Lace ‘Em Up Directed by Brianna Madry 14 Minutes • USA Documentary, Black Lens, Alabama Black Joy and Roller Skates. A short history of roller skating in Huntsville, Alabama.
The Panola Project Directed by Rachael DeCruz, Jeremy S. Levine 12 Minutes • USA Documentary, Alabama, Black Lens The short film chronicles Dorothy Oliver's fight to ensure that her rural, Black community of Panola, Alabama has access to the information and healthcare services they need to stay safe.
Monograph: Lily Ahree Siegel Directed by Kelsey Ianuzzi 5 Minutes • USA Documentary, Alabama A portrait of Lily Ahree Siegel, a filmmaker exploring layers of personal identity through her craft.
A Fisher’s Right To Know Directed by John Haley 17 Minutes • USA Documentary, Alabama Fishers throughout East Alabama depend on the mighty Coosa River for food, recreation, and family pastimes that go back generations. But do fishermen and their families have a right to know which fish are safe to consume?
Missing Magic Directed by Anissa Simone Latham-Brown 10 Minutes • USA Documentary, Alabama, Black Lens As uprisings spread across the country, a young poet in Birmingham, Alabama becomes involved in local protests against decades of police brutality. As he tries to reconcile the city’s modern image as a diverse and welcoming metropolis with its violent and complex civil rights history, he suddenly becomes a part of the story when he’s arrested at a demonstration.
Land Without Demand Directed by Luke Schlauder 11 Minutes • USA Documentary, Alabama, Student What can we do as citizens to reinvent and revitalize Birmingham, Alabama’s abandoned industrial areas, office parks, and buildings?
Filmmaking with Chris Chaei Directed by Chris Chaei 1.5 Minutes • USA Documentary, Black Lens, Alabama, Teen Chris discusses how Covid-19 has changed his approach to filmmaking.
Saving Grace Directed by Malcolm Cammeron 11 Minutes • USA Documentary, Alabama, Black Lens, Student This film is a glimpse into the life of Chari Bostick and her efforts to promote and preserve African American history in Gadsden, Alabama. Bostick started the Grace Heritage Foundation and has devoted her time to reclaiming an historic black cemetery in the southern Appalachian city.
Lace ‘Em Up Directed by Brianna Madry 14 Minutes • USA Documentary, Black Lens, Alabama Black Joy and Roller Skates. A short history of roller skating in Huntsville, Alabama.
The Panola Project Directed by Rachael DeCruz, Jeremy S. Levine 12 Minutes • USA Documentary, Alabama, Black Lens The short film chronicles Dorothy Oliver's fight to ensure that her rural, Black community of Panola, Alabama has access to the information and healthcare services they need to stay safe.
Monograph: Lily Ahree Siegel Directed by Kelsey Ianuzzi 5 Minutes • USA Documentary, Alabama A portrait of Lily Ahree Siegel, a filmmaker exploring layers of personal identity through her craft.
A Fisher’s Right To Know Directed by John Haley 17 Minutes • USA Documentary, Alabama Fishers throughout East Alabama depend on the mighty Coosa River for food, recreation, and family pastimes that go back generations. But do fishermen and their families have a right to know which fish are safe to consume?
Missing Magic Directed by Anissa Simone Latham-Brown 10 Minutes • USA Documentary, Alabama, Black Lens As uprisings spread across the country, a young poet in Birmingham, Alabama becomes involved in local protests against decades of police brutality. As he tries to reconcile the city’s modern image as a diverse and welcoming metropolis with its violent and complex civil rights history, he suddenly becomes a part of the story when he’s arrested at a demonstration.
Land Without Demand Directed by Luke Schlauder 11 Minutes • USA Documentary, Alabama, Student What can we do as citizens to reinvent and revitalize Birmingham, Alabama’s abandoned industrial areas, office parks, and buildings?
Filmmaking with Chris Chaei Directed by Chris Chaei 1.5 Minutes • USA Documentary, Black Lens, Alabama, Teen Chris discusses how Covid-19 has changed his approach to filmmaking.
Saving Grace Directed by Malcolm Cammeron 11 Minutes • USA Documentary, Alabama, Black Lens, Student This film is a glimpse into the life of Chari Bostick and her efforts to promote and preserve African American history in Gadsden, Alabama. Bostick started the Grace Heritage Foundation and has devoted her time to reclaiming an historic black cemetery in the southern Appalachian city.
“The Neutral Ground” is a feature length documentary about New Orleans’ fight over monuments and America’s centuries-long relationship with the Lost Cause. The documentary follows writer and comedian CJ Hunt as he documents the struggle to remove and the struggle to preserve New Orleans’ confederate monuments. After witnessing this fight in his adopted city, CJ then explores how we understand a collective history as a nation with a contentious past.
“The Neutral Ground” is a feature length documentary about New Orleans’ fight over monuments and America’s centuries-long relationship with the Lost Cause. The documentary follows writer and comedian CJ Hunt as he documents the struggle to remove and the struggle to preserve New Orleans’ confederate monuments. After witnessing this fight in his adopted city, CJ then explores how we understand a collective history as a nation with a contentious past.
No Man’s Land Directed By Anna Andersen, Gabriella Canal 28 Minutes • USA Documentary, SHOUT, Alabama The members of a lesbian separatist community in Mentone, Alabama sought to create a space where they could feel safe enough to express themselves.
Pink, White, & Blue Directed by Ash Malone 18 minutes • USA Documentary, SHOUT, Student After years of transitioning in front of a camera, Aydian Dowling discusses how allowing his transition to be visible via YouTube has helped the trans community as a whole grow in pride and allyship.
The Dancing Man of L.A. Directed by Scott Sheppard & Jen Fodor 26 minutes • USA Documentary, SHOUT One man dance party Howard Mordoh, a longtime fixture of the L.A. concert scene, copes with the canceled concerts and isolation of life during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Fine Girl Directed by Darcy McKinnon & BIliana Grozdanova 17 minutes • USA Documentary, SHOUT, Black Lens Brandi Jarrow, is a transgender woman of color in New Orleans. At 27 years old, Brandi is a successful hairstylist, a woman of faith, and a valued member of her community as a Black queer woman.
No Man’s Land Directed By Anna Andersen, Gabriella Canal 28 Minutes • USA Documentary, SHOUT, Alabama The members of a lesbian separatist community in Mentone, Alabama sought to create a space where they could feel safe enough to express themselves.
Pink, White, & Blue Directed by Ash Malone 18 minutes • USA Documentary, SHOUT, Student After years of transitioning in front of a camera, Aydian Dowling discusses how allowing his transition to be visible via YouTube has helped the trans community as a whole grow in pride and allyship.
The Dancing Man of L.A. Directed by Scott Sheppard & Jen Fodor 26 minutes • USA Documentary, SHOUT One man dance party Howard Mordoh, a longtime fixture of the L.A. concert scene, copes with the canceled concerts and isolation of life during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Fine Girl Directed by Darcy McKinnon & BIliana Grozdanova 17 minutes • USA Documentary, SHOUT, Black Lens Brandi Jarrow, is a transgender woman of color in New Orleans. At 27 years old, Brandi is a successful hairstylist, a woman of faith, and a valued member of her community as a Black queer woman.
Through his own photographs taken in the 1960s’ in the deep south, Danny Lyon tells the story of SNCC, one of the most effective grassroots organizations in American history. Using audio recordings of the songs and music that drove the movement, and audio interviews Lyon made in the 1980’s of SNCC leaders, we witness the successes and crushing sacrifices of the movement that “broke the back of Jim Crow and changed America and changed the world, forever.”
Through his own photographs taken in the 1960s’ in the deep south, Danny Lyon tells the story of SNCC, one of the most effective grassroots organizations in American history. Using audio recordings of the songs and music that drove the movement, and audio interviews Lyon made in the 1980’s of SNCC leaders, we witness the successes and crushing sacrifices of the movement that “broke the back of Jim Crow and changed America and changed the world, forever.”
Don't rush home after work, join us for some fun on 3rd Avenue before the film! We'll have food trucks, cash and VIP bar and more for our Opening Night Pre-Party.
On November 20th 1983, in the midst of a nuclear arms race with the Soviet Union, the made-for-tv movie "The Day After" aired on network television, landing in more than 39 million households (almost half the country!) across the U.S.. Directed by Nicholas Meyer, "The Day After" is a fictional account of nuclear aftermath in a small Kansas town. With little context regarding the "how" or "why," the film focused on the horrific outcome and scared the hell out of the vast majority of the country. So much so that (rumor has it) Ronald Reagan changed his policy on nuclear armament after viewing the film. "Television Event" recounts the story of the improbable anti-nuclear television film, its making and its cultural and political impact, the individuals involved in the film's production and the town in which it was made. So Sidewalk opening night's selection is a film about a film about nuclear war? Yep. After the last 18 months the Sidewalk programming team felt that a film about a shared cultural event, one that united the country and changed national policy, was apropos for Sidewalk's opening night return to downtown Birmingham. Plus, "Television Event" is packed with nostalgia and oddity and even some humor. Join us on opening night for a shared cultural event about a shared cultural event and a reminder that we've lived through scary-as-hell dark times before and made it out the other side. - Rachel Morgan
Join us under the twinkling lights of the Alabama Theatre and Lyric Theatre marquees to celebrate the 23rd Annual Sidewalk Film Festival presented by Regions Bank. We'll have food trucks, a cash and VIP bar and more at the city's biggest block party!
