Spike Lee, one of the most emblematic directors of American cinema, is this year the president of the jury for the 4ᵉ edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF), which is held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Known for his provocative style, his commitment to social justice, and his impactful stories, he captivated the audience with a conversation where he shared personal anecdotes, reflections on his career, and advice to filmmakers in the making. His speech was imbued with humor, passion, and deep wisdom.
A legendary collaboration with Denzel Washington
Spike Lee confirmed that he had just finished his fifth film with Denzel Washington, entitled High and lowa “reinterpretation” of the Japanese masterpiece High and low from Kurosawa. He explained: “I have always been fascinated by Kurosawa. His film Rashomon even inspired She’s Gotta Have It. »»
Denzel Washington, who interpreted emblematic roles in Malcolm X, Mo ‘Better Blues, He Got Game and Inside Man, maintains with Spike Lee an almost family relationship. “Our wives are friends, and there is a magic when we work together. We understand each other perfectly. Spike Lee described Washington’s performance in Malcolm X as “one of the best in a biopic”. He also seized the opportunity to congratulate the star for his recent role in Gladiator II,, For which he has just been appointed for a Golden Globes price for best actor in a supporting role.
Asked about the actor’s possible retirement, Spike Lee replied: ” Denzel wants to devote himself to the theater, and I am happy for him. As for me, I still have time. Kurosawa made his latest film at 81 years old. »» He added: “If you can earn a living by doing what you like, it’s a blessing. My destiny is to become a filmmaker. »»
The challenges of Malcolm X
Spike Lee mentioned in detail the obstacles encountered during the realization of Malcolm Xa film he considers to be one of the most important in his career. “” The project was about to collapse several times “He said. Budget problems were particularly critical: ” The studio did not want to give us the money necessary to make the film as it should be. I had to call figures like Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan and Bill Cosby to contribute financially. »»
He also mentioned political and social pressures: ” Many people did not want this film to be made. I was even advised not to attack a figure as controversial as Malcolm X. But I knew that this story should be told. »»
Filming in Saudi Arabia has represented an immense logistical and cultural challenge. “” I waited two weeks on site to obtain an order from the court allowing me to film in Mecca during the Hajj. We finally had permission, a historic first. The filming team was made up of Muslims, and we managed to capture unique moments. »»
This experience deeply marked Lee: ” Filming sacred places with such respect reinforced my understanding of the faith of Malcolm and what transformed it. It was a lesson in humility for all of us. He expressed his gratitude to the Saudi authorities for their collaboration and openness. “” Being here today, as president of the jury, is a logical sequence for me. This festival allows me to discover cinemas that I know little, especially Arabic cinema. And I am impressed by the richness and diversity of the stories that I discover here. »»
A career marked by fighting
Spike Lee also shared reflections on his documentary 4 Little Girls (1997), devoted to the racist attack perpetrated by the Ku Klux Klan against the Baptist Church of the 16th Street in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1963. This attack cost the life of four African-American girls: Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, Carole Robertson, and Denise McNair. Spike Lee explained: ” This film was emotionally difficult to make. I returned to Birmingham, I spoke to the families of the victims and those who knew them. The parents of these young girls have never been able to recover from this tragedy. »»
The director described the impact of the documentary: ” The FBI knew from the first days of the investigation which were the officials, but it was not until my documentary that the file was reopened. A few days before the Oscar appointment, the FBI asked me for a copy of the film. A week after the FBI watched the film, they charged the murderers. This shows the power of cinema to make things happen. »» Spike Lee continued: “I worked like crazy so that this film attracts public attention to this injustice. This documentary remains one of the things I am most proud of. »»
Advice to future filmmakers
As a professor at New York University, Spike Lee attaches particular importance to transmission. “” I always say to my students: ‘Cinema is not a joke. You must devote your life to it, work hard and never cheat ”. »»
He often recommends classics like Who’s in Town? And sometimes invites directors to chat with their students. He also expressed his enthusiasm for young talents, especially from minorities. “” This industry is very hard, especially for blacks. But I like to work with actors for their first role. Some are extraordinary. »»
Anecdotes and humor
With his usual humor, Spike Lee shared funny anecdotes. “I asked Michael Jordan why he agreed to shoot an advertisement with me. He replied: ‘Because you wear my shoes!’ ». He meant that they were alike, since both born in the same environment in Brooklyn.
He also mentioned his childhood in Brooklyn: ” My father hated Hollywood films, but my mother loved them. I am the product of both. »»
As for his time management, he revealed: ” I get up at 6 am every morning. I often write for four hours in a row. On filming, he prefers to limit the days to 8 or 10 hours to guarantee a good atmosphere and try to always keep a good atmosphere, which does not prevent him from screaming on occasion if necessary. “” If the team is not happy, you don’t get the best. »»
Spike Lee concluded his session by reiterating his love for cinema and his gratitude to life: ” Are you ready to devote your life to your passion? If so, you will be blessed. I am. »»
Neïla Driss
