Spike Lee’s ‘Chi-Raq’ To Be First Film Distributed By Amazon’s Movie Wing

Six months after it launched, Amazon’s film distribution division has announced its first project. Amazon Original Movies has acquired the right to Spike Lee’s upcoming film Chi-Raq, which it will distribute both in theaters and online.

Chi-Raq’s title refers to an informal nickname for Chicago, where urban violence has ravaged the inner city. Lee’s drama will approach this issue through a young protagonist portrayed by Teyonah Parris (Dear White People). A strong supporting cast includes Jennifer Hudson, John Cusack, Samuel L. Jackson, and Nick Cannon.

“I’m honored to be part of the film that will launch Amazon Studios and to tell a story that is so important,” said Lee in a statement. “Please don’t be fooled by the title of ‘Chi-Raq’; this new Spike Lee joint will be something very special. We have assembled a stellar cast.”

Amazon Original Movies, which is led by Hollywood veteran Ted Hope

, will bring Chi-Raq to theaters and will make the film available online for Amazon Prime subscribers. Amazon’s film wing also seems to have several other deals in the works; it is finalizing an acquisition of Elvis & Nixon, a historical picture starring Kevin Spacey and Michael Shannon.

In recent years, Lee has shown a great deal of interest in digital media. He used Kickstarter to raise more than $1.4 million for his film Da Sweet Blood of Jesus, which he ultimately released digitally via Vimeo On Demand one month before it arrived in theaters.

Amazon didn’t reveal an exact release date for Chi-Raq, though the film is expected to reach theaters “later this year.” That timing will help Amazon Video keep pace with its chief competitor, as Netflix has planned its own slate of films for release in 2015 and beyond.