Birmingham’s Sidewalk Film Festival named one of the coolest film festivals in the world—here’s how to get a sneak peek

Birmingham’s very own Sidewalk Film Festival has landed itself on a pretty awesome list: MovieMaker’s 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World, 2023. Read on to see what makes it so special, plus how you can go to a special sneak peek of the fest right now.

A special shoutout

From moviemaking to the latest in buzzy film news, MovieMaker is a trusted source for the latest in all things movies. As a preface for their fave film fests of 2023, they mentioned the events included on the list brought together the best of travel, eating + drinking, discovering new films and meeting lifelong friends.

Good news for those of us in The Magic City, our very own Sidewalk Film Festival is among the top 25 film festivals in the world for those very reasons. Selected by a Panel of Cool, consisting of esteemed filmmakers and film experts, it means a lot that Sidewalk made the list.

“We are deeply honored to have been recognized by MovieMaker Magazine as one of the “Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World” alongside some of our favorite fests. We strive to create an event each year that is meaningful for our community here in Birmingham, our community of filmmakers from right here at home and around the world. It’s super rewarding to hear that we are hitting the mark.”

Chloe Cook, Executive Director, Sidewalk Film Festival

About Sidewalk

Now in its 25th year, Sidewalk Film Festival is one of Birmingham’s most highly-anticipated events year after year. Thousands of film lovers and makers alike come together for the fest.

Over 250+ films are screened across different locations in Birmingham, and the fun doesn’t stop there. Opening night parties, free panels, delicious food and drink and more take place all week long.

What MovieMaker had to say

Filmmaker Jeff Marslett sung the praises of Sidewalk, saying that it “always feels like coming home.” Established in 1998, Sidewalk draws a crowd of about 15K fans each year.

In the article, Marslett says Sidewalk, “really stands by your whole career once you play with them. Consider this a long-term relationship.” Ondi Timoner, an internationally acclaimed filmmaker who has won several Jury prizes at Sidewalk over the years, also had nothing but good things to say about the festival.

This year, she’ll present her new Internet doc The New Americans: Gaming a Revolution and her rock documentary DIG! will play as one of Sidewalk’s 25 favorite films in honor of its anniversary.

Timoner calls Sidewalk “unmissable—on screen and off,” going on to say it has “more energy and spunk than any regional festival I’ve attended—and under the artistic direction of Rachel Morgan, they have really become a world-class film festival.”

Catch a sneak peek

Want to get a taste for what’s to come this year? July 18 and 19, you can catch a special sneak peek of the showings. It’s free to attend, but you must register beforehand.

Through showing films new and old, panels, viewing parties (Barbie movie, anyone?), karaoke and even free “bad movie night”—there’s year-round fun to be had at Sidewalk.

Snag your tickets now for one of the best film festivals in the world. Pass prices will increase on August 1st, and again on August 21st—purchase your passes as soon as possible to ensure you get the best price.

• When: Monday, August 21-Sunday, August 27
• Where: 10 locations across Birmingham, including Sidewalk Film Center & Cinema, 1821 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Schedule
• Tickets

Are you attending Sidewalk Film Festival this year? Tag us @bhamnow and let us know.