JEDDAH: On the sixth day of the Red Sea International Film Festival, cinema legend Spike Lee shared insights on storytelling, collaboration, and his enduring love for filmmaking.
Known for his groundbreaking works including “Do the Right Thing,” “Malcolm X,” and “BlacKkKlansman,” the five-time Academy Award-winning filmmaker delved into his journey, inspiring aspiring creatives and cinephiles alike.
Lee reflected on his early challenges, emphasizing the importance of opportunity in the crowded industry. “From the very beginning, I wanted to give an opportunity for new talents,” he said.
“This is a very, very tough business. A lot of times, you can be very talented, but if you don’t get a break, you’re really stuck.”
Lee also spoke passionately about the collaborative nature of filmmaking.
“Filmmaking is not a solo act. It’s the collective coming together for one goal — to make films,” he said. “Some people want to be the hero and do it by themselves, but it doesn’t work like that.”
Teaching and creating films, Lee explained, requires dedication.
“Filmmaking is no joke. You have to be a devotee of cinema, like your life depends on it. You can’t cheat. If you’re not serious, you’re making it harder for yourself.”
Lee’s upcoming film is a reimagining of the Akira Kurosawa classic film “High and Low.” The film stars Denzel Washington and will be released in 2025 by A24 and Apple.
Whether directing narrative films or documentaries, Lee highlighted the universal importance of storytelling. “I don’t have to put on another hat. It’s telling the story — a different way to tell a story, but still telling a story,” he explained.
Music is an integral part of his creative process. “Music plays a very important part in my films. The composer’s sound, those sounds, is this element that is very important to how we use music,” he said.
The director has a long history of working with musicians and in addition to his films, TV series, and commercials, he has directed a number of music videos and shorts.
He has worked with artists including Michael Jackson, Prince, Public Enemy, Branford Marsalis, Bruce Hornsby, Miles Davis and Anita Baker.
Drawing from his 30 years in the film industry, Lee critiqued ineffective leadership on set. “Sometimes you see long days because the director doesn’t know what they’re doing. That’s when the crew turns against the director.”
The festival’s stellar lineup of speakers includes Brendan Fraser, Michael Mann, Jeremy Renner, and Benedict Cumberbatch.
