DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11)— Thursday night, the Alamo Drafthouse in Downtown Brooklyn dedicated its newly renovated theater to one of the borough's most renowned filmmakers, Spike Lee, in a moment that celebrated Brooklyn's rich cinematic heritage.
The theater, now named "Spike Lee Cinema," was unveiled at an event where fans and Lee's family gathered to honor the Oscar-winning filmmaker, known for his groundbreaking works such as "Do the Right Thing" and "Malcolm X."
"It's acknowledgment of the work I put in," said Lee. "This is my fourth decade as a filmmaker. A lot of my films — Brooklyn was a setting,"
The dedication reflects Lee's impact on cinema and his deep connection to the Brooklyn community he has championed throughout his career. The event began with a plaque dedication ceremony and ended with a special screening of Lee's 1994 film, "Crooklyn."
"I'm just happy to be here," Lee added. "Get to be surrounded by friends and family tonight."
For those in attendance, the dedication of the Spike Lee Cinema was more than just a tribute to the filmmaker; it was a celebration of Brooklyn itself.
"It's huge because just thinking about how he started as a Brooklynite with a dream to be a top producer, top director, and watching his journey through different documentaries, reading about him, it means a lot to me," said Daria Legall, who attended the event. "Especially having a theater named after someone so prolific and so important to our community."
The dedication follows a yearlong celebration of Lee's contributions to Brooklyn and the broader cultural landscape. Last year, the Brooklyn Museum honored Lee with an exhibition, and this summer, Brooklynites marked the 35th anniversary of his iconic film, "Do the Right Thing," with a block party on the very street where much of it was filmed.
"I just love the way he shoots Black people and I've never seen, and didn't think it was possible to see, people in that color, to see our history shown that way," said Frankey Smith, another attendee. "To be put on the level of Steven Spielberg or any huge director, I think it's so impactful."
The Alamo Drafthouse is reaffirming Spike Lee's place in the heart of Brooklyn, underscoring his lasting mark on the borough and the world of cinema.
To celebrate the dedication, several Spike Lee films will be shown at the theater over the next few weeks.
English (US) ·