Watch Free Speech & the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist

Free Speech & the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist is a documentary film released in 2014. The movie explores the life and legacy of Chris Drew, a street artist from Chicago who fought for the right to freedom of speech. Chris Drew was a well-known street artist and activist who became famous for his "Art Patch" project. He created hundreds of small, intricate and colorful patches and pinned them to his clothing, bags, and even his bicycle, then rode around the city as a walking art exhibit. But he also became recognized for his legal battles against the Chicago police and the city government, defending people's right to free speech and artistic expression.

The documentary follows Chris Drew's journey from his early days as an artist, growing up in New York City, to his arrival in Chicago, where he started to make a name for himself in the art scene. The film interweaves interviews with Chris Drew, his friends, family, and fellow activists, with never-before-seen footage of his artwork and performances, capturing the essence of his artistic vision and political activism.

Along with Chris Drew's story, the documentary shows how the city of Chicago was attempting to suppress free speech by enforcing outdated "Peddler's Ordinances". These ordinances required artists to obtain a permit before selling their work or even displaying it in public places. Chris Drew saw these laws as an affront to the First Amendment and began a legal battle to have the laws overturned.

Throughout the documentary, we see Chris Drew's transformation from a street artist to a political activist. He is shown working tirelessly alongside his attorney and fellow activists to change the laws and protect the right to free speech. The film also delves into Chris Drew's personal life, showing how his art and activism were part of a larger mission to create a more just and equitable society.

What sets this documentary apart is its ability to capture both the political and personal struggles of Chris Drew. We see his passion for art and free expression, as well as his struggles with cancer and poverty. Despite these challenges, Chris Drew never lost sight of his principles, and his story is an inspiring one that will resonate with anyone who believes in the power of art and free speech.

The documentary is directed by Nancy Bechtol and includes interviews with key figures in the Chicago arts and political scenes such as Deborah Drew, Chris Drew's wife, Joshua Kutnick, his attorney, and Mark Weinberg, his friend and colleague. The film was produced by the Chicago Film Institute and won several awards at international film festivals.

In conclusion, Free Speech & the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist is a must-see documentary for anyone interested in free speech and artistic expression. Chris Drew's story is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to make a difference and create positive change. This documentary is a fitting tribute to an artist and activist who dedicated his life to defending the rights of others.

Free Speech & the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist is a 2014 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes.