Spike Lee to Mentor Emerging Filmmakers in Red Sea Programme

Academy award-winning film director Spike Lee is set to lead a new film mentorship initiative, ‘The Directors’ Program’, with the Red Sea Film Festival Foundation.

The programme will bring together 15 emerging filmmakers from Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, Africa, and Asia. Taking place in Jeddah from April 30th to May 3rd, 2025, this exclusive program promises a rare and intimate opportunity for selected participants to engage directly with one of modern cinema’s most iconic and provocative storytellers.

Spike Lee, best known for his political films like ‘Do the Right Thing’, ‘Malcolm X’ and ‘BlacKkKlansman’, has long been celebrated for his unapologetic voice and fearless approach to address social issues through film. A trailblazer in independent cinema and a long-time advocate for underrepresented voices in the industry, Lee’s involvement in this initiative marks an invaluable learning opportunity for global storytellers, offering emerging directors direct access to his creative process.

Applications for the program are now open, with a deadline set for Thursday, April 24th.