Chi-Town

Award-Winning Documentary

Chi-Town follows Keifer Sykes on his meteoric rise from Marshall High School on Chicago’s West Side to his improbable shot at the NBA. This exhilarating multi-year journey of the explosive point guard’s ascent is punctuated by personal loss, debilitating injury, and tragic violence. At only 5’11 and surrounded by shattered dreams and wasted potential, the odds are stacked against Keifer at every turn. Keifer’s focus on his goal and his never-wavering support for his community are inspirations. This is an intimate, raw, surprising and unique behind the scenes look at a true champion — and what it really takes to make it.

Director: Nick Budabin

Executive Producer: Terry Minogue

Producers: Neal Usatin, Nick Budabin, Terrence Elenteny

Executive Producers: David Gioielle, Mark Littman

Original Score: Daniel McCormick, Ali Helnwein

Edited by: Chris Carson

Director of Photography: Matt Elkind

Watch the Trailer
ChiTown Poster with Accolades

Film Recognition

  • Selected for the 2018 SXSW Film Festival
  • Won the Audience Award at the 2018 Black Harvest Film Festival in Chicago
  • Selected for the 2018 BIFF Busan International Film Festival
  • Selected for 2018 RainDance Film Festival
  • Selected for 2018 Heartland International Film Festival
  • Won the Grand Jury Award at the 2019 Las Cruces International Film Festival
  • Selected for the 2018 36TFF Torino Film Festival
  • Selected for the 2019 Global Cinema Film Festival of Boston
  • Selected for the 2019 Beloit International Film Festival
  • Selected for the 2018 Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival

Film Clips

Coach "Shake"

Leevon "Noddy" Carter

ChiTown Trailer

Filmmakers Comments

ChiTown Director Nick Budabin speaks about making the documentary and his support of Keifer Sykes and Free 10 Foundation.

mission

KEIFER SYKES' FREE 10 FOUNDATION EXISTS TO PROVIDE SUPPORT AND SOLUTIONS TO UNDER-SERVED AND UNDER-REPRESENTED CHILDREN AND FAMILIES WHO HAVE BEEN OVERCOME BY CRISIS OR TRAUMATIZED DUE TO GUN VIOLENCE OR INCARCERATION.

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