Chicago Artist Demetrius A. Matthews Produces Documentary 'Goalden Chyld: Unity of Peace'

The film follows a Chicago-based artist using music to engage communities in conversations on trauma, identity, and pathways toward change.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:53am

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A striking black, white, and blue abstract composition of jagged, geometric shapes, representing the themes of community dialogue and social change explored in the documentary.A conceptual film poster captures the bold, abstract visuals and community-focused themes of the documentary 'Goalden Chyld: Unity of Peace'.Chicago Today

A new documentary produced by Demetrius A. Matthews highlights ongoing grassroots efforts focused on community dialogue, violence prevention, and social awareness in Chicago's inner-city neighborhoods. Titled 'Goalden Chyld: Unity of Peace', the film follows a Chicago-based artist and peace advocate known as Goalden Chyld, documenting his work using music as a platform to engage individuals and groups in conversations about trauma, loss, masculinity, and pathways toward personal and community transformation.

Why it matters

Matthews' work, including previous documentaries like 'Kling – A Teacher That Defied the System' and 'Code Switch', aims to amplify underrepresented voices and examine cultural identity and social dynamics within underserved communities. 'Goalden Chyld: Unity of Peace' reflects his continued focus on storytelling that explores themes of resilience and recovery.

The details

The documentary captures real-time interactions with community members, including former rivals, local leaders, and cultural figures, as they participate in discussions aimed at addressing the root causes of violence and disconnection. Through a combination of live performances, interviews, and community-based engagement, the film presents a ground-level perspective on ongoing efforts to foster unity and dialogue.

  • The documentary is scheduled for release across select platforms following its premiere, with additional distribution plans currently in development.

The players

Demetrius A. Matthews

A filmmaker and founder of Legacy Media LLC, who developed the project as part of his continued focus on documenting lived experiences within underserved communities.

Goalden Chyld

A Chicago-based artist and peace advocate who is the subject of the documentary, using music as a platform to engage individuals and groups in conversations about trauma, loss, masculinity, and pathways toward personal and community transformation.

Legacy Media LLC

An independent production company founded by Demetrius A. Matthews that produces films, books, and multimedia projects exploring themes of identity, culture, and social transformation.

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What they’re saying

“We didn't make this film to be seen. We made it because too many have been unseen for too long. If the world calls it a documentary, fine—but for us, this is proof that change is already in motion.”

— Demetrius A. Matthews, Filmmaker and Founder, Legacy Media LLC

What’s next

The documentary is scheduled for release across select platforms following its premiere, with additional distribution plans currently in development.

The takeaway

Demetrius A. Matthews' work, including 'Goalden Chyld: Unity of Peace', aims to amplify underrepresented voices and examine cultural identity and social dynamics within underserved communities, providing a ground-level perspective on ongoing efforts to foster unity and dialogue.