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The 94th Academy Awards at Sidewalk Cinema from Corey Craft

Posted on by Sam Eddins
Corey Craft is Sidewalk’s Lead Features Programmer and co-host of our Sidetalks podcast.

Nominations for the 94th Academy Awards are quickly approaching, and as usual, a few films we played at the Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema were in the mix.

The science-fiction epic Dune received 10 nominations — second only to Jane Campion’s psychosexual Western The Power of the Dog, which received 12. You may have seen director Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of the Frank Herbert novel at Sidewalk back in October. Hopefully, you saw it on a big screen somewhere; its unparalleled (and Oscar-nominated) cinematography, visual effects, and sound add up to a grand spectacle particularly designed for theaters.

Did you catch Drive My Car back in January? The tender Japanese drama from director Ryusuke Hamaguchi is an unexpected contender in the best picture race. Despite coming from a small distributor (the fantastic folks at Janus Films) without the big advertising dollars the studios have, and largely based on excellent word of mouth from critics and audiences, Drive My Car became the first Japanese film nominated for best picture, and Hamaguchi the first Japanese director to contend for best director since the great Akira Kurosawa was nominated in 1985 for his King Lear adaptation Ran.

Speaking of Shakespeare, The Tragedy of Macbeth was a popular ticket at Sidewalk in January, and Denzel Washington is now an Oscar nominee for his thunderous lead performance in Joel Coen’s brilliant reimagining. This is Washington’s 10th Oscar nomination. But receiving her first is Kristen Stewart, so gripping as a tormented Princess Diana in Spencer. We played director Pablo Larrain’s biopic-as-psychological-thriller back in November, where its unpredictable story was particularly captivating on the big screen.

And you may have caught two of the year’s biggest documentaries at Sidewalk. Summer of Soul (…or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), director Questlove’s brilliant music documentary about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, was a popular selection at the cinema and the 2021 Sidewalk Film Festival, where it played in the beautiful Lyric Theatre. And we just closed our run of Flee, the innovative animated documentary that tells the story of a gay Afghan refugee’s coming of age. Flee popped up as a nominee in the categories of best-animated feature, best international feature, and best documentary feature — a historic hat trick.

Finally, best international feature and best original screenplay nominee The Worst Person in the World. The charming and inventive Norwegian romantic comedy, one of the most surprising films of 2021 played as part of our Women In Film Week.

Join us at Sidewalk on Sunday, March 27, to watch the Academy Awards! We’ll be hosting a watch party along with a FREE, LIVE Academy-Award Edition Podcast recording of Sidetalks, the official, film-centric podcast of  Sidewalk Film. RSVP here. 

Women In Film Week Returns to the Sidewalk Cinema

Posted on by Sam Eddins

Women in the film industry are grossly underrepresented (and undercompensated). In 2020, 78.9% of movie directors of theatrical films were male and as recently as 2014 a disgusting 95.7% of theatrical movie directors were men. And yet, look at the list of amazing films directed by women in just the past couple of years: PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN, NOMADLAND, ONE NIGHT IN MIAMI, CODA, THE LOST DAUGHTER, PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE, THE POWER OF THE DOG and ZOLA! That’s just to name a few.

These statistics don’t surprise me, when I was in film school at The Savannah College of Art and Design (acknowledging that’s been more than a minute), I was one of only 6 female film majors out of over 200. The women in the program were, by far, the hardest working, the most passionate and, dare I say, produced the best work in the department (well except for Pam). Considering the statistics, the history and the barriers to entry (a whole other story), it’s no surprise that the average trip to the theater doesn’t include a ton of options for seeing movies led by female filmmakers. At the Sidewalk Cinema, we work to consistently highlight work by underrepresented filmmakers. For National Women’s History Month, Sidewalk presents a full week of programming celebrating just some of the most brilliant recent work by female filmmakers, as well as several exceptional repertoire selections.

Pointing out a few of the brilliant options in the Women In Film Week line-up:

Don’t miss the chance to see Academy Award nominee THE POWER OF THE DOG on the big screen, directed by Jane Campion (the first woman to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director twice) and featuring glorious cinematography by female director of photography, Ari Wegner. THE POWER OF THE DOG has been nominated for 12 Academy Awards.

Written and directed by Joanna Hogg and starring Honor Swinton Byrne and Tilda Swinton, we’re honored to include THE SOUVENIR and THE SOUVENIR PART II in the Women In Film Week series. Both films are semi-autobiographical accounts of Hogg’s London film school experiences. In a meta fashion typical of Swinton, Hogg and Tilda Swinton have known each other since Hogg’s mid-1980s film school days and her short student film, CAPRICE, starred a then-unknown Tilda Swinton.

