Spike Lee breaks silence on ‘Chiraq’ controversy

By FinalCall.com News | Last updated: May 19, 2015 - 8:24:17 AM

Filmmaker Spike Lee addresses media and Chicago residents about his movie, “Chiraq.”

CHICAGO - A press conference was held May 14 at Father Michael Pfleger’s Saint Sabina Church to address the controversy regarding acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee’s upcoming movie titled “Chiraq” which is scheduled to begin shooting at the end of May.

Some politicians and community members were critical of Mr. Lee saying he’s glorifying violence and gives a view that crime dominates the city, while others, say it is a story that needs to be told.

Speakers included Mr. Lee, Father Pfleger, Pam Bosley of the Purpose Over Pain organization, actor John Cusack who called it a “manufactured political controversy,” and the film’s co-writer Kevin Willmott.

Lee advised everyone to wait until the film comes out to judge.

“A lot of things have been said about this film by people who know nothing about the film. A lot of people have their opinions about the so-called title of the film—again know nothing about the film. So we felt it was appropriate that we say what the narrative is; the filmmakers, the people doing this, not the people that’s judging from afar and again, that don’t know what the hell they’re talking about,” said Mr. Lee.

“Musicians, filmmakers, actors, they hold a mirror up to what is happening in the world and they do that with no fear,” said Mr. Lee. “People act like they’ve never seen none of my films, like I just got pulled off the street…I’ve been doing this since 1986. In fact, everything I’ve done has led up to this film.”

(The Final Call will go further into the upcoming film “Chiraq” as well as the controversy surrounding its use as the city’s nickname in future editions.) Photo: Ashahed Muhammad

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