Well deserved!
The Alamo Drafthouse has announced that its newly renovated Brooklyn theater will be dedicated to legendary filmmaker Spike Lee, Variety reports. A champion of his beloved borough for the entirety of his four-decade career, Lee’s name has become synonymous with Brooklyn. A private ceremony and screening of his 1994 film “Crooklyn” will be held on September 12th, followed by a live Q&A with the filmmaker himself.
“Like many of the greatest films over the past 40 years, this theater is a Spike Lee Joint. From his nuanced portrayals of Brooklyn life in ‘Do the Right Thing’ and ‘Crooklyn’ to his towering portrait of ‘Malcolm X,’ his vision has shaped our culture and left an indelible mark on this city. For that reason, as of Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, this Alamo Drafthouse Cinema shall hereby and forevermore be known as the Spike Lee Cinema,” reads the inscription on the new Spike Lee Cinema plaque that will be unveiled during the ceremony.
The Alamo Drafthouse opened in 2016, featuring seven screens at the Brooklyn City Point complex. Now, the location boasts five new auditoriums equipped with laser projectors, RealD, 3D, 70mm, and 35mm capabilities on various screens. The auditoriums will have luxury leather recliners and personal tables to enjoy food and beverages that have become a hit with moviegoers. Alamo Drafthouse CEO Michael Kustermann said paying homage to Lee as they prepare to unveil the renovations was a no-brainer.
“After completing this massive upgrade to our Brooklyn location, we knew immediately that we wanted to dedicate it to Spike Lee. His films have defined Brooklyn for generations, and we’re immensely proud to do our part to honor that legacy,” said Kustermann.
The new Spike Lee Cinema will launch with a retrospective series of Lee’s hit films, including “Crooklyn,” (Sept. 17), “Mo’ Better Blues” (Sept. 21), “Jungle Fever” (Sept. 22), “Do the Right Thing” (Sept. 28), “Clockers” (Sept. 29) and “Inside Man” (Oct. 6).
For more information, visit Alamo Drafthouse.
Cover photo: Alamo Drafthouse Dedicates Newly Renovated Brooklyn Theater to Filmmaker Spike Lee/Photo credit: Timothy Fadek/The Guardian