Alamo Drafthouse is paying tribute to iconic filmmaker Spike Lee by renaming its recently renovated downtown Brooklyn theater in his honor. On September 12, the Spike Lee Cinema will be unveiled during a private ceremony, followed by a screening of Lee’s semi-autobiographical 1994 film, Crooklyn. The event will include a live Q&A session with the legendary director, celebrating his profound impact on cinema and his deep connection to New York City.
The dedication ceremony will feature the unveiling of a commemorative plaque that reads: “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.”
This recognition comes as Alamo Drafthouse completes a major upgrade and expansion of its Brooklyn location. Originally launched in 2016 within the City Point complex, the theater has added five new auditoriums equipped with state-of-the-art features including laser projectors, RealD 3D, and 70mm and 35mm capabilities. These upgrades, paired with Alamo’s signature in-seat food and drink service and premium leather recliners, continue to enhance the theater’s reputation as a beloved destination for cinephiles.
“After completing this massive upgrade to our Brooklyn location, we knew immediately that we wanted to dedicate it to Spike Lee,” said Michael Kustermann, CEO of Alamo Drafthouse. “His films have defined Brooklyn for generations, and we’re immensely proud to do our part to honor that legacy.”
Spike Lee, an influential figure in American cinema, has been a defining voice in portraying the African American experience, particularly within the context of his native Brooklyn. With a career spanning over four decades, Lee has directed, produced, and written numerous critically acclaimed films that address social and political issues, including Do the Right Thing, Malcolm X, and BlacKkKlansman, which won him an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. Lee’s films often explore themes of race, identity, and community, establishing him as a powerful and unique storyteller whose work resonates far beyond the screen.
To celebrate the theater’s new dedication, Alamo Drafthouse will host a retrospective of Lee’s 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). This programming series offers fans a chance to revisit Lee’s groundbreaking work, reinforcing his enduring influence on the film industry and his significant contributions to Brooklyn’s cultural landscape.