FILE - In this Dec. 16, 2019 file photo, director Spike Lee arrives at the world premiere of "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" in Los Angeles. The American Film Institute is offering free rentals of “Do The Right Thing” all week and will host a discussion with Lee of the 1989 film about racism and a neighborhood in turmoil. The AFI says it’s partnering with Universal Pictures to offer the film from Monday through Sunday on Amazon, Apple, Vudu and many other platforms. The Lee discussion will be held Thursday on AFI's YouTube channel. (Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File )
Republished June 22, 2020 - 5:46 PM
Original Publication Date June 22, 2020 - 4:31 PM
LOS ANGELES - “Do the Right Thing” is free to rent on several platforms all week and an online discussion will be held with director Spike Lee on his 1989 film about racism, protests, police brutality and a New York neighbourhood in turmoil.
Universal Pictures is offering the film for free from Monday through Sunday on Amazon, Apple, Charter, Comcast, Google, Redbox, Vudu and several other platforms.
The American Film Institute will host the discussion with Lee Thursday at 8 p.m. EDT on its YouTube channel.
The announcement does not directly mention recent worldwide protests brought on by the death of George Floyd, but AFI President Bob Gazzale said in a statement that the film “is a timeless and timely classic” and that Lee “has forever proven himself the voice for change that we need now more than ever.”
“Do the Right Thing,” which stars Lee, Giancarlo Esposito, Ossie Davis and Danny Aiello, was nominated for two Academy Awards and is on the AFI’s list of 100 greatest films of all time.
Other films about racial injustice including 2014's “Selma” and 2018's “The Hate U Give” are getting similar treatment amid the protests.
News from © The Associated Press, 2020