Southern Exposure Films premiere free in Birmingham Sept. 25

Alabama nature lovers rejoice! 

On Friday, September 25 at Altamont School, the World Premiere of Southern Exposure Films presented by the Alabama Rivers Alliance returns with five new documentary films on the lineup.

This year’s list of impactful storylines features efforts to protect Alabama’s biodiverse coast, the legacy of toxic pollutants, solar power in the state, the beautiful Cahaba lilies and the clean drinking water we receive from our ancient aquifers.

The free annual event begins at 5:00PM with food and drink. The screening of the films starts at 6:30PM. 

Five documentary films shot in six weeks

The five Southern Exposure Films were shot this summer over a six week timespan. The films explore and celebrate nature and the people of Alabama, while discovering hidden treasures and exploring complex issues.

“Each year, the Southern Exposure Films highlight emerging issues and shines light on stories that deserve to be seen, while highlighting the people who are dedicated to protecting Alabama’s awe-inspiring biodiversity. 

The world premiere is a chance to experience these stories together for the first time, as well as an opportunity to connect with organizations and advocates from across the state who are working to protect the special places that make Alabama unique.” 

Kelly Marshall, ARA’s Deputy Director

2026 Southern Exposure Films trailers

Interested in attending the 2026 Southern Exposure Films World Premiere?

Below are descriptions and trailers of this this year’s latest batch of documentaries:

ALABAMA’S WILD COAST by Ethan Kauffman 

Join us on Alabama’s Dauphin Island, where dedicated scientists and conservationists are working to protect some of the coast’s most vulnerable residents – our ground nesting birds and turtles. We meet a brand-new-to-this-world Snowy Plover, as she takes her first steps in the sand, and we trudge through that same sand searching for hidden Diamondback Terrapin nests. We’ll meet the special people working together to keep Alabama’s Gulf Coast a haven for humans & critters alike. 

CHEMICAL TOWN by Anna Lueck 

Along the Tombigbee River, the small town of McIntosh, Alabama, has lived for generations in the shadow of massive chemical plants. Residents claim they have been sickened through both decades of exposure to legacy chemicals in the environment and direct exposure from modern leaks. Now, as environmental protections for air and water are being rolled back at both the state and federal level, McIntosh residents are left with even fewer options to protect their health and their community.

RECKONING WITH THE SUN by Callie Mejia 

Every single day, the sun provides Alabamians with more energy than we could ever use – all for free! So why aren’t we using more of it? As solar energy takes off around the world, Alabama is left behind, with most still using dirty fossil fuels to power our communities. This film explores the exciting possibilities of harnessing the sun to meet increasing demand, and the complicated choices that come with it. Can we make room for solar without giving up the wetlands, waterways and wildlife that make Alabama special? 

ROOTED IN THE RIVER by Moses Aubrey

The Cahaba River is home to an iconic botanical oddball that can only grow in the middle of a rushing, rocky river. The beloved Hymenocallis coronaria (or, Cahaba Lily, to those who know), has inspired thousands of plant lovers all over the nation, but none more than the folks who have found themselves rooted in the river, spending their summer days protecting this unique plant and the wild waters it calls home. 

THE DEEP SOUTH by Grace Sullivan

Out of sight, out of mind? Beneath Alabama’s feet lies a hidden world of aquifers, ancient water reserves and, of course, a few tall Southern tales about where our groundwater comes from. The Deep South goes below the surface with well drillers, farmers, scientists and advocates to learn why this hidden resource is so important to both people and nature in Alabama. Perhaps it is not as endless as we think? State leaders in Southeast Alabama share how adequate oversight and management are helping protect and sustain their water resources, while the rest of Alabama could be at risk without a statewide water management plan in place. 

 Event Details

• Date + Time: Friday, September 25 — Mix and Mingle with snacks + drinks at 5PM, program begins at 6:30PM
  • Q & A with filmmakers + local experts immediately follows
• Address:  The Altamont School, 4801 Altamont Rd S, Birmingham, AL 35222
• FREE SCREENING with light food + drinks while they last

To learn more about the event and the 2026 films and to watch trailers of each of the films, please visit www.AlabamaRivers.org/SE2026