In a time when young Americans increasingly feel cut off from politics and traditional institutions, Hayden Pedigo, a 24 year-old artist and musician in Amarillo, TX makes an unorthodox run for city council after his Harmony Korine inspired spoof campaign video goes viral.
Monograph: Migratus Ataraxia at Klein Directed by Kelsey Ianuzzi 10 Minutes • USA Documentary, Alabama In January 2020, Klein Arts and Culture partnered with the Alabama Dance Council to present this powerful multimedia performance at the Klein-Wallace plantation in Harpersville, AL.
What Remains Directed by Paavo Hanninen 14 Minutes • USA Documentary, Alabama A look at the people that live and work on the disappearing coast of Louisiana via travelling with oysters from the coast to New Orleans and back again.
The Panola Project Directed by Rachael DeCruz, Jeremy S. Levine 12 Minutes • USA Documentary, Alabama, Black Lens The short film chronicles Dorothy Oliver's fight to ensure that her rural, Black community of Panola, Alabama has access to the information and healthcare services they need to stay safe.
Missing Magic Directed by Anissa Simone Latham-Brown 10 Minutes • USA Documentary, Alabama, Black Lens As uprisings spread across the country, a young poet in Birmingham, Alabama becomes involved in local protests against decades of police brutality. As he tries to reconcile the city’s modern image as a diverse and welcoming metropolis with its violent and complex civil rights history, he suddenly becomes a part of the story when he’s arrested at a demonstration.
All In Directed by Jordan Mahy 26 Minutes • USA Documentary, Alabama, Black Lens Public schools in Birmingham, Alabama are facing historic, systemic challenges as a local grassroots movement attempts to foster equitable change by doing something radical: listening.
Saturday August 28, 2021 10:00am - 11:12am CDT
Alabama Theatre
Through his own photographs taken in the 1960s’ in the deep south, Danny Lyon tells the story of SNCC, one of the most effective grassroots organizations in American history. Using audio recordings of the songs and music that drove the movement, and audio interviews Lyon made in the 1980’s of SNCC leaders, we witness the successes and crushing sacrifices of the movement that “broke the back of Jim Crow and changed America and changed the world, forever.”
A Fisher’s Right To Know Directed by John Haley 17 Minutes • USA Documentary, Alabama Fishers throughout East Alabama depend on the mighty Coosa River for food, recreation, and family pastimes that go back generations. But do fishermen and their families have a right to know which fish are safe to consume?
Soiled Directed by McKinleigh Lair 18 Minutes • USA Documentary, Alabama Waste by-products, including treated human sewage and the waste from poultry processing plants, is being applied directly to farmland throughout the country. Julie Lay left her career in agriculture and food safety to investigate who is regulating this practice and what kind of pollution or toxins could be getting in our food as a result.
Bug Farm Directed by Lydia Cornett 14 Minutes • USA Documentary Four distinct women in Central Florida bond over working with crickets, superworms, and roaches on an insect farm in the small town of LaBelle.
From the Mountains to the Ocean: Turtles of Alabama Directed by Josef Fairbanks 17 Minutes • USA Documentary, Alabama This film explores the turtles of Alabama ranging from the dramatic alligator snapping turtle to the almost extinct flattened musk turtle as well as the special people who spend their time protecting these critical species.
Land Without Demand Directed by Luke Schlauder 11 Minutes • USA Documentary, Alabama, Student What can we do as citizens to reinvent and revitalize Birmingham, Alabama’s abandoned industrial areas, office parks, and buildings?
Bethel Drive Directed by Benjamin Kim 8.5 Minutes • USA Narrative, Alabama, Teen A timid young man's plans for Valentine's Day are unexpectedly interrupted by a talkative Uber Driver with a big personality.
The Puppet Directed by Will Nordstrom 2 Minutes • USA Narrative, Animated, Teen A strange puppet encounters an old laptop that influences him to make a decision.
In The Weeds Directed by Nick Milczarczyk 22 Minutes • Canada Narrative, Teen A teenage girl suspects a local gardener's involvement in the unsolved disappearance of their childhood friend.
Consent: How Rape Culture Affects Teen Development and Relationships Directed by Georgia Sasso 12.5 Minutes • USA Documentary, Teen A documentary detailing the real stories and experiences of highschoolers navigating the complex world of consent, rape culture, and intimate relationships.
Graceful Directed by Alex McFadden 2.5 Minutes • USA Documentary, SHOUT, Black Lens, Alabama, Teen A nonbinary person explores their experience with dysphoria.
Filmmaking with Chris Chaei Directed by Chris Chaei 1.5 Minutes • USA Documentary, Black Lens, Alabama, Teen Chris discusses how Covid-19 has changed his approach to filmmaking.
Terra Directed by Miriam Anderson 4.5 Minutes • USA Documentary, Alabama, Teen Terra explores the connections between humans, the Earth, and the importance of giving back.
Miss Christmas Business Directed by Lacey Pierson 14 Minutes • USA Narrative, Alabama, Teen When working woman Carol Klaus heads home for Christmas, she finds that her high school sweetheart is in need of her business help.
Distortion (Verzerrung) Directed by Samuel J. Punto 7 Minutes • Germany Narrative, Experimental, Teen Masks. Point of View. Screens. Distortions. Any resemblance to our society is entirely intentional.
Rebirth Directed by Deniz Akyurek 2 Minutes • USA Narrative, Teen A demon girl is reborn on Earth.
Lairs Directed by Emma Penaz Eisner 1.5 Minutes • USA Animated, Experimental, Teen Lairs, layers, liars: In this poetry film, hatred insidiously supplants a couple's love.
Standard Directed by Grace Sullivan 7 Minutes • USA Narrative, Alabama, Teen, Sidewalk Youth Board Molly, a high school student, tries to finish a test despite the constant interruptions of voices in her head.
Hear from the winning scripts of the 2021 Sidewrite screenplay competition. We will be reading the Best Short Screenplay Winner, “El Vals,” and selections from our Best Feature Screenplay Winners, “Boundaries” and “Our Brilliant Leaders,” and our Best Alabama Screenplay Winner “Perfect By Christmas.”
For the ninth year in a row Sidewalk programmers have compiled an awesome selection of 1980's and 90's cartoons and vintage commercials for the start of your Sidewalk weekend. To accompany the fun-packed screening there will be a free cereal bar. So launch into your 2021 Festival weekend the right way, by loading up on carbs, crazy cartoon antics and good company. Fun for all ages!
Set in 80s and 90s Los Angeles, reporters Bob Tur and Marika Gerrard revolutionized breaking news with their brazen helicopter reporting. The couple captured footage from the L.A. riots, the O.J. Bronco chase, Madonna’s wedding to Sean Penn and beyond. Culled from the duo's video archive “Whirlybird” is an L.A. story of a family in turbulence hovering over a city unhinged.
Plaisir Directed by Molly Gillis 19.5 Minutes • USA Narrative, SHOUT, Student A lonely American faces unrequited love on a farm commune in the south of France.
Heights Directed by Major Dorfman 12.5 Minutes • USA Narrative, Student Over the course of a summer afternoon, two brothers must decide whether or not they will remain silent about a horrible secret.
Talk To You Directed by Zack Grant 4 Minutes • USA Narrative, Hybrid Shot in one continuous, practical take, the filmmaker guides viewers through a recreation of his grandfather's space merging artful visual technique with traditional archival/documentary storytelling.
The Chicken Directed by Neo Sora 13 Minutes • USA Narrative On an unseasonably hot day in November, Hiro, a Japanese immigrant in New York City, decides to butcher a live chicken for dinner. As the day wears on, the results of Hiro and Kei’s small acts seem to insist on the ways that their lives are complicit in the structural violence happening all around them.
17 Year Locust Directed by Logan LeBlanc 21 Minutes • USA Narrative When a struggling immigrant takes a job as a caregiver to a dying woman, she shares with him a secret that casts a haunting shadow on the American life that he has desperately been pursuing.
Leylak Directed by Scott Aharoni, Dennis Latos 17 Minutes • USA Narrative In present day Queens, New York, a Turkish gravedigger is unable to face a shattering truth and risks losing the dearest connection left in his life.
Rat Directed by Neal Dhand 9 Minutes • Czech Republic Narrative Rat navigates extreme drunkenness, fatherly obligations, and misplaced parental energy.
Faith Directed by Matteo Mosterts 5 Minutes • USA Narrative, Alabama A catholic nun decides to break her vows and go back to find the man she fell in love with 20 years ago.
