Acclaimed African-American filmmaker Spike Lee's new movie "Chiraq" about violence in inner-city Chicago will be the first original film to be distributed by the new Amazon Studios, the company said Wednesday.

The film will be distributed first in theaters and later online, but Amazon has not yet announced a timeline for either release.

"I'm honored to be part of the film that will launch Amazon Studios and to tell a story that is so important," Lee said in a statement.

The film has been somewhat controversial because of its title equating the unrelenting violence in Iraq with the fatal shootings that have plagued parts of Chicago, one of America's biggest cities.

Lee, 58, explained that the title may be somewhat misleading and urged audiences to set aside their reservations and see the movie.

"Please don't be fooled by the title of 'Chiraq,' this new Spike Lee joint will be something very special," the director said.

Some of Hollywood's top actors appear in the film, including John Cusack, Angela Bassett, Jennifer Hudson, Wesley Snipes and Samuel L. Jackson.

Lee has a number of hit films to his credit dating back decades, including 1989's "Do the Right Thing" and 1991's "Jungle Fever," starring Snipes.
Source: AFP