Free virtual screening of 2021 Southern Exposure documentary films premieres Sept. 30
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Ready to be inspired? On September 30th at 6:00pm, the Alabama Rivers Alliance and Alabama Public Television (APT) will be holding a free virtual premiere screening featuring the 2021 batch of Southern Exposure Films.
For nearly a decade, Southern Exposure has gathered together filmmakers from around the nation for six weeks in the summer to produce documentaries celebrating people and places in Alabama.
“We can’t wait to share the 2021 films with everyone across Alabama on Thursday, September 30 during the online world premiere of the Southern Exposure films,” Alabama Rivers Alliance Executive Director Cindy Lowry told Bham Now. “ We were thrilled to be able to welcome four incredibly talented documentary filmmakers to immerse themselves in communities across Alabama while they created their short films which celebrate special people and places in Alabama.”
Lowry previewed for us the four films making their debut.
“We’ll explore a once-in-a-generation chance to change the operation of a major dam, and discover a special place at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains. We’ll hear stories untold-until-now about the remarkable families along the Selma to Montgomery March route, grapple with the wastewater infrastructure challenges, and meet amazing advocates working to protect their communities. We hope the films will inspire you to get involved to ensure a healthy, inclusive, safe natural world for present and future generations.”
The 2021 Southern Exposure Lineup – a Sneak Peek
Here are the film titles and descriptions:
HEAL THE RIVER
Hydropower dams, built decades ago, have dramatically altered river systems across Alabama. Downstream of the Harris Dam on the Tallapoosa River, families and landowners who have lost property and use of the river have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make changes to the operation of the dam through the relicensing process. Their hope is that these changes can improve downstream conditions and can begin to heal the river.
THE LAST LAST HIKE
83-year-old Nimblewill Nomad is about to become the oldest person to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. But he didn’t start at Springer Mountain, Georgia – his trek began on Flagg Mountain in Alabama, the true southern terminus of the Appalachian Mountain Range. Throughout his odyssey, he’s meeting hikers along the way and sharing the magic of Flagg Mountain, where he has been the caretaker for the past three years. With more than two decades and 50,000 miles of hiking experience behind him, will this really be his last last hike?
THIS IS HOME
Untold-until-now stories of the three families who risked their lives by opening up their land to provide campsites for the thousands of marchers along the 54 mile route from Selma to Montgomery in 1965. The Halls, Steeles and Gardners share for the first time what their parents and grandparents sacrificed and how their families’ legacies and this historic land can be preserved for generations to come.
WASTEWATER: A TALE OF TWO CITIES
The other tale of two cities — both plagued by decades of lack of investment and racial discrimination in their wastewater infrastructure — told by community members, advocates, utility operators, and elected officials. As the nation grapples with how to fund long overdue infrastructure needs, this film brings to light the need for urgency and equity in these decisions.
Save the Date
Don’t forget to register and watch the series on September 30th at 6:00pm. After the showing, Lowry , Michele Forman from UAB and the Southern Exposure Fellows will do a Q & A.
Be inspired!
Let Bham Now know if you are attending the Southern Exposure premiere. Tag us @Bham Now social media when you attend virtually on September 30th.
