Gun violence is one of the longest standing and most pressing issues in America. Each year since 1969, at least 10,000 Americans have died from firearm injury. Chi-Town Guns, Gun Violence, & The NRA focuses in on one of the densest areas of gun-related deaths in the US, Chicago. In interviews with activists, lawyers, former gang members, and the loved ones of those lost to gun violence, this documentary paints a comprehensive picture of the causes and potential solutions to the plague of murder brought about by poverty, toxic masculinity, and a lack of opportunity enforced by policy written and defended by the National Rifle Association. Director and producer Dawn Alexander says "Gun violence must stop now, and it is up to filmmakers such as us to shine a bright and enduring light on the violence."
There is very little to critique about Chi-Town Guns, Gun Violence, & The NRA. I spent several days going back and forth on whether this was a five-star documentary, and my final answer was, “Almost”: Chi-Town Guns, Gun Violence, & The NRA Lacks that little bit of polish and novelty that makes a five-star documentary a five-star documentary. That’s the worst thing you can say about Chi-Town Guns, Gun Violence, & The NRA. Lovers of documentary film will note the simple style and strong message as the biggest strengths of this film. The way the various subjects’ interviews are intermeshed makes for both a strong argument and a film that makes you keep watching effortlessly.
For the variety of expertise brought together and the necessity for honest and informative discussion around the subject of gun violence, Chi-Town Guns, Gun Violence, & The NRA will be a must-have for many academic collections, especially those serving large criminal justice and American history departments. Anyone interested in African American history as it regards to gun rights will be especially happy to see this documentary on public library shelves, as discussion of the Black Panther Party and other more radical elements of the Civil Rights Movement are a big part of the discussion. Highly Recommended.
How can this documentary support criminal justice and American history curricula?
Chi-Town Guns, Gun Violence, & The NRA offers a multidimensional look at the root causes and systemic impacts of gun violence in urban America—making it an ideal companion for both criminal justice and American history courses. Criminal justice instructors can use the documentary to spark discussion on topics such as community policing, sentencing disparities, and the sociopolitical influence of gun lobbying groups. Meanwhile, history educators can frame it within the broader narrative of civil rights, systemic inequality, and the historical evolution of gun laws in the United States. Its inclusion of perspectives from former gang members, activists, and legal experts creates rich material for classroom debate, analysis, and writing assignments.
Is this gun violence documentary a good pick for campus or community screenings?
Yes—Chi-Town Guns, Gun Violence, & The NRA is a compelling choice for campus and community screenings. With its clear structure, emotional resonance, and balanced presentation of expert voices and lived experiences, the film invites meaningful dialogue across diverse audiences. It’s particularly well-suited for events tied to Black History Month, gun violence awareness weeks, or criminal justice reform initiatives. Screening it alongside a panel discussion with local experts or student-led advocacy groups could further enhance its impact and relevance.
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