“Chi-Raq” has local ties New film by Spike Lee is co-written by KU professor Kevin Willmott
Spike Lee, The Rev. Al Sharpton and actors from the movie "Chi-Raq" lead an anti-gun violence protest in New York City. The movie is co-written by Kevin WIllmott, a film professor at KU. (Photo: Associated Press)
Published December 4th, 2015 at 4:04 PM
This weekend, a local filmmaker is getting national attention.
Kevin Willmott, associate professor of film and media studies at the University of Kansas, was recently in New York City for the premiere of “Chi-Raq,” a new movie by director Spike Lee. Willmott is the co-writer and executive producer of the film.
Based on the ancient Greek comedy Lysistrata, by Aristophanes, “Chi-Raq” takes place on Chicago’s South Side, and reimagines the story with the women of Chicago’s South Side holding a sex strike until the men stop killing each other.
The movie, a dark comedy, is written to examine the gun violence that has become a common theme in the news.
It will be shown at all AMC theaters in the Kansas City area. Here is a link for weekend showtimes.