9 local features to see at Sidewalk Film Festival

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The 26th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival is just around the corner! Held between Monday, August 19 and Sunday, August 25, this local film festival is a can’t-miss event with scores of features and short films hosted in beautiful venues throughout Birmingham.

We took a closer look at nine films made by local directors that will be played at this year’s festival.

Visit the Sidewalk Film Festival website to get your tickets + see the full lineup of films.

In Solidarity

• What: In Solidarity
• When: Saturday, Aug 24 at 10AM
• Where: Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA) Recital Hall, 1800 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35203

Synopsis: On the morning of April 28, 1958, a bag of dynamite was discovered at Temple Beth El in Birmingham, Alabama during a series of attacks on Jewish institutions across the South. Mysteriously, the bomb’s fuse stopped one minute short of detonating, though it set off a ripple effect through the community that would impact how many responded to the Civil Rights Movement. Amidst another rise in antisemitism and racism today, what can we learn about how those before us practiced allyship and applied their faith traditions to pursue justice?

“Sidewalk is a cultural beacon for the city. It means a lot to have ‘In Solidarity’ in the festival because it can remind people who visit from beyond Birmingham of the incredible blueprint for collective action we have inherited from those who came before us and risked everything in the pursuit of justice.”

Tyler Jones, Director, In Solidarity

A Symphony Celebration: The Blind Boys of Alabama with Dr. Henry Panion, III

• What: A Symphony Celebration: The Blind Boys of Alabama with Dr. Henry Panion, III
• When: Sunday, August 25 at 2:30PM
• Where: Carver Performing Arts Theatre, 1631 4th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203

Synopsis: This once-in-a-lifetime, soul-stirring concert documentary chronicles the life of the legendary Blind Boys of Alabama with conductor Dr. Henry Panion III, a symphony orchestra and a 300-member choir from Alabama HBCUs, UAB Gospel and the former Birmingham-Southern choirs. The group’s remarkable career spanning more than eight decades is highlighted in this collage of musical performances, captivating interviews, and rare photos.

“Having one’s work recognized by an established and highly-respected organization such as Sidewalk Film Festival is obviously a wonderful feeling of accomplishment.

We are thrilled that the film has resonated so favorably in film festivals across the country.

But to have it featured in such a prestigious festival in our hometown is extra special.”

Dr. Henry Panion, III, Producer and Co-Director, A Symphony Celebration: The Blind Boys of Alabama

Haunted

• What: Haunted, a music video for Jake Needham
• When: Saturday, August 24 at 5:30PM 
• Where: Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA) Recital Hall, 1800 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35203

Directed by Jason O’Brien, Haunted is a new music video for local musician Jake Needham’s single of the same name.

“This is something I look forward to every year! I think Sidewalk is such a fun event but most importantly, it helps bring a variety of independent films to audiences here that they can’t see anywhere else. 

I have been honored that this is the 10^th year I’ve had a film or music video be an Official Selection at Sidewalk. 

The feedback I receive from a local audience is always so beneficial in continuing working and I also love for the people I collaborate with be celebrated as well.”

Jason O’Brien, Director, Haunted

See Haunted and other productions made by local filmmakers at Sidewalk Film Festival, August 19-25 in downtown Birmingham.

Neighborly

• What: Neighborly
• When: Sunday, August 25 at 4:30PM
• Where: Birmingham Museum of Art, 2000 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35203

Synopsis: Maya, an aspiring journalism major, and her roommate, Rowan, embark on a journey where they decide to interview their mysterious elderly neighbor, Johnathan Hall. As Maya digs into Johnathan’s past, a tale of love, loss and redemption unfolds. Simultaneously, Johnathan strives to reconnect with his estranged family. “Neighborly” weaves parallel narratives, showcasing the transformative power of storytelling, friendship and the pursuit of connection.

“I am very excited to have the opportunity to screen my short at Sidewalk! This will be my second year having a film screen at this festival and I think it is AMAZING to be able to have such an amazing festival so close to home.
I love Sidewalk because it gives our community the opportunity to appreciate and see films by creators in Alabama. I live in a rural town so I love having a place where I can connect with others that share the same passion for film that I have.”

Anna Hawthorn, Director, Neighborly

T’was the Heist Before Christmas

• What: T’was the Heist Before Christmas
• When: Saturday, August 24, 2:40PM
• Where: Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA) Black Box Theatre, 1800 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35203

Synopsis: A group of jewel thieves get more than they bargained for when their holiday heist goes sideways.

