Part of the film was shot at an ayurvedic clinic in Kerala, India, where Chula had travelled for cancer treatment in 2010.

[1][2] The idea to make a film about her story first occurred to Wheeler when she cast Chula, already diagnosed with cancer in real life, as a cancer patient who dispenses philosophical advice in her 2008 TV movie, Living Out Loud.

Wheeler, who had spent considerable time in India, decided to accompany Chula on her search for a cure.

[2] The film had its world premiere in April 2013 at the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival.

[1] On March 9, 2014, Chi was named best short documentary film at the Canadian Screen Awards.