Spike Lee Discusses His Passion for Soccer and Saudi Arabia
As jury president at the Red Sea Film Festival, Spike Lee started his interview with Variety by discussing his passion for soccer, particularly his love for Arsenal in the United Kingdom Premier League. When asked if he plans to attend the 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia, Lee chuckled, "The key question is whether I’m still alive — I’ll be 77 in 2034. But if I’m around, I’ll be there!"
A Third Time in Saudi Arabia
Lee’s third visit to Saudi Arabia began with his first trip in 1991, when he sought authorization to film a Muslim unit in Mecca for his biopic "Malcolm X." This was the first time a non-documentary film team was permitted to shoot in the holy city. He returned in 2022 to attend the second Red Sea Film Festival, the kingdom’s first public showing of films.
Malcolm X’s Legacy
To commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the film’s release, Lee shared on Instagram, "I suggest you might want to watch this joint epic again, especially after the daughters of Malcolm X have sued the CIA, FBI and NYPD for $100 million for involvement with the assassination of their father." Lee emphasized, "They’re guilty. I showed that in the film. In the scene after he’s shot, we see the NYPD officer coming in, as if he’s strolling through Central Park. When Malcolm travels to Egypt we see that he’s being followed by the CIA. So it’s in the movie!"
Jury President’s Insights
As jury president, Lee has gained a new perspective on the diverse ways filmmakers view the world. "I don’t want to get too specific because we haven’t yet unveiled the eight winning films, but we had lengthy discussions and we could easily have given out more awards," he said. "We’re very happy with the films we’ve chosen."
Longer Stay in Saudi Arabia
Lee expressed his desire to stay in Saudi Arabia for a longer period to fully experience the local culture. "Every time I’m here, I learn more about the local culture, the Saudis," he remarked. "Every time I’ve been embraced and many people here know my films. So I feel at home!"
Film Schools and Festivals
If given the opportunity, Lee would be interested in visiting local film schools and attending more Red Sea Film Festivals. "I would be more than willing to come here and speak to the film schools, because they can make a real difference," he stated. "One of my jury colleagues here is the Egyptian director, Abu Bakr Shawky, who was a student of mine at NYU. He’s now a great filmmaker. Back in the day, he was in my class!"
Next Project
When asked about his next project, Lee declined to comment, citing his superstition about discussing projects before they are confirmed. "Here’s the thing. I’m very superstitious to talk about things until they actually happen," he said. "I’ve heard a lot of people over the years saying ‘I’m doing that, I’m doing this.’ That’s their choice, but for me, I just like to keep it close to my chest and let stuff happen."
Conclusion
Spike Lee’s passion for soccer, his experiences in Saudi Arabia, and his insights as jury president at the Red Sea Film Festival offer a glimpse into the mind of this renowned director.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will you attend the 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia?
A: The key question is whether I’m still alive — I’ll be 77 in 2034. But if I’m around, I’ll be there!
Q: What do you think about the lawsuit filed by the daughters of Malcolm X against the CIA, FBI, and NYPD?
A: They’re guilty. I showed that in the film. In the scene after he’s shot, we see the NYPD officer coming in, as if he’s strolling through Central Park. When Malcolm travels to Egypt we see that he’s being followed by the CIA. So it’s in the movie!
Q: What’s your next project?
A: I’m not discussing it yet, as I’m superstitious about sharing information before it’s confirmed. I prefer to keep it close to my chest and let things happen.
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