The 28th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival is excited to announce the return of its Spotlight Film Week (August 24-27 at the Sidewalk Cinema) with expanded daytime offerings alongside our regular evening programming.
Join us for our NEW AFTERNOON offerings (see film announcements below). Then stay for a happy hour (2pm-6pm daily) and an evening of film that opens with a block of specially selected short films and concludes with another amazing feature film.
Each of our Spotlight Days highlights a different specialty track from the festival: Alabama filmmakers on Monday, SHOUT (LGBTQ+) content on Tuesday, and Black Lens films on Wednesday. On Thursday, we are excited to announce our NEW animation spotlight.
Tickets for individual screenings and the full lineup announcement will go live on Friday, July 17th; however, please join us for our annual Sneak Peek on July 14th or 15th to get a special preview of some of the additional titles and festival news that we have in store for you!
Alabama Spotlight: LILLY
Lilly • USA • 1 hour 33 minutes
Narrative Feature directed by Rachel Feldman
Monday, 2pm and 3pm only, Sidewalk Cinema
Share an emotional, music-filled dramatic film, starring Patricia Clarkson and based on the remarkable life of fair pay icon, Lilly Ledbetter. Then enjoy a rare glimpse behind the story with a special in-person conversation with Vickie Saxon (Lilly’s daughter), Jon Goldfarb (Lilly’s attorney), and Lanier Isom (Lilly’s biographer) and moderated by local filmmaker Katie Rogers.
SHOUT Spotlight: A WOMAN’S WORK
A Woman’s Work • USA • 1 hour 31 minutes • Alabama Premiere
Narrative Feature directed by A.R. Ephraim
Tuesday 2pm and 3pm, Sidewalk Cinema
Get an intimate glimpse into Appalachia with A Woman’s Work, a sensitive character study of a woman who must hide her own needs when the care of her younger sisters falls to her and she is forced to take a place in rural Kentucky mines. Then stay for a special Q&A with attending director A.R. Ephraim.
Black Lens Spotlight: WE NAME OURSELVES
We Name Ourselves • UAE + USA • 1 hour 15 minutes • Southern U.S. Premiere
Documentary Feature directed by Alejandra Alcala and Alex Garcia Martinez
Wednesday 2pm and 3pm, Sidewalk Cinema
Once Malawi’s high-security prison, Dzaleka Refugee Camp now shelters over 53,000 displaced people from war-torn countries. Once a year, the harsh reality of the camp is displaced by the Tumaini Festival, a vibrant celebration of art and life. Through all of this, a group of teenagers turns to spoken word poetry to navigate their changing and fractured world.
Animation Spotlight: Bill Plympton Animation Masterclass
Bill Plympton Animation Masterclass
Thursday 3:30pm, Sidewalk Cinema
Award-winning animator Bill Plympton joins Sidewalk for an exclusive masterclass exploring his acclaimed career in independent animation. The event includes a Q&A, merch signing, and photo opportunity. Please note: The Bill Plympton Animation Masterclass will have a unique separate ticket type so any previously purchased Spotlight packages can not be applied to this event.
Festival VIP and Weekend Pass Information:
Day Passes are on sale TODAY! Premium Single Tickets will go on sale July 17.
VIP Pass: $250
The VIP pass includes:
- Opening Night film at The Alabama Theatre
- Opening Night After-Party with complimentary beer and wine for VIPs
- All Saturday films including the Saturday Spotlight Film
- Entry to the Saturday Night Party with complimentary beer and wine for VIPs (must be 18+ to attend)
- All Sunday films, including Closing Night Film
- Access to VIP lounge with refreshments and complimentary beer and wine
- Sidewalk Tote Bag
- Sidewalk Commemorative Program
- Early Access Seating for Film Screenings
- Discounted Tickets to Weekday Spotlight Films
Weekend Pass: $100
The Weekend Pass gives you access to all the festival weekend films as well as access to our Friday Night Opening Night Film + After-Party. This does not include Spotlight Nights, the Saturday Night Party, or VIP/Filmmaker events.
Pass Prices increase again on August 1.