The Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) has announced Spike Lee as the President of the Red Sea: Features Competition Jury for its fourth edition, taking place from Dec. 5 to 14 in the historic Al Balad district of Jeddah. Known for his groundbreaking films like Malcolm X and BlacKkKlansman, the Academy Award-winning filmmaker is set to bring his sharp eye for storytelling to one of the region’s most prestigious cinematic events.
A trailblazer in film and culture, Lee’s career spans decades. A graduate of Morehouse College and NYU’s Graduate Film School—where he was a classmate of Ang Lee and Ernest Dickerson—Lee has not only directed some of cinema’s most iconic works but also serves as a professor and artistic director at NYU.
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This year, the Red Sea: Features Competition highlights 16 standout films from the Arab world, Asia, and Africa, showcasing the year’s most innovative and compelling films. Winners, including the recipient of the coveted Golden Yusr for Best Feature Film, will be chosen by Lee and his jury. Last year’s Golden Yusr went to In Flames by Zarrar Khan, setting a high bar for this year’s competition.
Lee’s presence at the festival extends beyond the jury panel; he will also feature in the In Conversation series, where he’ll dive into discussions about his career, creative vision, and the stories that have shaped him. Speaking about his role, Lee expressed his excitement: “Having experienced the energy, creativity, and incredible filmmaking at the Red Sea International Film Festival last year, it’s an honor to return as President of the Jury. This festival is not only a cultural melting pot but a vital platform for emerging voices from the Arab world, Asia, and Africa. It’s a privilege to engage with such talent and champion the next generation of filmmakers.”
