film is built around the simple act of looking closely and listening carefully," says Cheney. "At a time when so much of our national life feels abstracted into argument, we return to the texture of actual lives: people at work, people in conversation and people trying to make sense of the country they share. It's an honor to share this film in my home county, in a beautiful theatre to boot!" 

"We're thrilled to bring the Maine premiere of The Work in Progress to the Strand," said Brita Wanger of the Strand Theatre. "It serves as a powerful testament to the value of open dialogue across different perspectives and experiences. Having Ian Cheney join us in conversation about this film is an incredible opportunity and I am certain that the conversations that The Work in Progress sparks in the community will continue long after folks leave the theater."

Tickets for the September 27 screening and Q&A are $12 for Adults; $9 for Students and Seniors; $8 for Strand Members. Tickets are available online at rocklandstrand.com or at the walk-up box office one hour prior to showtime. 

Ian Cheney is a Maine-based, two-time Emmy-nominated documentary filmmaker. His filmmaking credits include King Corn, The Search for General Tso, Picture a Scientist, The Arc of Oblivion, and The Last Class. He operates the production company Wicked Delicate Films. 

The Strand Theatre is a historic venue located in the heart of Rockland, Maine, offering a wide range of films, live performances, and community events. Known for its commitment to the arts and community accessibility, the Strand continues to evolve while honoring its storied past.