What: Spike Lee

When: Feb. 21, 4:30 p.m.

Where: Goldstein Auditorium

How much: Ticket information to be determined

Controversial and critically acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee is coming to Syracuse University on Feb. 21 as part of a Black History Month celebration.

Proof of Lee’s grit can be seen in his controversial movies such as ‘Malcolm X’ and ‘Do the Right Thing,’ which have garnered nationwide controversy and rave reviews for their raw depictions of African-American lives.

Lee is expected to speak about his latest documentary, ‘When the Levees Broke,’ about the New Orleans community in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, according to SU News.

The first half of Lee’s movie will be screened prior to his speech at Watson Theater on Feb. 18 at 7 p.m., and the remaining will be shown the Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. at Kittredge Auditorium.

The oldest of five children, growing up in New York City, Lee derives much of his film’s themes from childhood influences of jazz and African-American pride. Breaking into the film industry in 1986, Lee established himself as a controversial black filmmaker with the comedy, ‘She’s Gotta Have It.’

Television, radio film professor Tula Goenka has worked with Lee shortly after that on ‘Malcolm X’ and ‘Do the Right Thing,’ in addition to Nike commercials and the music video for Public Enemy’s ‘Fight the Power.’

‘He is very quiet and very reserved,’ Goenka said. ‘He tells you what you need to do, but he’s not very talkative.’

Goenka said Lee’s determination and relationships with those he has filmed has made him who he is today.

‘It is brilliant documentary film making,’ she said. ‘I doubt some people would have let him shoot if it wasn’t Spike. He’s a prolific film-maker.’

The Black Communication Society is sponsoring Lee’s visit.

 

Published on February 3, 2008 at 12:00 pm