Spike Lee Partners with Arsenal and Airwallex on ‘Who Are Ya?’ Short Film
Academy Award-winning director Spike Lee has collaborated with Arsenal Football Club and financial technology company Airwallex to produce a short film titled ‘Who Are Ya?’. The project features appearances from football legends Thierry Henry and Rachel Yankey, alongside actor Aaron Pierre. Additional talent includes former Arsenal defender Martin Keown, actress Jasmine Jobson, and current players Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhães, and Viktor Gyökeres.
The film is set in a pub-style environment, beginning with typical football fan debates before transitioning into discussions about financial terminology. This shift reflects the increasing interest among supporters in the business and operational aspects of football clubs. Produced in Lee’s distinctive cinematic style, the short aims to capture the authentic energy of matchday conversations while introducing broader themes around club identity and global fan engagement.
Lee explained his motivation for the project, stating he has “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 emphasized that the film was designed to reflect “real supporter energy—the passion, the debates, the humour” and acknowledged that modern fans engage with more than just on-pitch action, including the commercial and tactical dimensions of the sport.
Matt Jennings, Global Creative Director at Airwallex, noted that the partnership sought to move beyond traditional sponsorship models. He said most Arsenal supporters were unfamiliar with Airwallex prior to the collaboration, and the team wanted to introduce the brand in a way that resonated authentically with fans. Jennings added that football conversations often extend beyond the 90 minutes of play, encompassing discussions about money, business, and strategy that regularly occur in social settings like pubs.
Arsenal’s Chief Commercial Officer Juliet Slot praised the collaboration, describing it as a celebration of the club’s community and its global reach. She highlighted that partnerships are most effective when they elevate supporters and strengthen connections between the club and its international audience. Slot affirmed that Lee’s personal connection to Arsenal was evident in the final product, saying, “We love Spike’s passion and understanding for our club which shines through our film.”
The short film ‘Who Are Ya?’ was first announced through Sport Industry Group and has since been covered by Arsenal’s official website and other sports media outlets. It represents a growing trend of football clubs partnering with creative directors and fintech firms to engage fans through culturally relevant storytelling that bridges sport, identity, and modern finance.
The production aligns with Arsenal’s broader strategy to deepen fan engagement through innovative content that goes beyond match highlights. By integrating narratives around financial literacy and club culture, the film aims to educate and entertain supporters while reinforcing the club’s values of inclusivity and global community.
As of April 2026, neither Arsenal nor Airwallex has announced plans for a sequel or follow-up project involving Spike Lee. The club continues to focus on its Premier League campaign and community initiatives, while Airwallex expands its partnerships in the sports and entertainment sectors.
For updates on Arsenal’s official content releases and partnership announcements, fans are encouraged to visit the club’s verified website and social media channels. Similarly, Airwallex provides updates on its sports collaborations through its corporate newsroom.
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