Spike Lee Directs First Arsenal Film, Screens 'School Daze' in D.C.

Key facts

• Spike Lee directed 'Who Are Ya?', his first film for Arsenal, in partnership with Airwallex.
• The short film features Thierry Henry, Rachel Yankey, Aaron Pierre, Martin Keown, Jasmine Jobson, Kai Havertz, Gabriel, and Viktor Gyokeres.
• Lee will screen 'School Daze' at the Lincoln Theatre in Washington, D.C., this Friday.
• The Lincoln Theatre is located blocks away from Howard University, an HBCU.
• Lee's 'double dolly' technique is used in the film with Thierry Henry.
• Airwallex's Global Creative Director Matt Jennings said most Arsenal supporters have not heard of the company.
• Arsenal's Chief Commercial Officer Juliet Slot called the film a celebration of the club's community.

A Dual Spotlight on Spike Lee's Week

This Friday, Oscar-winning filmmaker Spike Lee will screen his 1988 HBCU-inspired film 'School Daze' at the Lincoln Theatre in Washington, D.C., just blocks from Howard University. The event underscores Lee's enduring ties to the District, where he has spoken about the film's continued relevance. Meanwhile, Lee has also directed his first-ever short film for Arsenal Football Club, titled 'Who Are Ya?', in collaboration with the club's official finance software partner, Airwallex.

Who Are Ya?: A Film About Football and Finance

The short film, starring a host of Arsenal legends and current players, portrays a pub conversation where fans debate not tactics or players, but financial jargon. Lee's signature style, including his iconic 'double dolly' technique with Thierry Henry, blends humour and cultural references drawn from Arsenal culture. The film aims to highlight how modern supporters understand the business behind football, a nod to their deep engagement with the sport's financial side.

Lee's Personal Connection to Arsenal

Lee commented, 'I’ve been riding with Arsenal for years - it started with Thierry. But what really stayed with me is what the club stands for, its history, its culture, the way it reflects the world beyond the pitch.' He added that the film captures 'that real supporter energy—the passion, the debates, the humour.' Arsenal's Chief Commercial Officer Juliet Slot noted, 'We love Spike’s passion and understanding for our club which shines through our film.'

Airwallex's Unconventional Introduction to Fans

Matt Jennings, Global Creative Director at Airwallex, acknowledged that most Arsenal supporters haven't heard of the company. 'We didn't want to be a random logo on a perimeter board; so we decided to introduce our Arsenal partnership in a way supporters couldn’t ignore,' he said. The film aims to bring conversations about money and business to life, ensuring fans never have to ask, 'Air-who?'

School Daze Returns to D.C.

Lee's screening of 'School Daze' at the Lincoln Theatre comes as he reflects on his ties to Washington, D.C. The film, set at a historically Black college, remains relevant decades after its release. Lee spoke to WAMU about the film's themes and his connection to the District, where go-go music—a genre featured in the film—has deep roots.

A Week of Contrasts: Cinema and Sport

Lee's simultaneous engagements highlight his versatility as a storyteller, moving from the world of HBCU culture to the global stage of football. Both projects emphasize community and identity, whether through the lens of a fictional college or the real-life passion of Arsenal supporters. The short film for Arsenal marks a new chapter in Lee's relationship with the club, while the D.C. screening reaffirms his longstanding ties to the city.

What Comes Next for Lee and Arsenal

The release of 'Who Are Ya?' signals a deepening of Arsenal's partnership with Airwallex, with the film serving as a creative introduction to the brand. For Lee, the week's events demonstrate his continued influence across entertainment and sports. As he brings 'School Daze' back to the screen, he also cements his role as a bridge between American cinema and European football culture.

The bottom line

• Spike Lee directed his first film for Arsenal, 'Who Are Ya?', featuring a mix of legends and current players.
• The film uses Lee's signature 'double dolly' technique and focuses on fans' knowledge of football finance.
• Airwallex introduced itself to Arsenal supporters through the film, avoiding traditional perimeter advertising.
• Lee will screen 'School Daze' at the Lincoln Theatre in D.C., near Howard University.
• Lee's week highlights his dual engagement with HBCU culture and global football fandom.
• The projects underscore themes of community, identity, and the intersection of sport and business.