UPCOMING EVENTS

Alabama's film industry is on the rise. This TechBirmingham × Sidewalk lunch-and-learn brings together voices spanning the creative ecosystem, from award-winning commercial and broadcast production, to grassroots filmmaker development and documentary storytelling preserving overlooked Southern history. Together, they'll dig into what it takes to build a sustainable creative industry here: talent pipelines, the technology reshaping how films get made, and the infrastructure required to keep momentum going. Moderated by Sidewalk's own Jessica Chriesman, a leader in film education and audience engagement. Lunch is included. This event is free but registration is required at bit.ly/tt-aug26 Doors at 11:30, Panel at noon.

Award-winning, lifelong environmental activist Dr. Jackie Echols is dedicated to protecting Atlanta’s South River, the largest freshwater system in the state. When planned construction of “Cop City” (the largest police training facility in America) threatens the ecosystem and forest that serves predominately Black communities, activism and politics intersect into a story of environmental defense and grassroots activism. This observational documentary shows how environmental issues affect us all while also serving as a call for immediate action. Brian Ratigan - Features Programmer