Reviewed by: Pat Byington
Sidewalk Cinema planning $2.7M expansion at the Pizitz
Reading time: 3 minutes
Have you seen Sidewalk Film Center and Cinema’s shiny new sign on the northeast corner of The Pizitz? As it turns out, that’s not the only exciting new addition Sidewalk Cinema has in the works. This week, the beloved local nonprofit announced plans to expand its downtown theater complex with new screens, expanded concessions, additional gathering spaces and more.
Read on to learn more about Sidewalk Cinema’s proposed 4,500-foot expansion and the $2.7 million capital campaign supporting it.
About Sidewalk Film Center and Cinema
Founded in 1998, Sidewalk Film Center and Cinema is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that produces the nationally-recognized Sidewalk Film Festival, an annual showcase of independent cinema that features the work of more than 250 filmmakers and welcomes 15,000+ film enthusiasts to Birmingham each year. In addition to the festival, Sidewalk hosts a variety of educational programs and events for filmmakers and enthusiasts.
In 2019, the organization opened a nearly 12,000-foot cinema in the basement level of The Pizitz, featuring:
- Two 100-seat cinemas
- Two lounges
- A bar and concession stand
- Classrooms and administrative offices
Now—six years after it first opened the Cinema’s doors—Sidewalk is planning some massive upgrades to its facilities.
What does Sidewalk Cinema have in store at The Pizitz?
Standing 28 feet tall and three feet wide, Sidewalk Cinema’s new sign is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Here’s what Sidewalk Cinema has planned: a 4,500-square-foot expansion in the basement of The Pizitz, consisting of:
- Two micro cinemas, with 24-32 seats each
- A larger classroom and special events space
- Additional restrooms
- A remodeled, centrally-located box office
According to Sidewalk Cinema, the expansion will allow the organization to screen more films, hold popular films for longer runs and accommodate more community organizations and businesses for special events.
To make these plans a reality, Sidewalk Cinema has launched a $2.7 million capital campaign—and they’re already $1.4 million to goal! If fundraising stays on track, construction could begin in early 2027.
Want to help support Sidewalk Cinema’s expansion? Visit the website to learn more and contribute to the capital campaign.
Did you attend the 28th annual Sidewalk Film Festival? What was your favorite film? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!
