The Chi Featured Session with Lena Waithe and Common at SXSW [Video]

August 29, 2018 Neha Aziz

“I really know the people of Chicago and I see them reported on, but they’re reported on by foreigners — people who don’t know the city, people who don’t know what’s like to live, and work, and play, and to fall in love there.” – Lena Waithe

Showtime’s The Chi is a relevant, timely, and distinctive coming-of-age story that takes place in Chicago’s South Side, following six interrelated characters linked by coincidence but bonded by the need for connection and redemption.

In this 2018 Featured Session at the SXSW Conference, creator, writer and executive producer Lena Waithe is joined by executive producer Common and actors Jacob Latimore and Jason Mitchell for a conversation about the series. The session is moderated by TV Guide‘s Jim Halterman.

“[The show is] a unique way to look at black people … ’cause we are just being. We aren’t tap-dancing, we aren’t trying to get out of the hood, we’re not rapping, we’re not selling drugs.” – Lena Waithe

Several scenes from the The Chi were shown during the session, with discussion focusing on the internal and external battles the show’s characters face. “When I see [the character] Alex, I see myself when I was young. The most important thing about having this sort of youth on TV is that they are breaking open a whole different door for people. I grew up in New Orleans and I have never, ever, ever seen myself on TV, ” said cast member Jason Mitchell.

Learn more about The Chi by watching the full 2018 SXSW Featured Session and watch the first season on Showtime.

Watch Now

Register today and book your hotel for SXSW 2019 to hear from industry leaders and creatives across our Conference programming, explore our Festivals, and more.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and SXSW News for the latest SXSW coverage.

See you in March!

The Chi – Photo by Jon Currie

The post The Chi Featured Session with Lena Waithe and Common at SXSW [Video] appeared first on SXSW.

Read more...

Previous Article
ABBA Founding Member Björn Ulvaeus, Annie Clark (St. Vincent) & More Join 2018 me Convention
ABBA Founding Member Björn Ulvaeus, Annie Clark (St. Vincent) & More Join 2018 me Convention

Join us for the 2018 me Convention, a collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and SXSW taking place in Stockhol...

Next Article
Vote On Session Ideas for SXSW 2019: PanelPicker Community Voting Ends August 30
Vote On Session Ideas for SXSW 2019: PanelPicker Community Voting Ends August 30

It’s the final countdown to 2019 SXSW PanelPicker® Community Voting which ends on Thursday, August 30 at 11...

Explore the latest SXSW News

Dive In