Big Touch Directed by Christopher Tenzis 3 Minutes • USA Narrative, Black Lens, Student An Afro-Surrealist story about a giant woman and a tiny man who, through the power of touch, experience an unexpected transformation.
Royalty Directed by Sav Souza, Logan Thomason 8 Minutes • USA Narrative, SHOUT Young Actors' Theatre Camp is proud to present "Royalty", a short film which centers around Jax, a non-binary student running for homecoming queen.
For the ninth year in a row Sidewalk programmers have compiled an awesome selection of 1980's and 90's cartoons and vintage commercials for the start of your Sidewalk weekend. To accompany the fun-packed screening there will be a free cereal bar. So launch into your 2021 Festival weekend the right way, by loading up on carbs, crazy cartoon antics and good company. Fun for all ages!
After meeting in the at-home pregnancy test aisle at a local drugstore, Mary and Mark let the test results decide if they should go on a date. The two quickly fall in love and marry. A year-in the newlyweds, reluctantly decide to give ethical non-monogamy a try as their lives get increasingly complicated.
Yene Fikir Directed by Jethro Waters 6 Minutes • USA Music Video, Black Lens The film is an exploration of immigrant culture and sense memory featuring Sara, an Ethiopian Israeli who immigrated to New York City from Jerusalem 18 years ago.
Undercut Directed by Kelly Pike 14 Minutes • USA Narrative, Student High school female athletes become unlikely teammates in the wake of unspoken trauma.
Not Worth Killing Directed by Eric M. Ivey 21 Minutes • USA Documentary, Alabama Not Worth Killing is a documentary short that tells the story of the unlikely friendship between Sister Lillian Oliver, IHM and Mitchell Rutledge, a convicted murderer serving life without parole in an Alabama state penitentiary.
Burros Directed by Jefferson Stein 15 Minutes • USA Narrative A young Native girl discovers a Hispanic migrant her age who lost her dad in the middle of the dangerous but beautiful Sonoran desert.
Forbidden to See Us Scream in Tehran Directed by Farbod Ardebili 18 Minutes • Iran Narrative The frontwoman for an Iranian death metal band risks everything as she plots to call the cops on her own underground concert in the hopes that the raid will help her secure her asylum in another country.
Fireburn the Documentary Directed by Joel Fendelman 20 Minutes • USA Documentary, Black Lens The Fireburn was a labor revolt of 1878 that took place in the Danish West Indies, now currently known as the US Virgin Islands. This documentary explores the inhumane conditions that existed prior to the revolt and focuses on the leadership and role of women within the movement.
After an online prank goes wrong, a group of youtubing high schoolers are shipped off to Camp Analog-- a program designed to “rehabilitate” destructive tech habits-- but once there they must fight its strict rules-- and hidden intentions-- to stay who they really are.
Alex Dall, a queer college freshman who joins her university’s rowing team and undertakes an obsessive physical and psychological journey to make it to the top varsity boat, no matter the cost. Intent on outperforming her teammates, Alex pushes herself to her limits—and beyond, alienating everyone around her in the name of success.
“Stanleyville” is a satirical feature comedy that follows six disparate characters with nothing to lose as they face off in a bizarre competition for a slightly used habanero-orange compact sport utility vehicle.
It may feel like those wishing to live creative lives have two options - a soul-crushing 9-5 job or starving for your art. But there are other options! Hear from some filmmakers and creatives who have some alternate strategies to ensuring that you can follow your passion and support yourself at the same time. Jessica Moody, Director of Programs, has worked in the nonprofit sector for eleven years. She now oversees the services Create offers in support of the city’s creative industries, including CO.STARTERS, Film Birmingham, Birmingham365, and Office Hours. Stacey Davis is an award winning filmmaking and entertainment lawyer, who has screened her films at over forty festivals around the world. Jen West: When Jen West isn't traveling the country in her converted school bus, she's immersed in creating stories based on bold female characters, oftentimes from the Deep South.
Alvin Ailey was a visionary artist who found salvation through dance. An immersive portrait told in his own words and through the creation of a new commission inspired by his life, “Ailey” fully profiles this brilliant and enigmatic man who when confronted by a world that refused to embrace him was determined to build one that would.
Summer camp meets Spinal Tap as we journey to Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp, where dreamers from across America and around the world gather to shred with their heroes — and learn to rock like the legends. Featuring Alice Cooper, Roger Daltrey, Sammy Hagar, Rob Halford, Lita Ford, Sebastian Bach, Jeff Beck and more.
Young siblings Rocky, Colt and Tum Tum Douglas arrive for their summer stay with their Ninjutsu master grandpa, who has passed down his vast knowledge of martial arts. But they're accosted by the criminal Snyder, a rogue ex-student of Grandpa's who kidnaps the boys as part of a scheme to get to their FBI agent dad, Sam. But Snyder doesn't know just how skilled his abductees are!
Join Rachel and Corey and the rest of the Sidewalk SideTalks crew for a super special live recording of the film-centric SideTalks podcast. Plenty of surprises in store! Check out the podcast via your favorite podcast provider - visit https://www.sidewalkfest.com/class/sidetalks-podcast/ for more information.
With humor and heart, director Debbie Lum takes us to the reality of the American college application process and the intersection of class, race, and educational opportunity as experienced by high school seniors living through it. “Try Harder!” is a portrait of young adults in the most diverse American generation ever as they navigate a quintessential rite of passage and make it their own.
A family with buried secrets reunite at a farmhouse after two decades to pay for their past sins. The film recently premiered at Fantasia and stars Robert Patrick . Nick Stahl, Eli Graham Scott Haze, Thomas Graham Kelli Garner, Mary Milner and Tony Hale
Using newly discovered tapes of interviews that The Paris Review co-founder George Plimpton conducted with Capote’s friends after his death, along with animation and new on-camera interviews, “The Capote Tapes” investigates the iconic author’s legacy, focusing heavily on the impact of Capote's explosive unfinished novel "Answered Prayers."
As if their pre-arranged date, organized by their traditional Indian parents, wasn't uncomfortable enough, Ravi and Rita are forced to shelter in place together as COVID-19's reach intensifies.
“Not Going Quietly” is the story of charismatic activist and father, Ady Barkan, whose viral run-in with dismissive Senator Jeff Flake launched him into the public arena. Barkan, diagnosed with ALS at the age of 32, and fearing rising health care costs in light of the proposed 2018 tax reform, heads for Washington as part of a group voicing its dire concerns.
Hear from programmers from various festivals about how COVID-19 has changed the game in terms of programming, whether it’s for a festival or for a year-round cinema.
Three months before the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, the players filed a class-action, gender discrimination lawsuit against the U.S. Soccer Federation, which sets the stage for LFG. The film interweaves transcendent athletic performances, including a record-breaking World Cup victory in 2019, with the players' ongoing pursuit for equal pay. Featuring indomitable World Cup champions Megan Rapinoe, Jessica McDonald, Becky Sauerbrunn, Kelley O’Hara, and Sam Mewis.
Opening Number Directed by Cole Cabiness 12 Minutes • USA Narrative, Alabama, Student A lonely young boy forms an unlikely connection with a neighbor who introduces him to a world that he never knew existed.
Daddy’s Lessons Directed by Richard O'Connor 3 Minutes • USA Documentary, Animated, Alabama, Black Lens Arguster and Lebronze Davis, along with their 15 siblings, grew up on their family’s farm in Wetumpka, Alabama in the 1950s. They come together to talk about their childhood and remember their dad, Ben Davis.
Leading the Way Directed by Richard O'Connor 3 Minutes • USA Documentary, Animated, Black Lens John Washington, 95, was born blind and with a severe loss of hearing. He sat down with his eldest child, Melva Washington Toomer, for a conversation about the pride he takes in his kids and to laugh over some of their childhood hijinks.
Doing is Everything Directed by Ann Kathleen Williams 2 Minutes • USA Narrative, Alabama A young girl finds her place through practicing for her softball team.
Milk Directed by Celia Jaspers 5 Minutes • New Zealand Narrative When she sees an old man unable to pay for his milk, a young girl has a change of heart.
Drawn to Campus Directed by Nicholas Coker 4 Minutes • USA Narrative, Alabama, Student This is the story of Ollie J. Thomas, the university’s first animated student, and his life on campus.
Revenge of the Electric Cart Directed by Rikki Stinnette 12 Minutes • USA Narrative A young girl whose mom has rheumatoid arthritis uses humor to overcome discrimination at the grocery store.
Aurora Directed by Jo Meuris 5 Minutes • USA Narrative, Animated Once upon a time, there was a little girl who fell in love with a beautiful horse named Aurora…
Voyage to Nowhere Directed by Matthew Young, Jared Young, Donny Hamrick 16 Minutes • USA Episodic “Voyage to Nowhere” is a live-action children's show in the vein of Peewee’s Playhouse and Ernest P. Worrell.
