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REPORTS: Spike Lee to film ‘Chiraq’ film in Chicago; courting Common and Kanye West to star

By  Michael Loring
   
SHARE REPORTS: Spike Lee to film ‘Chiraq’ film in Chicago; courting Common and Kanye West to star

According to thewrap.com:

Spike Lee is making his next movie for Amazon Studios and the Oscar-nominated filmmaker is courting Samuel L. Jackson, Jeremy Piven, Common and Kanye West for the ensemble cast of Chiraq, multiple individuals familiar with the project have told TheWrap. Representatives for Common and West did not respond to multiple requests for comment, while a representative for Amazon declined to comment. Plot details are being kept under wraps, but Chiraq became synonymous with Chicago as the city became increasingly plagued by gun violence in recent years.

Read more here.

Interesting news since a 13-minute documentary by British filmmaker Will Robson-Scott released in 2013 was also titled “Chi Raq” on the very same topic. A 2013 story revealed that Robson-Scott’s doc features interviews with Chicago gang members and others who admit to both committing the violence as well as being victims themselves. Read more about the documentary here.

Spike Lee will be in Chicago as part of CIMMFest, and will be speaking about his life and career at City Winery, 1200 W. Randolphy. Tickets remain for the 10:30 p.m. show only. Visit citywinery.com for tickets and more information.

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