Spike Lee to Head Jury of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Festival

variety.com:

Nick Vivarelli International Correspondent Spike Lee will preside over the jury of the fourth edition of Saudi Arabia‘s Red Sea Film Festival. “Looking towards our fourth edition, we’re honored to welcome the legendary Spike Lee as our president of jury for the festival this year,” said Jomana Al Rashid, chairwoman of the Red Sea Film Foundation, in an announcement on Thursday. “Spike is a pioneering director whose iconic work has made a lasting impact on both film as a medium and culture at large,” she continued. “His energy, incisiveness and genuine championing of creativity and new voices makes him an ideal fit to lead our jury for this year — we look forward to him engaging with the burgeoning talent in our competition lineup.” Spike Lee commented: “Having been lucky enough to experience first-hand the incredible filmmaking, atmosphere and creativity at the Red Sea International Film Festival in 2022, it’s a privilege to be returning this year as president of the jury.

Alongside creating a melting pot for cultures to come together in celebration of our important art-form, it’s vital to continue to platform young and emerging filmmakers who are finding their voice in the industry, and it’s exciting to see first-time directors from across the Arab region, Asia and Africa as part of the competition lineup this year.

I’m looking forward to diving in to the program and making what I’m sure will be some very tough decisions alongside the leading luminaries on the jury.” The fourth edition of the festival will take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from Dec.