The Gene Siskel Film Center returns to the heartland of America this month with a special week-long encore of “What’s the Matter with Kansas?” Created by Chicago-based filmmakers Joe Winston and Laura Cohen, the documentary examines the changing politics of the Sunflower State.

The film, which first screened at the Siskel in September, takes its title and inspiration from Wall Street Journal columnist (and former Chicagoan) Thomas Frank’s 2004 book, “What’s the Matter with Kansas? How Conservatives Won the Heartland of America.” In it, Frank explores the citizenry of his home state and discovers a socially conservative, religious majority on the rise and attached at the hip to the Republican Party — a movement that paralleled the political climate of the country at the time.

The eponymous documentary travels similar paths, but moves forward to the months leading up to the 2006 mid-term elections that saw the Democratic Party gain significant ground in local and national races. Traversing Kansas interviewing a variety of individuals and families, director Winston and producer Cohen find a state similarly shifting away from the hard right and opening to divergent political, social and economic viewpoints.

Kansas’ duality should come as no surprise, though. The filmmakers’ examinations of the state’s social history cement it at the center of both liberal and conservative causes throughout history.

The state’s often overlooked past as a hotbed of American progressive thought is revealed through a segment on Appeal to Reason. Founded in Kansas in 1910, it was the largest socialist newspaper in the nation at one point. Conversely, conservative ranks swelled with the Summer of Mercy in 1991. Led by Kansas-based pro-life organization Operation Rescue, the Wichita gathering drew thousands adamantly opposed to abortion rights. Footage of abortion doctor George Tiller speaking out against the group eerily foreshadows his murder by an anti-abortion activist earlier this year.

Illuminating such sharp oppositions make political documentaries a hard sell. Most are polemic by nature, following familiar routes that either preach to the choir and/or evangelize to the other side of the aisle. An even snapshot is rare. But “What’s the Matter with Kansas?” avoids this trap, presenting portraits of those on both sides of the issues.

Deeply religious families that adhere strictly to Creationism, oppose gay marriage and vilify abortion; a portly, big-smiled salt-of-the-earth liberal farmer who addresses Congress on land and environmental issues; and a vocal, anti-government, found-object sculptor are but a few given opportunity to voice their hopes and concerns for the past, present and future of both Kansas and the United States. Though often opposed, they are united by a passion for their views and love of country.

The variety of viewpoints makes the film accessible to all. Viewers’ personal stances will affect allegiances, no doubt, but ultimately the film opens up and creates dialogues instead of shouting matches.

If you do care to shout about — or discuss — “What the Matter with Kansas?” Cohen and Winston will be in attendance at the Siskel Center for a Q&A session on Friday, December 18. Winston will be in attendance on Monday, December 21, as well.