(ThyBlackMan.com) There is only one individual in the film industry in the African American community that will put up his own money to tell the truth about being black in Americatoday and his name is Spike Lee. He has been telling stories about blackness since he began his career as a filmmaker. His recent film, Red Hook Summer, is a testament to his legacy of filming truth and leaving an individual in a state of having to think about issues in society and the black community. Spike Lee’s film company, 40 acres and a mule have produced over 35 films since the 80s.
Spike Lee was born in AtlantaGeorgia, and both of his parents were influential in his life. He attended MorehouseCollege, and his first student film was entitled, Last Hustle in Brooklyn. The filmmaker’s thesis film was the first to 
ever be showcased as a student film at the New Directors New Films Festival. Spike Lee debuted his first feature length film, She’s Gotta Have It in 1985. The film grossed over 7 million dollars.
The director then spread his wings and began to discuss controversial subjects within his films with no remorse and began having a following of critics that would try their best to tarnish his reputation in the film industry. Spike Lee has directed, produced, and starred in the majority of his films. It is unique to see an individual do so much in the film and it makes sense. Spike Lee’s story to the top reveals a man that has always been on a mission and has had to endure to become who he is today.
Always under scrutiny, Spike Lee has held his head up high and not apologized for one film that he has made. There has always been criticism about his own depiction of what he sees in society and how it is portrayed in film. However, he is one of a few that can do it and does it very well. Not to mention that Spike Lee is one of the cool guys walking the streets of NYC that loves tennis shoes and basketball. The filmmaker is a ticket season holder at all of the New York Knicks games.
Never wavering about his beliefs, Spike Lee has gained respect in Hollywoodbut not the financial funding to back the majority of his films. Despite this, he has maintained and stood strong in telling true stories –not buffoonery. Do the right thing and check out is latest film, Red Hook Summer in theaters now.
Staff Writer; atlas brown
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