Spike Leemay be a filmmaking phenom, but he also has a soft spot for music.
The Oscar-winning director, 68,released a new short filminspired by his latest movie"Highest 2 Lowest"on Tuesday, Nov. 25. The film stars singer-songwriter Aiyana-Lee, who also appeared in "Highest 2 Lowest" as aspiring vocalist Sula.
The three-and-a-half-minute clip shows Aiyana-Lee, who's not related to Lee, journeying through New York City with a suitcase in tow as she croons the soulful ballad's uplifting lyrics: "I learned from the games that he loved to play / But now, I'm stronger / Without you, I'm feeling much lighter."
Aiyana-Lee, who cowrote the song with her mother Nicole Daciana Anderson, originally performed the song in the finale of "Highest 2 Lowest," which follows the story of washed-up music mogul David King (Denzel Washington). Lee cast the emerging singer after discovering her online.
"He wanted to tap into the truth of bringing my persona and what I've been through — the hardships and those highs and lows," Aiyana-Lee said in a statement. "It really encapsulated the film, the journey, the messaging and where we're at by that endpoint."
Spike Lee interview:'Highest 2 Lowest' director talks great art and why AI 'has no soul'
In the film, Aiyana-Lee's character Sula lands her big break after auditioning for King with her original song, "Highest 2 Lowest," moving the music executive to tears.
Released in August, "Highest 2 Lowest"grossed $1.5 millionat the box office during its limited theatrical release and starred Washington alongside Jeffrey Wright and Ilfenesh Hadera. Wright's son, Elijah Wright, and rap starIce Spicealso made breakout appearances.
'Highest 2 Lowest' review:Spike Lee, Denzel Washington are still a hit duo
Aiyana-Lee's song has also garnered acclaim. The song was shortlisted as a best song contender for the2026 Critics' Choice Awards.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Spike Lee drops surprise film with 'Highest 2 Lowest' star