Foiled Directed by Hao-Wei Timothy Chang 11 Minutes • USA Narrative, Student “Foiled” is a family comedy about ten-year-old Dylan and his younger brother Cody who accidentally rip their best friend’s baseball card.
Rawr Rawr Land Directed by Antonio Montilla 2 Minutes • USA Narrative, Animated, Student Amidst the end of the world, one dinosaur wants to take shelter, and one wants to dance the night away.
In the summer of 1986 John Heyn and Jeff Krulik filmed Judas Priest fans in a concert arena parking lot in suburban Maryland. Thirty five years later, Heavy Metal Parking Lot is hailed as one the greatest short rock documentaries ever. Join us for this anniversary screening. “Heavy Metal Parking Lot” will be followed by a ton of surprises!
Join us for a very super secret screening of an unannounced film. What we can tell you: The film is a yet-to-be-released documentary from multi-time Sundance and Sidewalk winner. The filmmaker will be in attendance.
“Lady Boss: The Jackie Collins Story” takes viewers on an immersive journey through the trailblazing life of novelist Jackie Collins. The documentary reveals the untold story of a ground-breaking author and her mission to build a one-woman literary empire. Narrated by a cast of Jackie's closest friends and family, the film shares the private struggles of a woman who became an icon of 1980s feminism while hiding her vulnerability behind a carefully crafted, powerful public persona.
Join us for an hour to decompress and use some of your creative energy for movie-related crafts! This is a great time to take a break before the evening screenings ramp up. Thanks to UAB ArtPlay for helping us with this!
Junior Directed by AJ Wilhelm 11.5 minutes • USA Documentary, Black Lens Gifted as a teenager, Jérôme “Junior” Simeon was recruited by top Haitian roots music group “Racine Mapou de Azor” and spent 20 years touring the world. When the lead singer of his band dies unexpectedly, Junior’s high-profile career comes to a shocking halt and he suddenly faces an uncertain future for himself and his legacy.
In These Times Directed by Remington Smith 3 minutes • USA Documentary, Black Lens Shot on 16mm and digital cameras in the summer of 2020, this dialogue-free short doc reveals the personal and public experiences of Louisville, KY's battle with the coronavirus and police brutality in the wake of Breonna Taylor's killing by the LMPD.
Graffica! Directed by Yogi Dada 14.5 minutes • USA Documentary, Black Lens, Alabama Stunned by the silence of Covid-19, this documentary explores the creation of a black and white series of art that tells the story of a black girl growing up in upstate New York who fancied herself to be an artist one day.
October 27, 2020 Directed by Hannah Price 16 minutes • USA Documentary, Black Lens Oct, 27, 2020, was the second night of protests in Philadelphia over the killing of Walter Wallace Jr., who had a bipolar episode and was shot by police.
Seeing Sounds Directed by Jason R.A. Foster 3.5 minutes • USA Documentary, Alabama, Black Lens Mr. Henry has been working in the same parking lot since 1959. Seeing Sounds takes a peek inside his world through an interview, portraiture and environmental still film photography, and Super 8 film footage.
Saving Grace Directed by Malcolm Cammeron 11 minutes • USA Documentary, Alabama, Black Lens, Student This film is a glimpse into the life of Chari Bostick and her efforts to promote and preserve African American history in Gadsden, Alabama by reclaiming an historic black cemetery.
Out of the Dark: Raven Directed by Sarah Klein & Tom Mason 9 minutes • USA Documentary, Black Lens Olympic shot putter Raven Saunders shares her childhood trauma, the intensity of her 2016 Olympic experience, and the pitfalls of being a celebrity that all challenged her mental health. Aftwards, she found the strength she never knew she had and became a leading advocate for mental health dialogue among athletes.
End of Slavery Directed by Loki Mulholland 21 Minutes • USA Documentary, Black Lens The first Black female elected to a state office in Utah and her fight to strip the language of slavery from the Utah state constitution.
A poet composes a cinematic love letter to his grandmother as his homophobic aunt and drag queen uncle wage war over her estate in Hokes Bluff, Alabama. “Socks On Fire” won the Best Documentary award at the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival. The Sidewalk/Shout screening will be preceded and followed by surprise performances so be sure to arrive on time and stay in your seats when the credits roll!
An indelible parable for the state of contemporary journalism, Pulitzer prize-winning journalist Art Cullen and his family fight to unite and inform their rural Iowan farming community through their biweekly newspaper, The Storm Lake Times - even as the paper hangs on by a thread. Twice a week, they work as civic watchdogs to protect their hometown and the legacy of credible journalism, at large - come hell or pandemic.
The Acolyte Directed by Sammy James, Jr. 14 Minutes • USA Narrative A doomsday cult clashes with an idealistic new recruit.
MetaVision Directed by Jai Love 12 Minutes • USA Narrative While desperately straddling the blurred lines of sanity, Malcolm receives a self-help tape in the mail from an unusual organisation called MetaVision.
Two Tickets to Mars Directed by Kavita Parekh 17 Minutes • USA Narrative, Student In pre-apocalyptic New York City, Earth is facing inevitable doom. This film sets out to explore the inner mania of a young woman as she asks for the ultimate commitment.
Check The Back Directed by Brennan Martignoni 6.5 Minutes • USA Narrative, Alabama A young woman, Emma, is stranded at a gas station - only to find that the clerk is the person who has been following her.
Kia Summer Sales Event Directed by Brendan Walter 6 minutes • USA Narrative An innocent conversation about a new car between a Juggalo boyfriend and girlfriend devolves into an existential, harrowing relationship crisis surrounding infidelity, family and their deepest darkest secrets.
Giant: The World of Filmmaker Jeff Leroy Directed by Jason Kartalian 14.5 Minutes • USA Narrative On the rooftop of an apartment in Long Beach, CA, giant women and monster Kaiju fight it out in a miniature city made from discarded trash.
Join us for a very super secret screening of an unannounced film. What we can tell you: The film is a feature narrative produced in Alabama. The filmmakers will be in attendance. Content is not appropriate for kids.
“On The Divide” follows the story of three Latinx people living in McAllen, Texas who, despite their views, are connected by the most unexpected of places: the last abortion clinic on the U.S./Mexico border. As threats to the clinic and their personal safety mount, these three are forced to make decisions they never could have imagined.
After a bitter divorce, an actor disguises himself as a female housekeeper to spend time with his children held in custody by his former wife. An alternate soundtrack to the classic 1993 film “Mrs. Doubtfire” will be performed live by the one and only DJ Hollywood. The movie will be captioned along with the live score.
Now is Not the Best Time Directed by Jacqueline Dow 4 Minutes • USA Narrative “Now Is Not The Best Time” follows Alisa as she exceedingly complicates her own life while navigating the strangest and most unsavory corners of New York and her mind.
The Dream Directed by Ron Najor 22 Minutes • USA Documentary, Black Lens Daryl just graduated film school with an award-winning short and a mountain of student debt. He moves to LA in hopes of realizing his dreams of becoming a director but first he must find work to survive and learn the ropes of the industry.
Pain.kil.lers Directed by Bernadette Chapman 41 Minutes • USA Narrative, Alabama After returning home from Afghanistan, war hero Bryson Forrest's four-year-old daughter mysteriously disappears while on a picnic. This stress combined with his PTSD is too much to keep his life and marriage together and makes him a perfect candidate to be recruited into a clandestine, for-hire military organization.
Hudson Falls Directed by Elias Plagianos 22 Minutes • USA Narrative The secrets of a small upstate town that revolve around an eccentric scientist begin to unravel when a private eye from the city takes on a seemingly mundane job in an effort to rekindle a relationship with his ex wife.
Some Big Thing Directed by Kelsey Ianuzzi 3 Minutes • USA Narrative, Alabama A visual poem meditating on insights from American writer George Saunders on how to un-fall from grace and become a more beautiful human being.
Jane’s Inferno Directed by Skylar Patterson 4.5 Minutes • USA Narrative, Alabama A woman tries to get her life back after she is mistakenly sent to Hell.
I Think I’m Dying Directed by Paavo Hanninen 14 Minutes • USA Narrative, Alabama In the aftermath of a disastrous first date, two people reconnect during quarantine.
6ft From The Gun Directed by Kalvo Griffin 6 Minutes • USA Narrative, Alabama, Black Lens Tensions rise when two men go on a journey to find common ground on a very difficult issue.
The Lodestone Directed by Sean Taylor 7.5 Minutes • USA Narrative, Alabama While daydreaming of a career as a performer, a Hollywood hopeful is gifted a mysterious lodestone covered with nails.
Garden Of The Gods Directed by Kyle Mackenzie Sullivan 20 Minutes • USA Narrative, Alabama A present-day retelling of Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado,” a classic tale of psychological deception and revenge.
Sing No Sad Songs Directed by Daniel Johnson 16 Minutes • USA Narrative, Alabama A farmer wakes to find that his wife has passed in the night and must prepare her to be taken away while grappling with loss.
