Dave Chappelle On Why He Did ‘8:46’: “Imagine If I Sat In That Cornfield And Just Did Jokes?”

Dave Chappelle spoke about his 8:46 short at the St. Louis International Film Festival Master Class in early November.

Dave Chappelle spoke with Webster University students about 8:46 short as part of the St. Louis International Film Festival Master Class event that took place on November 5. The St. Louis International Film Festival took place online because of the covid-19 pandemic.

During the appearance, Chappelle talked about George Floyd‘s death inspired him to create “something beautiful,” which led to himm making 8:46 alongside the short’s co-directors Steven Bognar and Julia Reichart.

“We didn’t even know if the show would be possible with people sitting six feet apart,” Chappelle said, according to Webster University’s The Journal. “We did everything specifically to COVID specs.”

The comedian also talked about why he felt he had to address Floyd’s death, saying:

If you remember when George Floyd was killed, it was heartbreaking. Cities erupted and all these things — imagine if I sat in that cornfield and just did jokes? People who normally come see me wouldn’t expect that from me. Talking about George Floyd was a necessity. I couldn’t talk about anything else before I talked about him.

“I hope people in the long-term don’t discount the true energy and spirit that mobilized people on the streets,” he added. “I hope George Floyd’s family finds some solace in that solidarity. People of all races understood that [Floyd’s murder] was crime against humanity.”

Chappelle released 8:46 back in June. The special was filmed on June 6 in Yellow Springs, Ohio, and featured the comedian not only talking about Floyd but the protests and uprisings that are happening around the world.