LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A new documentary about famed gonzo journalist and Louisville native Hunter S. Thompson will have a drive-in premiere in his hometown Monday night.

“The reason why this film is so special is that we focus on a different side of Hunter. One that’s not really known by most people,” said Daniel Watkins, the co-director of “Freak Power: The Ballot or the Bomb."

The film focuses on Thompson’s bid for sheriff in Pitkin County, Colo. in 1970. But, people who check out the film will see a lot of similarities between 1970 and today’s current climate.

“His ideas of reforming law enforcement and I think his message and ideas, although they were created 50 years ago today, they resonate right now,” said Watkins.

The title speaks to one of Thompsons’s fundamental beliefs during his political campaign. Freak power was the idea to get people that were disenfranchised or not engaged in politics involved, empower them, and get them involved in the process. It's why Watkins wanted to have this film released before election day.

“Inspire young people to get inspired to vote and get involved in the political process,” said Watkins.

Thompson narrowly lost the election, but the key issues of his platform, such as pedestrian-friendly downtowns and legalizing marijuana, stuck around. He hopes that through this film, people dive deeper into Thompson’s work.

“Make them aware of Hunter’s words and get people inspired to read his books, read his articles, and read his ideas,” said Watkins.

The decision to hold the event in the Louisville area at Sauerbeck Family Drive-In was two-fold. It was to show where Thompson was born and raised, but also a flashpoint for this debate and ideas around law enforcement today, even more so because the words spoken 50 years ago are still relevant today.

“Hunter’s ideas about law enforcement are incredibly relevant now, Hunter was arguing for community policing and passionate law enforcement and with all the events that have been happening in Louisville, it was a great place to show this film,” said Watkins.

Thompson’s son and Louisville resident, Juan Thompson, will give a brief introduction before the drive-in screening Monday night. The documentary was released for streaming Friday on platforms such as iTunes and Amazon.