“Cave paintings. Cathedral ceilings. Casablanca. To be included in the Sidewalk Film Festival is to be canonized among the many saints of the moving image. It’s an honor to sit in that great hall, to know that we are now immortal in all the ways that matter. And hey, we also get free drinks!”

Sam Smith and Patrick Thomley, The Slop Squad

Shut Your Pie Hole!

• What: Shut Your Pie Hole!
• When: Saturday, August 24, 2:40PM
• Where: Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA) Black Box Theatre, 1800 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35203

Synopsis: A man encounters many trials and tribulations as he attempts to deliver a pie for his lovely wife.

“Sidewalk has always been a vital part of the proliferation of the arts in Birmingham. Our two shorts are included as Audience Award winners of Sidewalk’s 48-hour short film challenge, the Sidewalk Scramble.

The Scrambles are a wonderful way to force filmmakers of all skill levels out of their holes and to come together and make stuff.

We’ve connected so much with the Alabama film community and made lasting memories, all thanks to Sidewalk.”

Sam Smith and Patrick Thomley, The Slop Squad

The (Almost) Lost Story of Tuxedo Junction

• What: The (Almost) Lost Story of Tuxedo Junction
• When: Sunday, August 25 at 4:45PM
• Where: Carver Performing Arts Theatre, 1631 4th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203

Synopsis: In the 1920s and 30s, Ensley, Alabama was home to a spot named Tuxedo Junction. It was there that the Black community gathered to dance, eat, shop and listen to the great all-Black jazz bands. Local legend Erskine Hawkins’ song “Tuxedo Junction” paid homage to the venue, and the song was even covered by the famous Glenn Miller Band. Now, the building is in disrepair, the heritage sign marking the site is missing and most locals are unaware of this landmark’s rich history and impact on the history of music in America.

“Because I am local to Birmingham and because The (Almost) Lost Story of Tuxedo Junction is about Birmingham historically, it’s especially rewarding to be screening at Sidewalk and have the hometown support.

Furthermore, I attend every year and mixing with other creatives just makes it that much more special!”

Katie Rogers, Director, The (Almost) Lost Story of Tuxedo Junction

Brookwood Village

• What: Brookwood Village
• When: Monday, August 19 at 7:00PM
• Where: Sidewalk Cinema Theater A, Sidewalk Cinema Theater B, 1821 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203

Synopsis: Brookwood Village, a film by Jake Smith and Eddie Copeland, delves into the history of Brookwood Village, a local mall that has been closed to the public since 2022. What’s next for the property?

“It is a privilege to be selected for Sidewalk Film Festival and I’m grateful to have an outlet to share our work. We hope to spread awareness and create discussion around our film’s subject matter, and we hope that this will drive interest in revitalizing spaces like Brookwood Village in Birmingham.”

Jake Smith, Brookwood Village

Treehugger

• What: Treehugger
• When: Sunday, August 25 at 4:00PM
• Where: ASFA Black Box Theatre, 1800 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35203

Synopsis: Alabama is the southernmost home of the Eastern Hemlock, a special grove of trees protected by Wild Alabama. The Eastern Hemlock faces grave threats from climate change and a particularly aggressive parasite.

“Having my film in a real film festival like Sidewalk is really validating to me; having all of our hard work seen by numerous people is mind blowing.

I love Sidewalk because they always have something from every side of cinema as an art form. I remember seeing a documentary about Reading Rainbow, shorts from students and a full-length feature film with no narrative about a small town in Arkansas. The variety they show at the festival is one of the best things about it.”

Braden Fine, Cinematographer, Treehugger

See these + more features at Sidewalk Film Festival

Don’t wait—get your tickets to the 26th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival today.

“I love Sidewalk because the programming is fearless.

In a time when fear is a tool for division, Sidewalk brings people together around the human experience of storytelling.

Also, retreating into dark, air conditioned spaces in August is good for everyone.”

Tyler Jones, Director, In Solidarity

In addition to tickets to single showings, Sidewalk Film Festival has several available passes, including:

• VIP passes
• Weekend passes
• Day passes
• Opening night film + party passes
• Saturday night party pass
• And more

Which film(s) are you most excited to see at Sidewalk Film Festival? Tag @sidewalkfilm on Instagram to let them know!

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