Chi-Raq is the latest Spike Lee joint. The film was met with controversy from the title to the content. Based on Aristophanes’s Lysistrata, the film explores gang violence in the south side of Chicago. Take a look at the trailer and let us know what you think of it.

Synopsis:

Chi-Raq is a modern day adaptation of the ancient Greek play Lysistrata by Aristophanes. After the murder of a child by a stray bullet, a group of women led by Lysistrata organize against the on-going violence in Chicago’s Southside creating a movement that challenges the nature of race, sex and violence in America and around the world.

Cast:

• Teyonah Parris – Lysistrata
• Nick Cannon – Chi-raq
• John Cusack – Fr. Mike Corridan
• Samuel L. Jackson – Dolmedes
• Wesley Snipes – Cyclops
• Angela Bassett – Miss Helen
• Jennifer Hudson – Irene
• Harry Lennix – Commissioner Blades
• La La Anthony – Hecuba

Crew:

• Director/Producer/Writer – Spike Lee
• Writer – Kevin Willmott
• Cinematographer – Matthew Libatique

Chi-Raq is scheduled for a limited release in theaters on December 4, 2015. Tickets are available here. Afterward it will be available on Amazon Instant Video.

The post First ‘Chi-Raq’ Trailer appeared first on Films of Color.

The Million Man March was a political demonstration in Washington, DC, on October 16, 1995. The goal of the March was to promote Black values and unity.

For some, the journey there may have been as important the destination. Get on the Bus tells the story of a group of diverse Black men on a cross-country bus ride to the March.

Get on the Bus was directed by Spike Lee. It was well-received by critics. It is available here.

The post Black History Month Day 14 – ‘Get on the Bus’ appeared first on Films of Color.

Will you be watching the NAACP Image Awards tonight. With the absence of Black actors and filmmakers nominated for Academy Awards, the Image Awards are more important than ever.

It’s great looking at the nomination list, and seeing the Black actors we all know and love. You might even come across something you didn’t even know was out there. The nominations can be found here.

Anthony Anderson is the host. Eric Holder is to receive the Chairman’s Award, and Spike Lee is to receive the President’s Award.

The 46th NAACP Image Awards airs live at 9/8c with the Red Carpet airing at 8/7c on TV One.

The post NAACP Image Awards Tonight appeared first on Films of Color.

Here at Films of Color, it’s all Black all the time, but for Black History Month, we wanted to highlight films that depict our history, both good and bad. We will feature biopics and films that center around certain key events in history. Each day, a new film or miniseries will be featured. First on the list is Malcolm X.

Malcolm X (May 19, 1925 – February 21, 1965), born Malcolm Little, was a well-known advocate for Black rights. Although he didn’t even make it to forty, he lived the life of someone twice his age. He went from a life of crime to prison to the Malcolm X we know.

Malcolm X joined the Nation of Islam and rose to become one of its leaders, helping it grow. He soon became a public figure. He used his platform to take whites to task for the centuries of their treatment of Black people. His views were seen as controversial and contradictory to aspects of the Civil Rights Movement.

After leaving the Nation, he converted to Sunni Islam. After he took the pilgrimage to Mecca, his views on race changed. Unfortunately, he was assassinated not too long afterwards.

Malcolm X, the 1992 Spike Lee film based on The Autobiography of Malcolm X, details the key events of Malcolm X’s life. Denzel Washington played Malcolm X in an unforgettable performance. For someone who didn’t look like Malcolm X, he made me believe that he was. His performance earned him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor. Malcolm X has made several “best of” lists and have been included the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.

You can find Malcolm X here.

The post Black History Month Day 1 – Malcolm X appeared first on Films of Color.

This year Spike Lee will be honored with the President’s Award at the NAACP Image Awards.

The NAACP president chooses the recipient based on special achievement and distinguished public service.

Spike Lee is known for his numerous films such as Do the Right Thing, Jungle Fever, and Malcolm X.

The NAACP Image Awards will air February 6 at 9/8c on TV One.

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