“Free Speech & the Transcendent Journey of Chris Drew, Street Artist” ©2014

Trailer: (film in preview preparing for release)

http://youtu.be/2ncu2AjO5ok?list=PLFE74E0B074178EA3

Reference on IMDb:

FILM on IMDb

Nancy Bechtol, director/producer/artist

Chris Drew on location Silkscreening at May Day Rally ©nancy bechtol

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Chris Drew, street artist and activist, was selling art for $1 in downtown Chicago to protest the Chicago Peddlers Ordinance since he believed Art is Speech, a First Amendment Right. Those charges were dropped and replaced with a serious Class One Felony Eavesdropping charge, for audio recording his own arrest. Nine police officers with a Homeland Security detail arrested him. With 2 pro bono lawyers, he challenged for over 2.5 years in court, The Illinois Eavesdropping Law,which carried a 4 – 15 years in prison if convicted. His case and cause drew nationwide and even international attention Both traditional and social media covered the unbelievable case of C Drew. This is a true story.

Production notes: Covering the incredible Drew Journey, 2009-2012, Includes footage from marches and protests 2003-2011, including Occupy Chicago, street scenes shot on 5 different formats, including 2 cell phones.

Epilogue: In 2014, The Illinois Supreme Court abolished the law delclaring it unconstitutional.