The Perfect Woman Directed by Meagan Belflower, Noah Beckham 11 Minutes • USA Narrative, Alabama, Student Richard works in a vintage clothing store and has met his 1950s dream girl. Could she be the perfect woman?
Saving Grayson Directed by Breck Cuddy 25 Minutes • USA Narrative, Alabama, Student Following the end of the American Civil War in 1865, Albert Grayson and his younger brother Sam travel home to Illinois. After Albert is taken, young Sam must quickly grow up in order to save his brother from a wrongful death.
At the start of the summer season, Ismail and Hakan are preparing for their new job in a gigantic all-inclusive hotel at the Turkish Riviera. “All In” is an observational exploration of the loss of innocence against the backdrop of a fading European dream. Initial kindness turns into indifference as Ismail and Hakan's initiation into the absurd world of Western tourism soon leads them to ask: which dreams are really worth aspiring to?
After the inconclusive death of his infant niece, filmmaker Angelo Madsen Minax returns to his rural Michigan hometown to create a woven reflection on generational addiction, Christian fervor, and trans embodiment. Like the relentless Michigan seasons, the meaning of family shifts, as Madsen, his sister, and his parents strive to accept each other.
Summer camp meets Spinal Tap as we journey to Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp, where dreamers from across America and around the world gather to shred with their heroes — and learn to rock like the legends. Featuring Alice Cooper, Roger Daltrey, Sammy Hagar, Rob Halford, Lita Ford, Sebastian Bach, Jeff Beck and more.
We Were There To Be There USA • 27 minutes • Not Rated Directed by Mike Plante and Jason Willis
Taking place in 1978 as cuts to crucial social services loom, two legendary punk bands come together to perform a show for patients and staff at a psychiatric facility. Captured on tape by seminal video art collective Target Video.
Blondie: Vivir En La Habana Double Feature USA, Cuba • 60 minutes • Not Rated Directed by John Heyn and Jeff Krulik
In 2019, the legendary American rock band Blondie performed for the first time in Havana, Cuba as part of a cultural exchange through the Cuban Ministry of Culture.
From the director of “Deerskin” and “Rubber” a buddy film with a giant fly! Two simple-minded losers discover a giant fly in the trunk of a stolen car and decide to domesticate it in a bizarre get-rich-quick scheme.
Blues and folk singer Karen Dalton was a prominent figure in 1960s New York. Idolized by Bob Dylan and Nick Cave, Karen discarded the traditional trappings of success and led an unconventional life until her early death. Since most images of Karen have been lost or destroyed, the film uses Karen's dulcet melodies and interviews with loved ones to build a rich portrait of this singular woman and her hauntingly beautiful voice.
After a year away (due to Covid) we are thrilled to be able to retun home, to Birmingham's Historic Theatre District and what better way to celebrate than with a Homecoming Dance? Show your Sidewalk Spirit (wear your black and gold y'all) and get ready for some fun surprises! *VIP Pass holders have access to this event with their lanyard. Single tickets to this party can be purchased for this party in advance, on our website.
After Melissa and her family seek shelter from a storm, they become trapped. With no sign of rescue, hours turn to days, and Melissa comes to realize that she and her girlfriend Amy might have something to do with the horrors that threaten to tear her family — and possibly the entire world — apart.
Shangdrok Directed by Jared Yeh 19 minutes • Taiwan Documentary This film explores how Tibetan people continue to cherish their traditions such as yak wool textile craftsmanship and nomadic lifestyle while facing and embracing rapid modernization and a changing climate.
Freedom Farm Sanctuary Directed by Taliya Finkel 8 minutes • Israel Documentary, Episodic, Black Lens The relationships between “imperfect” farm animals to special volunteers, some with their own “imperfections.”
Shredded Directed by Noam Stolerman 16.5 minutes • Israel Documentary An aging bodybuilder is on the path to becoming a champion. Moments before emerging as a finalist, he might face a heartache.
Arctic Summer Directed by Daniel Fradin, Kyle Rosenbluth 24 minutes • USA Documentary Arctic Summer is a poetic meditation on Tuktoyaktuk (Tuk), an Indigenous community in the Arctic and one of the northernmost towns in the world. The film captures Tuk during one of the last summers before climate change forced Tuk’s coastal population to relocate to more habitable land.
Ms. Diva Trucker Directed by Dana Reilly 13 minutes • USA Documentary, Black Lens, Student A long-distance trucker copes with the strain driving places on her finances and relationships.
A Woman’s Land Directed by Alina Peng, Charles Zhang 10.5 minutes • USA Documentary, Student Karma, a Bhutanese farmer, has not seen a successful harvest in 10 years due to climate-induced water scarcity. As men have migrated to urban centers, she and the women in her village must tend to both fields and family, and work together to overcome the water crisis plaguing their land.
Do You See What I See? Directed by Brad Abrahams 12.5 Minutes • Canada Documentary From illustrating for Sesame Street to exposing the New World Order, this is the story of the controversial and recently departed David Dees, unofficial artist of conspiracy theory culture.
Vala North Directed by Stephani Gordon 12 Minutes • Papua New Guinea Documentary In the far northern atolls of Papua New Guinea, scientist chieftain and visionary John Aini resurrects old secret ways and melds them with what he and his fellow chieftains and their people know of the coral reefs they rely on.
30th anniversary screening! Drug tycoon Nino Brown and his minions, the Cash Money Brothers, have rapidly risen to the top of the New York City narcotics trade. Under Nino's heartless leadership, the drug operation has grown into a multimillion-dollar empire. Scotty and Nick, two police officers, aim to bring Nino and his cohorts down. To do so, though, they'll have to play by Nino's rules and go undercover.
Poor Glenna Directed by Jean-Paul DiSciscio 17 minutes • USA Narrative When her mutant son develops a taste for human flesh, a timid mother must find a victim to satisfy his ravenous appetite.
Roy VLoggins Directed by Jeremiah Fanning 5 Minutes • USA Narrative, Alabama, Sidewalk Scramble Winner Roy finds himself stuck in his own nightmare of halloween shenanigans.
Young Forever Directed by Stevie Szerlip 15 minutes • USA Narrative A Korean entrepreneur living in Los Angeles is entangled in a pyramid scheme that goes far beyond beauty product endorsement.
Backpage Shawty 5 Directed by Mike Ekpoh 5 minutes • USA Narrative, Alabama, Black Lens Dream the wrestler meets her first client.
The Dangerous Type Directed by Tipper Newton 11.5 minutes • USA Narrative A mechanic in a small midwestern town would do anything to leave her boring life behind.
Lilac Lips, Dutchess County Directed by Tristan Scott-Behrends 4 minutes • USA Experimental, SHOUT A glorious fantastical modern retelling of Narcissus.
Puss Directed by Leah Shore 9 minutes • USA Narrative, SHOUT, Black Lens Samantha desperately wants to get laid, but is finding it to be difficult for some reason.
Forgive Us Directed by D.W. Hodges 14 minutes • USA Narrative, SHOUT After years of estrangement, an embittered young man uncovers sinister threats when returning home with his boyfriend for Christmas.
The Wind and the Kite Directed by Robert Machoian, Keely Song 6.5 minutes • USA Narrative, Experimental A tale of marital strife expressed through dance.
An Inconvenient Armageddon Directed by Mark Newton 6.5 minutes • USA Narrative, Alabama, Student A modern-day apocalyptic story about how life goes on even when the world ends.
When his older boyfriend loses interest in him, the filmmaker relocates to Chicago and uses dating apps to cast new lovers in an amorphous project that his mother hates.
Almost entirely in the Welsh language, “The Feast” follows a young woman serving privileged guests at a dinner party in a remote house in rural Wales. The assembled guests do not realize they are about to eat their last supper.
An all-star cast tells the inside story of the Broadway theater, and how it came back from the brink thanks to innovative work, a new attention to inclusion and a sometimes uneasy balance between art and commerce. Legends of the stage and screen, including Helen Mirren, Christine Baranski, August Wilson, James Corden, Alec Baldwin, John Lithgow, Viola Davis, Hugh Jackman and Ian McKellen, take us behind the scenes of Broadway's most beloved shows.
A modern day Walt Disney, Will Vinton picked up a ball of clay and saw a world of potential. Known as the “Father of Claymation,” Vinton revolutionized the animation business during the 1980’s and 90’s. But after 30 years of being the unheralded king of clay, Will Vinton’s carefully sculpted American dream came crumbling down at the hands of an outside investor, Nike’s Phil Knight.
Make Him Known Directed by Rudy Valdez 19.5 Minutes • USA Documentary, Black Lens Over the course of more than a decade, 4-time WNBA champion and Olympic Gold medalist Maya Moore and her family have been fighting for the release of a wrongfully convicted man named Jonathan Irons.
Golden Age Karate Directed by Sindha Agha 5 Minutes • USA Documentary, Black Lens Inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame at 10 years old, Jeff Wall is a teenage karate pro. Jeff wanted to pass along his passion for the dojo to a community he felt needed it most — senior citizens.
