Reviewed by: Pat Byington
5 films about Alabama biodiversity + conservation premiering at The Altamont School on Sept. 19
Reading time: 4 minutes
Your chance to catch five engaging films about Alabama’s natural resources, biodiversity and environmental issues is quickly approaching. On Sept.19 at The Altamont School, films from the Southern Exposure fellowship will be premiered for the first time.
This year’s films include:
- “SALABAMA” by Nicholas Hess
- “HYPERSCALED” by Maya Estrera
- “The River’s Gift” by Patrick Kirby
- “Undermined” by Lily Huffman
- “Knowing” by Erika Wade
Each film was made over the course of six weeks during Southern Exposure, a program hosted annually by the Alabama Rivers Alliance. Around 100 to 150 filmmakers apply, and just a select few are chosen to participate. Applications generally open in October.
The selected participants come from all over the country and live in Alabama for the summer while they work on their projects. Many of them end up living in the area after falling in love with it.
“Each year the Southern Exposure Films dive into new and emerging topics before anyone else and highlight special people and their life’s work to protect Alabama’s biodiversity. In addition to seeing these films before anyone else, the world premiere event is always a great opportunity to connect with organizations across the state working to protect our special places.”
Kelly Marshall, Alabama Rivers Alliance deputy director
The premiere event is more than just a screening; prior to the program, which starts at 6:30 PM, there is a “mix and mingle” event with snacks and drinks. Organizations that are part of the Alabama Rivers Alliance set up tables and booths to teach attendees about their missions and impact.
After watching the films, attendees can look forward to a Q&A with the filmmakers and some of the folks featured in the films.
What: Southern Exposure film screening
When: Friday, Sept. 19 (Mix and Mingle @ 5 PM, Program starts @ 6:30 PM)
Where: The Altamont School, 4801 Altamont Road South
Cost: FREE
SALABAMA
“Meet Alabama’s salamanders like you’ve never seen them before and fall for their undeniable charm. We dive into the salamanders’ hidden world of wonder, crawling right under your feet and all around you, with the scientists and salamander superfans who can’t get enough of these quirky critters.”
HYPERSCALED
“Increased energy and water demands from the rapid development of large data centers, and driven by technological advancements like ‘AI,’ are increasing threats to communities across the Southeast, including Alabama. HYPERSCALED unearths the real world cost of AI as residents fight to get answers about the environmental, community, and other costly impacts of this water and energy sucking industry. Much like a vampire, the proposed ‘Project Marvel’ is projected to consume unprecedented amounts of water and energy – right in their backyards.”
The River’s Gift
“The Tallapoosa River brings a community of veterans together to find peace, connection and of course, red eye bass. Wind through Alabama’s pines, meet Rowell and his friends, and cast a line or two with them while hearing about their healing connection to this community and this special place.”
Undermined
“In Belle Mina, it’s ‘Another Day, Another Lawsuit’ as a small Alabama town fights back against a quarry blasting right next door to them, threatening their air, water and overall quality of life.”
Knowing
“Knowing features a poem created by Erika E. Wade during the summer, exploring personal themes of family, community, access to nature and more. Erika also directed and starred in this short film.”
For news, events and more happening around Birmingham, sign up for our FREE newsletter.
