Spike Lee Takes to the Streets After ‘Chi-Raq’ Screening to Protest Gun Violence

Director Spike Lee’s latest controversial offering Chi-Raq was unveiled during a well attended screening at Manhattan’s iconic Zeigfeld Theater and what transpired afterwards is a testament to the outspoken filmmaker’s passionate plea about a subject that happens to be the main theme of his buzzed about film.

Lee traded in the traditional elements of an after-party and opted instead to lead his attendees to the streets of the city for an impromptu rally to actively condemn the ongoing gun violence that has been crippling the city of Chicago without any relief in sight.

After facing an avalanche of naysayers who were expectedly scared off by the intense and risky subject matter – Amazon Studios finally agreed to produce Chi-Raq and the movie serves as the company’s first foray into big screen territory.

As the nation faces an uphill battle with the epidemic of gun violence, it has become clear that those in a position of power have failed to come up with effective solutions to ensure the safety of their citizens.

Chi-Raq which is supposed to be the marriage between war-torn Iraq and crime-ridden Chicago takes its cues from the Greek play Lysistrata. Lee’s reimagined version focuses on a group of women who make a pact to deny their husbands and lovers sex until they give up their addiction to guns.

The screening on Tuesday brought out the stars of the film including Teyonah Harris, Wesley Snipes, John Cusack, Nick Cannon, LaLa Anthony.

The film has received mostly mixed reviews with some critics noting that even though it’s one of Lee’s most ambitious projects to date – it lacks much needed cohesiveness in the storytelling.

That being said – the aftermath of the screening is what most are talking about as Lee gathered the crowd and passed out knit hats to combat the chilly weather along with American flag pins and led the masses to the streets to participate in a protest that is quite timely based on the volatile situation currently unfolding in Chicago. Rev. Al Sharpton was on hand to provide support.

Chi-Raq will have a limited release on Dec. 4. There is no confirmation on when streaming options will be active on Amazon.