In honor of the Juneteenth holiday and just in time for the 35th Anniversary of its U.S. release, this is very likely THE signature filmmaking achievement from one of our most important filmmakers.  It was written by, directed by , and also happens to start Oscar-winner Spike Lee in a relatively straightforward fictional tale (though loosely based on some true events) of THE hottest day of the summer in one particular neighborhood of New York.....Bedford Stuyvesant in Brooklyn.  Spike stars as Mookie who works for Sal played by Danny Aiello - Sal owns and operates the only pizzaria in this particular neighborhood, where his two sons  Vito (Ricard Edson) and Pino (John Turturro) also happen to work.  One day, a brassy local nicknamed Buggin' Out (Giancarlo Esposito) comes walking into Sal's Pizzaria and starts asking some provocative questions....things get heated between him and Sal and that's JUST the beginning.  Enter Radio Raheem played by Bill Nunn along who ALSO has some issues to get off of his chest....and he's not alone.  As the day progresses and the heat persists, things get increasingly more tense.....

And what results is a powerful film with a powerful ending which made quite the impact back in the Summer of '89....its impact STILL being felt and discussed today. 

Host & Editor: Geoff Gershon
Producer: Marlene Gershon 

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