Regular readers know that filmmaker Norman Kelley has been working on a documentary about this magazine, the starry cast of journalists whose careers it launched, the progressive renewal efforts which it pioneered long before Bill Clinton came to Washington, and the legacy of visionary editor Charlie Peters. Indeed, some of you have generously contributed to Kelley’s project to bring it to fruition.

So we’re pleased to announce that the film How Washington Really Works: Charlie Peters and the Washington Monthly will debut on October 17 at the New America Foundation. (You can RSVP and obtain event details here.) The debut screening will be followed by a reception and a panel discussion featuring Matt Cooper of National Journal, Michelle Cottle of the Daily Beast, James Fallows of The Atlantic, and our own Paul Glastris.

If you live or work in Washington, or will be in the vicinity next Thursday, please make plans to attend this debut. The film packs a lot of important political and journalistic history into 30 minutes–particularly the Monthly‘s early and unique role in encouraging a rethinking of how traditional liberal values could best be applied to contemporary challenges–and reminds us that the progressive tradition in this country needs a regular infusion of new ideas and new voices, and honest scrutiny of “how Washington really works.”

Ed Kilgore

Ed Kilgore is a political columnist for New York and managing editor at the Democratic Strategist website. He was a contributing writer at the Washington Monthly from January 2012 until November 2015, and was the principal contributor to the Political Animal blog.