Bundini Directed by Patrick Green 22 Minutes • USA Documentary, Black Lens "Bundini" is the first ever documentary that explores the extraordinary life of the man that was Muhammad Ali’s beloved trainer.
Lace ‘Em Up Directed by Brianna Madry 14 Minutes • USA Documentary, Black Lens, Alabama Black Joy and Roller Skates. A short history of roller skating in Huntsville, Alabama.
The Nono Directed by Jamie Jean 32.5 Minutes • USA Documentary, Alabama Jason Thienel becomes the first UltraMarathon runner to attempt completing the NoBusiness 100 UltraMarathon twice in one push.
Memory Lanes Directed by Brian Gersten 12.5 Minutes • USA A short, slightly personal, slightly experimental, archival documentary about the history of bowling in America (or perhaps the history of America in bowling).
Over the course of six weeks during the summer of 1969, thousands of people attend the Harlem Cultural Festival to celebrate Black history, culture, music and fashion.
No Future Here Directed by J.A. Cruz, Jennifer Goodridge 7 Minutes • USA Animated The fearless bassist of a quirky punk band shakes things up when she performs a seance that will forever alter the future.
Carnival Knowledge Directed by Alec Brown 2 Minutes • USA Animated A hand-drawn recount of a 2019 after-work trip to the traveling carnival.
Re-Animal Directed by Rubén Garcerá 13 Minutes • Spain Animated A series of crimes is devastating the city and there is only one person who is capable of finding the culprit: Toni Clues.
He Runs Directed by Greg Roensch 3 Minutes • USA Animated, Black Lens It's an afternoon like any other when a man leaves home for a short jog through his neighborhood. Little does he know that his jog will become a race for his life.
Metro6 Directed by Geoff Hecht 8 Minutes • USA Animated Today is an important day for Zak, but everything is going horribly wrong on an adventurous bus ride.
Clarence of Tomorrow Directed by Shawn Spear 13 Minutes • USA Animated An office worker's break becomes a struggle for survival in the bowels of a futuristic city.
Our Mine Directed by Shayna Strype 10.5 Minutes • USA Animated In this ecofeminist tragicomedy, the female body transforms into the landscape and characters and the lines blur between fable and reality.
A Hand To Hold Directed by Stacey Davis, Ali Clark 2 Minutes • USA Animated Told from alternating points of view, this film explores the connective thread of hand holding between parent and child.
Luv U Cuz Directed by Eric Pumphrey 15 minutes • USA Animated, Black Lens Set in a not-too-distant future, two cousins bond over the course of a night on the town until their relationship is tested in more ways than one.
Mila Directed by Cinzia Angelini 20 Minutes • USA Animated Inspired by World War II stories from the director's mother, the character of Mila gives the viewer a war story through a child's perspective.
40th Anniversary Screening! It’s the crime of the century and investigative reporters Kermit, Fozzie and Gonzo are out to crack the case in this song-filled, star-studded extravaganza directed by legendary Jim Henson. Our heroes arrive in London to interview Lady Holiday whose priceless diamond necklace has just been stolen. Her scheming brother is wooing Miss Piggy so he can frame her for the jewel heist and it’s up to Kermit and his pals to clear Piggy’s name and catch the real culprits.
After a shocking incident upends her family life and marriage to a tempestuous choreographer, Ema, a reggaeton dancer, sets out on an odyssey of personal liberation, in this incendiary drama about art, desire, and the modern family from director Pablo Larraín.
Lennon Gates is a quiet and observant podcaster, but when she meets the charismatic musician Bobbi Kitten, her deceptive intentions surface. As their friendship forms, Lennon quickly spirals into obsession as she struggles with an unchecked search for creative identity.
Join us for a free trial of Sidewalk’s Adaptation Club - a monthly club where we discuss movies and books. We’ll be discussing Arrival, which is adapted from the novella Story of Your Life by Ted Chiang. Please note, this is just a discussion - we will not be screening the film. It’s best to participate in the discussion if you have seen the movie and/or read the novella, but feel free to drop in even if you haven’t! Gareth Jones has taught Film Studies for 14 years in three states, currently at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. In addition, he has worked for over twenty years for the Sundance Film Festival as a consultant for festival logistics in parking and transportation. He also co-hosts a radio show about film called Sleep In Cinema on the internet radio station, Substrate Radio. And he’s a Book + Film Club regular!
A new version of the traditional nutcracker ballet performed by Birmingham’s Magic City Nutcracker. The Christmastime festivities are underway at the Stahlbaum home. Clara, Herr Stahlbaum's beautiful daughter, is overjoyed when Herr Drosselmeyer mysteriously appears at the holiday soiree.
After graduating with a philosophy degree, the last thing Christopher Wilcha expected was to land a job at a corporate music retail company (due to his “alternative music sensibilities”). He works his way up the corporate ladder, along the way dutifully documenting almost everything - from office parties to business meetings. “The Target Shoots First” screened at the 2000 Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival, we’re honored to have the film return for a 21-year encore.
Not Black Enough Directed by Jermaine Manigault 19 minutes • USA Narrative, Black Lens A young African-American male struggling to find his identity within the Black community meets a persuasive relic of the past.
Congratulations (Mabrook) Directed by Asad Farooqui 13.5 minutes • USA Narrative, Black Lens Amir is a struggling actor, meddling with lowly, wordless terrorist roles. Amidst a chaotic party highlighted by politics, cricket, and community gossip, a revelation brings Amir a new challenge.
The Lost Butterfly Directed by Jena Batiz 5 minutes • USA Narrative, Black Lens, Alabama, Student A young woman grabs hold of affirmations in unlikely places.
Taffy Directed by Jon Crawford 5 minutes • USA Narrative, SHOUT, Black Lens A young photographer hears the story of an older man.
Al-Sit Directed by Suzannah Mirghani 20 minutes • Sudan Narrative, Black Lens In a cotton-farming village in Sudan, 15-year-old Nafisa has a crush on Babiker, but her parents have arranged her marriage to Nadir, a young Sudanese businessman living abroad. Nafisa’s grandmother Al-Sit, the powerful village matriarch, has her own plans for Nafisa's future.
Doretha’s Blues Directed by Channing Godfrey Peoples 15 Minutes • USA Narrative, Black Lens Doretha was a successful blues singer who lost her teenage son at the hands of a policeman who mistook him for a robber with a rifle, when he was merely walking with a tree branch. The incident robbed her of her son, her happiness and her singing voice.
Cuttlefish Directed by Alexandra Geller 12 Minutes • USA Narrative, SHOUT After unexpected encounters both at school and at home, a twelve-year-old tomboy reflects on the space that lives between binaries.
Andy’s Arrow Directed by Nathan Adloff 7 Minutes • USA Narrative, SHOUT, Teen Filmmaker A young man is bullied into taking an aggressive action during a routine camp activity and ends up making a choice that will change the rest of his life.
Complicated Directed by Isak Kohaly 22 Minutes • Israel Narrative, SHOUT, Student Itamar is a depressed young man that returns to his childhood home in the suburbs following a mental breakdown. As he struggles to get better under the care of his quirky and overprotective mother, old tensions about his sexual orientation arise.
Virgin My Ass Directed by Adar Sigler 16.5 Minutes • Israel Narrative, SHOUT, Student Ophir asks his friend Harel for a favor that might change their friendship.
Family History Directed by Mark J. Parker 16 Minutes • USA Narrative, SHOUT On the anniversary of his mother's mysterious death, a young man brings his new boyfriend home to meet his reclusive, conservative father, and secrets rise to the surface.
Liminal Directed by Dan Abramovici 12 Minutes • Canada Experimental, SHOUT As time is compressed and he flows through spirals of love and sexuality, Steve finds himself in a transition; stuck between a family life built on half measures, and a desire for a more authentic experience.
Plum Directed by Blake Snawder 8.5 Minutes • USA Narrative, Alabama, Student A fleeting love encounter between two men with opposing views on love proves that, like a plum, the sweetest turn bitter too soon.
The film follows young sensation Lily Hevesh - the world’s most acclaimed domino toppler as she rises as an artist, role model, and young woman. Filmed over 3 years across countless cities “Lily Topples The World” is a coming-of-age story cloaked within a unique portrait of an artist, a story of how passion and artistry can make dreams come true, and an unlikely American tale of a quiet Chinese adoptee who transforms into a global artistic force.
