Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – Acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee has brought his quest for fresh storytelling to Saudi Arabia, where he leads the jury at the Red Sea International Film Festival. Lee, known for his incisive and provocative films, is seeking standout narratives from a diverse selection of 16 features crafted by directors from the Arab world, Asia, and Africa.
Upon his arrival in Jeddah, the Oscar-winning director expressed his enthusiasm for evaluating films without any preconceived notions about the filmmakers. He highlighted the rarity of encountering films in such an unbiased frame of mind, which he views as an opportunity to experience the filmmakers’ true voices.
Lee’s role at the festival mirrors his previous experience as jury president at the Cannes Film Festival in 2021. He plans to encourage open discussion and mutual respect for differing opinions among his jury colleagues, aiming to foster a democratic atmosphere in deliberations.
The festival marks a return for Lee, who last attended the event in 2022 to present “Malcolm X” — a significant screening as it was the film’s debut in the region. The 1992 movie, which thematically explores issues of race and identity, was notably filmed in parts of the Middle East, including Mecca and Cairo. Moreover, Lee expressed openness to the possibility of filming in Saudi Arabia in the future.
Regarding his upcoming projects, Lee is set to release “Highest 2 Lowest,” an adaptation of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 crime thriller originally titled “High and Low.” Featuring Denzel Washington, the film is produced by A24 in conjunction with Apple Original Films and is slated for an early summer 2025 release.
The festival also serves as a reunion spot for Lee and Thierry Frémaux, Cannes’ general delegate. The two share a long-standing connection that dates back to Lee’s debut at Cannes with “She’s Gotta Have It,” which garnered the Prix de la Jeunesse in 1986. Lee’s fond memories of Cannes resonate deeply, and he hinted at potential future collaborations.
The Red Sea International Film Festival stands as a beacon for cinematic exchange and dialogue, setting a stage where filmmakers from traditionally underrepresented regions can showcase their work to a global audience. With Lee at the helm of the jury, the festival is poised to highlight original and compelling narratives that push creative boundaries.
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