Watch Chi-Town

Chi-Town is a 2018 documentary that is directed by Nick Budabin and stars Keifer Sykes. This documentary chronicles the life of a young basketball player named Keifer Sykes, who grew up in the Chicago neighborhood known as Chicago's West Side. This film aims to provide audiences with an intimate look into the life of this young man as he faces many challenges in his life and in his basketball career.

The film starts by introducing viewers to Keifer, who is shown practicing his basketball skills in the first few minutes. As we learn, Keifer was a star player throughout his high school career, and he received numerous accolades for his on-court performance. However, despite his success, Keifer's story is a complicated one. He came from a neighborhood that is plagued by poverty, violence, and gang activity. Many young people in Chicago's West Side are faced with limited opportunities and difficult choices. Keifer himself lost several friends and family members to gun violence over the years.

Despite these setbacks, Keifer was determined to succeed both on and off the court. The film follows Keifer as he graduates from high school and moves on to college, where he joins the basketball team at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. However, Keifer's transition to college basketball was a struggle. He was often overlooked by coaches and recruiters, despite his impressive track record in high school.

This sense of being overlooked and underestimated is a recurring theme throughout the film. Keifer's height (he is listed at just 6 feet tall) and his humble beginnings caused many people to doubt his potential. But Keifer remains focused on his goal of making it to the NBA. His determination and hard work eventually pay off, and Keifer is able to secure a spot on the Austin Spurs, a minor league basketball team affiliated with the NBA's San Antonio Spurs.

As Keifer's professional basketball career begins to pick up steam, the film takes a closer look at the challenges that come with this newfound success. Keifer is faced with the pressure of performing well and the challenges of being away from his family and friends back home. The film also explores the emotional toll that Keifer's success has on his family and loved ones, who struggle to come to terms with his absence and the risks that come with playing professional basketball.

Throughout the film, Keifer's perseverance and strength shine through. The documentary does an excellent job of capturing Keifer's spirit and attitude, which is defined by his hard work, dedication, and belief in himself. Chi-Town highlights the importance of having role models and mentors in one's life, as Keifer draws inspiration and guidance from coaches, family members, and fellow players.

Overall, this is a fascinating and deeply moving documentary that sheds light on the challenges faced by many young people growing up in inner-city neighborhoods like Chicago's West Side. The film raises important questions about privilege, opportunity, and the role of sports in society. Keifer Sykes is an inspiring figure, and his story is sure to resonate with audiences across the country. Chi-Town offers an important window into the lives and struggles of many young people growing up in the United States, and it is a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination that can overcome even the toughest obstacles.

Chi-Town is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.