A common myth is that in order to get the kinds of roles you really want, you have to live in Los Angeles or New York City. In some cases, that is true, but you can make your career work for you. Hear from Virginia Newcomb (The Death of Dick Long, The Beta Test, and more) and Clayne Crawford (The Killing of Two Lovers, Rectify, and more) about their experiences living in L.A. Jeremy Burgess is a Birmingham native and an award-winning screenwriter, copywriter, and journalist. Clayne Crawford is an Alabama native who most recently starred in The Killing of Two Lovers, which premiered at Sundance 2020, and has had roles in television shows such as Lethal Weapon, 24, Justified, Graceland, Jericho, Leverage, and Rectify, for which he received a Critics Choice Television Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. Virginia Newcomb, known dearly as “Sidewalk Bae” (officially coined by creative director, Rachel Morgan) is an actor and filmmaker of Bama breed, Hollywood counter culture, and NY alt theatre, most recently returning south to star in, produce, and cheerlead umpteen art, but not The Beta Test, which you should definitely catch at the fest if you’re curious about the Hollywood counter-culture part.
A rare and transcendent journey into the life and films of the legendary Stanley Kubrick like we've never seen before, featuring a treasure trove of unearthed, previously unheard interview recordings from the master himself conducted over the course of 20 years. The documentary features archival footage of Sterling Hayden, Peter Sellers, Tom Cruise, Shelley Duvall, Jack Nicholson and Malcolm McDowell and more.
In this revenge thriller executive produced by Darren Aronofsky, Native American boxer, Kaylee (played by Real life US boxing world champion Kali Reis), searches for her missing kid sister. She becomes intentionally entangled in a human trafficking operation in an effort to retrace the steps of her sister and work her way up the chain of command to pinpoint the individual’s responsible.
26 years after Larry Clark’s notorious indie cult classic “Kids” was released to an unsuspecting nation, this documentary explores the divergent paths of the original cast, delivering an unflinching look back at one of the most iconic and provocative films of the 1990's. “Kids” launched prolific and profitable careers for Harmony Korine, Rosario Dawson and Chloe Sevigny, but what happened to the others?
Three professions ushered Black former slaves from poverty to the American dream: preacher, teacher, and undertaker. Today, renowned embalmer James Bryant puts his faith in a new generation to continue this vanishing legacy. He’s met with resistance from his young intern, Clarence Pierre, who himself is conflicted about his commitment due to the judgment he feels from the Black community as a queer, Christian man.
The ultimate behind-the-scenes look at the 1981 French Open - a crucial moment in a crucial year in the history of a game, and its iconic players Björn Borg, John McEnroe, Chris Evert, Yannick Noah, and Ivan Lendl. “For me, this film encapsulates everything I loved and love about the tennis of that moment; and in the hands of the great and singular William Klein, it is at once a gripping sports page, a fascinating piece of reportage, and a work of art.” —Wes Anderson
“To Decadence with Love, Thanks for Everything!” follows the lives of drag queens Laveau Contraire and Franky Canga as they prepare for a weekend of New Orleans' queer celebration of identity, Southern Decadence. While getting a behind-the-scenes view of "gender fuckery art," we see queer performers challenging social norms and the boundaries of self-expression all while being a part of a rich community of artists.
Monograph: Lily Ahree Siegel Directed by Kelsey Ianuzzi 5 Minutes • USA Documentary, Alabama A portrait of Lily Ahree Siegel, a filmmaker exploring layers of personal identity through her craft.
No Trespassing Directed by Sabrina Palmer 9 Minutes • USA Documentary, SHOUT, Alabama, Student An exploration of who polices the boundaries of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Philoxenia Directed by Jessica Chriesman 15 Minutes • USA Documentary, Alabama, Black Lens A journey through the Greek influence in Birmingham, Alabama food culture.
Firmly Rooted Directed by Caleb Wood 12.5 Minutes • USA Documentary, Alabama, Black Lens, Student Fountain Heights Farms is a Black centered urban community farm space in the historic Fountain Heights neighborhood of Birmingham, AL.
Ann Hodges: The Woman That Was Hit By A Meteorite Directed by Jelle Havermans 7 Minutes • Netherlands Documentary, Alabama, Student In 1954, an Alabama woman named Ann Hodges was hit by a meteorite that crashed through the roof of her home. Despite turning Ms. Hodges into an overnight celebrity, the bizarre event marked the beginning of her tragic demise.
Barriers to Bridges Directed by Robin Crane 19 Minutes • USA Documentary, Animated, Alabama, Black Lens, Student This film explores the ways in which organizations in Alabama are doing the necessary and critical work to make sure BIPOC (Black, Indigineous and People of Color) are included in the environmental movement.
[Art]ist Unbound Directed by Palavi Ahuja 12 Minutes • USA Documentary, Alabama, Student A portrait of two women artists in Birmingham expressed through paint and film.
Join us for a discussion of the triumphs and setbacks in documenting queer history in its many forms. We will be joined by representatives from the Invisible Histories Project and the film Socks on Fire. Jackie Clay is the executive director at the Coleman Center for the Arts, a contemporary arts non-profit in rural West Alabama. She is a writer and curator; most broadly her intellectual practice centers black visual culture. Lauren Jacobs (she/her) is a Black queer Birmingham native with a real degree in film, a fake degree in The L Word, and the position of Assistant Director at Magic City Acceptance Center, where she provides community building direct services for LGBTQ youth and adults across Alabama. Soapy Jones is a oap maker, performer, jazz singer, president of the board of the Invisible Histories Project, queer activist. Bo McGuire was born the queer son of a Waffle House cook and his third-shift waitress in Hokes Bluff, Alabama. His feature debut, SOCKS ON FIRE, won the jury prize for best documentary feature at Tribeca Film Festival. Mona Squeels is a queer sewist and owner of MonaMade.me, she has a background in library sciences and performance.
Thelma and best friend Louise set out on a short fishing trip. However, the vacation becomes a flight from the law when Louise shoots and kills a man who attemots to rape Thelma in a bar. This 30th anniversary screening of “Thelma & Louise” will be followed by a roundtable discussion with feminist scholars.
She Ball follows the love of the game through the struggles of Avery Watts, who enlists the baddest women's streetball league in the city to help him save the embattled Inglewood Community Center, which he manages, all while trying to raise his seven year old daughter. Written, directed and starring Nick Cannon.
The tragic, yet inspiring story of America's most misunderstood president. While leading the nation through a series of unprecedented crises, Jimmy Carter also confronted climate change and championed social justice at home and abroad. This groundbreaking film draws on archival footage, experts, and insiders to reveal how Carter's selfless leadership and moral integrity ultimately cost him the presidency. *Peanut Allergy Warning (not kidding)
“The Lost Leonardo” is the inside story behind the Salvator Mundi, the most expensive painting ever sold at $450 million. From the moment the painting is bought for $1175 at a shady auction house, and the restorer discovers masterful Renaissance brushstrokes under the heavy varnish of its cheap restoration, the painting’s fate is determined by an insatiable quest for fame, money and power. As its price soars, so do questions about its authenticity.
Join us for a very super secret screening of an unannounced film. What we can tell you: This film is not appropriate for anyone under 18 and there is a strong content warning.
Named after the book by Father James Martin, Building a Bridge follows a priest on his journey to make the Catholic Church more accepting of the LGBTQ+ community, despite loud opposition from both inside and outside the Church. Executive produced by Martin Scorsese.
Navel Gazers Directed by Kimmy Gatewood 15 Minutes • USA Narrative In the inevitable future where everyone has a permanent curve in their spine from looking at their screens, one woman longs to break free of her screen and experience the world with her own eyes.
Class Directed by Enzo Cellucci, Ash McNair 18 Minutes • USA Narrative New student Max attends his first ever acting class. He soon discovers that the lines between class and cult begin to blur as he and his fellow students are subjected to the bizarre but brilliant methods of their eccentric teacher.
Men Crying Directed by Cate Smierciak 8.5 Minutes • USA Narrative A one night stand-off.
ALA KACHUU - Take and Run Directed by Maria Brendle 38.5 Minutes • Switzerland Narrative Sezim wants to fulfil her dream of studying in the Kyrgyz capital when she gets kidnapped by a group of young men and taken to the hinterland where she’s forced to marry a stranger. Torn between her desire for freedom and the constraints of Kyrgyz culture, Sezim desperately seeks for a way out.
Ilsa Directed by Willi Patton 16.5 Minutes • USA Narrative Ilsa blackmails her driver's ed instructor to be her getaway driver when she steals her dog back from her father's new family.
Detour Directed by Bobby Webster 14.5 Minutes • USA Narrative, Black Lens Two broken people have a chance encounter one night in New York City.
Join us for a panel of college counselors and high school students applying for colleges as we discuss the films Accepted and Try Harder!
Panelists: Julie Beckwith, Associate Director of College Counseling, The Altamont School Julie has a Bachelor of Science degree in Politics from Willamette University and a Master of Arts in Ethics from Yale University. Julie is in her 2nd year of college counseling after a twenty-year career in marketing and communication at schools such as Altamont, Samford University, the University of Notre Dame, and Yale University.
Cameron Gaede, Director of College Counseling, The Altamont School Cameron graduated from Duke University with a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and received her Master of Arts and Teaching from Harvard University. She is in her 15th year as Director of College Counseling for The Altamont School. Cameron also serves as Dean of 11th & 12th grade and teaches 8th grade English.
