16 Shots is a documentary film directed by Rick Rowley that examines the fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald by Chicago police officer Jason Van Dyke in 2014. The film explores the context of the shooting, the police cover-up that ensued, and the community's response to the incident.
The film features interviews with activists, journalists, attorneys, and eyewitnesses to the shooting, as well as footage from police dashcams and body cameras. In addition, the filmmakers obtained access to thousands of pages of police reports, court records, and other documents related to the case.
Through its investigation, the film uncovers a system of corruption and abuse within the Chicago Police Department, including a code of silence that allows officers to lie and cover up their mistakes. It also sheds light on the racial and economic inequality that plagues Chicago's South Side, where McDonald's shooting took place.
The film premiered at the 2018 Tribeca Film Festival and was released on Showtime in June of that year. It received critical acclaim and was praised for its investigative journalism, compelling storytelling, and social commentary. Many reviewers also noted the film's timeliness in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement and the ongoing debate over police brutality and accountability.