Hundreds Attend Spike Lee’s ‘Chiraq’ Open Casting Call in Chicago, Illinois.
Earlier this month we posted the open casting call to Spike Lee’s new movie ‘Chiraq.’ Over the weekend, several hundred people lined up in Chicago for a chance to be cast as an extra in the upcoming feature film. Aspiring actors lined up as early as 4 a.m. Saturday, which began six hours later.
But, the city did not welcome Chicago with open arms. Mayor Rahm Emanuel found the movie title offensive and many representatives called for the state to deny Spike Lee’s $3 million tax credit.
But, Lee responded by addressing Chicago’s current crime problem. “I love Chicago, you know, wait until the movie comes out, you don’t like it – you don’t like it. See it first,” Lee said. “This is not a joke, not a game, this is real life and death – that is the way I’m going to approach this,” he said.
From ABC7:
“I’m 100 percent sure that the great city of Chicago can survive a film of conscience, just like it did ‘Transformers,'” Cusack said.
Cusack nor Lee would not talk about the plot of the movie or whether it will be serious or a comedy, but given Thursday’s tone, it is likely to take a realistic look at gun violence in Chicago. Those affected by the violence hope putting the issue on the big screen will bring awareness to something that affects so many Chicago families.
“When you shoot someone you not only shoot that person, you shoot everyone that cares about them,” said Eric Wilkins, a gunshot victim.
Wilkins is a living face of violence. Sixteen years ago he was shot in the back, leaving him paralyzed. A few years later, his own son was shot and is a quadriplegic. Others here can only hold pictures of their kids.
It’s been almost two years since Sarah Turner’s son was shot to death.
“Hopefully the movie will bring awareness and realism to what is going on here, I don’t care about tourism or anything else, we need help here,” Turner said.
Lee is hoping his movie will help.
Spike Lee will make his next feature-length film for Amazon Studios, according to reports.  Titled ‘Chiraq’ (as in Chicago + Iraq = Chiraq), the movie could reportedly have Samuel L. Jackson, Jeremy Piven, Kanye West, and Common climbing aboard. Plot details are under wraps at the moment, but given its title, the moviemight tackle the Windy City’s recent uptick in gun violence.
To apply for a role on Spike Lee’s ‘Chiraq’ check out the latest casting call here.
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