Amelia Johnson has been guiding Indian Springs students through their college search and application journeys since 2016, after previously serving as Associate Director of College Counseling at the Baylor School and, before that, Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She holds a B.A. in Religious Studies, with a concentration in Women’s and Gender Studies, cum laude, from Kenyon College and an Ed.M in Higher Education from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education.
Four high school seniors in rural Louisiana attend T.M. Landry, an unconventional K-12 school housed in a warehouse made famous for sending its graduates to elite universities like Harvard, Yale, and Stanford. Students aim to meet the intense expectations of Mike Landry, the imposing founder of the who charts a relentless course towards their college dreams. When the New York Times publishes an expose on Landry’s controversial methods, the school buckles under the scrutiny.
Favor & Grace Directed by Adrian L Burrell, Michael T Workman 10 Minutes • USA Documentary, Black Lens After the execution of her nephew at the hands of the Vallejo Police, Angela seeks justice.
Rachel Directed by Zen Pace 11.5 Minutes • USA Documentary, Black Lens Recounting her life as a daughter and young mother grappling with addiction, Rachel Marshall makes generational amends from the pain of her drug use.
Monograph: Stacey Holloway Directed by Lisa Cordes 5 Minutes • USA Documentary, Alabama Birmingham based artist and professor Stacey Holloway transforms her yearning for physical touch during the Covid-19 lockdown into an interactive series of kinetic sculptures.
All I Can Do Directed by Maxwell Moser 21.5 Minutes • USA Documentary Anthony, an avid mountain biker and athlete, and his wife Julie are forced to reflect on and reimagine their lives when he’s diagnosed with colon cancer at only 36 years old.
Florida Woman Directed by Catie Skipp 21 Minutes • USA Documentary A portrait that peels back the curtain on the media’s portrayal of Mary Thorn, an ex-pro wrestler in Florida battling the state in order to save her pet alligator.
Fugazi’s Barber Directed by Joe Tropea, Robert A. Emmons Jr. 15.5 Minutes • USA Documentary, Animation In Washington D.C., legendary punk rockers get cleaned up by an old-school Italian barber.
Fugetsu-Do Directed by Kaia Rose 12.5 Minutes • USA Documentary An intimate portrait of a sweet shop that has been an anchor for the Japanese-American community in Little Tokyo since 1903.
A sly, sultry character study from filmmaker Justine Triet, SIBYL follows a psychotherapist who decides to quit her practice and return to writing. As patients drop Sibyl struggles with lack of inspiration - until she gets a call from an actress wrapped up in a dramatic affair with her co-star who happens to be married to the film's director. Sibyl starts to blur fiction with reality, and the personal with the professional as she uses Margot's life as source material for her novel.
“Ottolenghi and the Cakes of Versailles” follows famous chef Yotam Ottolenghi on his quest to bring the decadence of Versailles to life in cake form at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He assembles a veritable who’s who of the dessert world to help bring his vision to life. The pastry chefs create a true feast of Versailles complete with a cocktail whirlpool and posh jello shots, architectural mousse cakes, chocolate sculptures, swan pastries, and an edible garden.
"The Beta Test" is the 23rd annual Sidewalk Closing Night film! Afterall, we love a mean-spirited satirical dark-as-heck comedy... and Virginia Newcomb. Plus we're also pretty fond of writer-director-actor-extraordinaire Jim Cummings. What happens when a happily (?) married, ladder-climbing Hollywood agent receives a mysterious letter containing a proposition for an anonymous sexual encounter with an "admirer"? Things get super out of hand. Packed with murder, mystery, horror tropes, hackers, Weinstein references, neurotic humor and compulsive teeth whiting, "The Beta Test" is strange, funny, occasionally borderline-surreal and wholly original. - Rachel Morgan
An aging retired hairdresser (played by the legendary Udo Kier, in a career-defining role) escapes his drab nursing home and embarks upon a nostalgic odyssey across his small hometown to style a recently deceased woman’s hair for her funeral, confronting the ghosts of his past and rediscovering his sparkle along the way.
Smoot’s Directed by Greyson A. Welch, Silas Borelly 4 Minutes • USA Narrative, Alabama Three guys are caught in a bar fight. Who's telling the true story?
échappé Directed by Rebecca Walters 17 Minutes • USA Narrative, Alabama, Student When faced with the opportunity for a solo performance, an aging dancer must question her moral compass and personal integrity.
The Stamp Collector Directed by Luke Momo 9 Minutes • USA Narrative, Alabama A high-tech thief comes home from the scene of a crime, reeling with guilt and misbegotten plans.
Night of the Living Date Directed by Nicholas Coker 15 Minutes • USA Narrative, Alabama, Student When Maria needs a date for a dinner party, she takes advantage of a recent epidemic and brings a zombie.
Romeo and Juliet Animated in 3 Minutes Directed by Cassidy Cash 3 Minutes • USA Narrative, Alabama, Animated William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet told through animation in under 3 minutes.
Fo(u)R Directed by Ashley James 15 Minutes • USA Narrative, Alabama, Black Lens, Student A couple struggles to define the future of their relationship after years of trying to conceive.
Ghost Girl Directed by Paavo Hanninen 12 Minutes • USA Narrative, Alabama On the night before she is set to leave New Orleans to audition for a high-budget television pilot in Los Angeles, Ashley must overcome her best friend and closest collaborator's attempts to thwart her ambitions.
Chew Directed by Emily Shea 10.5 Minutes • USA Narrative, Alabama, Student Set in 1956, Chew follows the story of a socially-deemed "weirdo" and his mother's desire for him to be accepted into a prestigious high school.
World of Choices Directed by Joe Walker 15.5 Minutes • USA Narrative, Alabama Mike's bad day takes a turn that leads him on a path to a better life and enacts revenge upon his corporate boss.
A Horse of Course Directed by Jim Walker 14 Minutes • USA Narrative, Alabama A young wannabe cowboy travels far and wide with a horse and develops a relationship with his new companion.
Things aren’t going well for Leonard on the week of his 40th birthday. He’s about to lose his girlfriend, his home and his job. To make matters worse, he’s experiencing strange hallucinations. Is it stress or an after effect of the high speed theta boxes that have recently been installed all over the city? Whatever the cause, something odd is going on and if Leonard doesn’t snap out of it soon, he’ll be trapped in this nightmare forever. Director Onur Tukel is scheduled to attend.
Jeanne Leblanc’s chilly Canadian feature “Les Nôtres” plunges the audience in its characters’ collective pain and doesn’t relent. But an intriguing ensemble of tormented individuals - a flinty teenage girl, her widowed mother, a beloved but insidious mayor and his repressed wife remain fixed behind a pane of glass throughout, with Leblanc maintaining a disconcerting distance from the true darkness roiling beneath a rotten Quebec town plagued by murmurs of sexual abuse and casual racism. - Indiewire
Zola, a Detroit waitress, strikes up a new friendship with a customer, Stefani, who seduces her to join a weekend of dancing and partying in Florida. What at first seems like a glamorous trip full of “hoeism” rapidly transforms into a 48-hour journey involving a nameless pimp, an idiot boyfriend, some Tampa gangsters and other unexpected adventures in this wild, see-it-to-believe-it tale.
The following awards are presented by the competition juries of Sidewalk & SHOUT:
Jambor-Franklin Founders Award for Best Narrative Feature $1,000 Best Documentary Feature $1,000 Best Narrative Short $500 Best Documentary Short $500 Best Animated Short $250 Alan Hunter Best Alabama Film $500 Best Student Film $250 Best Family Film $250 Best SHOUT Feature $500 Best SHOUT Short $250 Best Black Lens Film $250 Best Life & Liberty Film $250 Features Programmers Award $500 Shorts Programmers Award $250 Spirit of Sidewalk Award Reel South SHORT Award $500
The 2021 Reel South SHORT Award honors the best documentary short about the American South with a cash prize and includes distribution on the PBS app and Reel South’s online platforms.
Please note: The jury, at their discretion, may choose to award a special jury prize, honorable mention, etc. These prizes/mentions do not include a cash award, a physical award (trophy, plaque), or winner’s laurels.
The following awards are based on feedback provided by the festival audience, so be sure your voice is heard! You will be provided with a ballot before each film or film block. Complete your ballot and drop it in the ballot collection box before exiting the theatre.
Best Narrative Feature $250 Best Documentary Feature $250 Best Narrative Short $150 Best Documentary Short $150 Best Alabama Film $250 Best SHOUT Film $250 Best Black Lens Film $250 Sidewrite Best Feature Length Screenplay $500 Sidewrite Best Short Screenplay $250 Sidewrite Best Alabama Screenplay $250
The awards show is free and open to everyone!
Sunday August 29, 2021 9:00pm - 10:30pm CDT
Lyric Theatre
We invite our 2021 filmmakers and jurors to join us for a midnight breakfast at one of our favorite local restaurants to close out the weekend, celebrate everyone's successes and bid our farewells. *Filmmaker or Juror Passes Required for entry*
