Alamo Drafthouse Dedicates Newly Renovated Brooklyn Theater to Spike Lee (EXCLUSIVE)

Alamo Drafthouse is dedicating its newly renovated downtown Brooklyn theater to Spike Lee. The director, who is synonymous with all things New York, will be honored on Sept. 12 with a ceremony and screening of his semi-autobiograpical 1994 film “Crooklyn.” Lee will also participate in a live Q&A.

The private event will feature the reveal of the Spike Lee Cinema plaque, which will read: “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.”

News of the dedication coincides with the theater’s recently completed upgrade and expansion. Originally opened in Brooklyn’s City Point complex in 2016 with seven screens, Alamo Drafthouse has revamped the location with five new auditoriums which are outfitted with laser projectors, as well as RealD 3D, 70mm, and 35mm capabilities on select screens. Those auditoriums will have premium leather recliners equipped with personal swivel tables to enjoy the in-seat food and drink options that’s made Alamo Drafthouse a favorite among 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, Alamo Drafthouse CEO. “His films have defined Brooklyn for generations, and we’re immensely proud to do our part to honor that legacy.”

In addition to Alamo Drafthouse’s diverse mix of first run films, classics, and signature events, the newly dedicated Spike Lee Cinema will screen a retrospective programming series 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).