We’re incredibly excited about the opportunity to celebrate female friendship with the fun Friday night double feature of GIRLS TRIP and BRIDESMAIDS (with bottomless champagne)! Written by Erica Rivinoja, Kenya Barris & Tracy Oliver, GIRLS TRIP is the first film written, produced, directed, and starring Black creators and actors to cross the $100-million mark. While female-led comedies are consistently considered risky financial endeavors, BRIDESMAIDS is the most financially successful Judd Apatow production. Written by Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo, the film was a game-changer regarding the successful financing of future female-led comedies. It’s also really fun to watch while considering this: Melissa McCarthy based the look and characterization of Megan on Guy Fieri.

Highlighting the work of the legendary Polly Platt, who was never provided the opportunity to direct (or at least has never been credited as such), we’re offering a Polly Platt double feature with two of her most indelible contributions to production design, TERMS OF ENDEARMENT and THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK. Many claim that, while married to Peter Bogdonavich, Platt was actually responsible for the directorial vision of his early work, including THE LAST PICTURE SHOW and PAPER MOON, and that such explains the nosedive Bogdonavich’s post-Platt filmwork took. Beyond her contribution as a writer, producer, and director, Platt was known for being the driving force behind getting numerous iconic films made, as well as for the elements that made them truly iconic. Oh, and she’s also responsible for THE SIMPSONS. Consistently overshadowed throughout her career, we’re excited to shine a light on Polly Platt’s visionary work. For more on the incredible life of Polly Platt, it’s highly encouraged to pre-game the double feature by listening to the wonderful YOU MUST REMEMBER THIS podcast mini-series. “POLLY PLATT: THE INVISIBLE WOMAN.”

Plus there’s: THE RESCUE, from the directors of Academy Award-winning FREE SOLO, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, and Jimmy Chin. The documentary traces the 2018 Tham Luang cave rescue mission that saved a football team from an underwater cave. JULIA, the amazing Julia Child biographical documentary directed by Julie Cohen and Betsy West. LADY BUDS the documentary that tells the story of “six courageous women who come out of the shadows of the cannabis underground to forge a path to legalization”, directed by Chris J. Russo. WHO WE ARE: A CHRONICLE OF RACISM IN AMERICA that interweaves archival footage and interviews, along with former ACLU Deputy Legal Director Jeffery Robinson’s personal story, to explore the legacy of white supremacy in the U.S. and the responsibility to overcome it, directed by sisters Emily and Sarah Kunstler. The Women Adventure Film Tour features outdoor short films focused on female adventurers. The Sundance premiere, PASSING, Rebecca Hall’s directorial debut, based on the novel of the same name… and more!

Join us at Sidewalk for Women In Film Week to celebrate just a tiny selection of the enormous contributions made by women in the film industry despite the odds. Then join us throughout the year to celebrate the brilliant work of female filmmakers that we frequently spotlight.

 

Happy National Women’s History Month!

 

– Rachel Morgan
  Sidewalk Film Creative Director

Black Lens Film Week Programming from T. Marie King

Posted on by Casey Engelbrecht
T. Marie King is Sidewalk’s Lead Shorts Programmer and Black Lens Programmer.

Ever since I was a child, I have been fascinated by the world of cinema and film. Exploring different art forms has always been my favorite thing to do. Watching the Muppets, other children and the Hollywood elite on-screen became the most important outlet of my young world. And even though initially I enjoyed watching Beetlejuice, and Honey I Shrunk the Kids, I still missed seeing myself reflected on screen. Then as a teenager, I discovered a new genre, and I became obsessed with creators like John Singleton, Spike Lee, and Robert Townsend. Their diverse storytelling methods displayed the beauty and complexity of the Black American experience. I could feel myself growing, expanding, and evolving as I watched Coming to America, Poetic Justice, and Moonlight. The Black American experience of coming of age, searching for identity, or searching for love is just as universal as anyone else’s story but no one can understand it or tell it better than we can. 

 

Black Lens Film Week is presented by AIDS Alabama

This year’s Black Lens Film Week will spotlight the history, skills, talent, vision, and unique creativity within the Black community. During the week you will see a diverse set of films that are guaranteed to make you laugh, bring tears to your eyes, and hopefully challenge you to see your neighbor just a little bit more than before. 

 

Ever been in love to the point you lose yourself and one day you look up and think, what the hell am I doing? I have. We’re kicking off the week with Love Jones and Diary of a Mad Black Woman as a part of the Kiss ‘Em or Diss ‘Em Valentines Day Spectacular sponsored by Korbel. Each ticket comes with special goodies including a free drink ticket and popcorn.

Love Jones gives us a modern 90’s look at an arts renaissance community with professionals searching and fighting for love. What happens when you lose it all? You return to what you know, the family that loves you, and as you heal the love you deserve finds you. Diary of a Mad Black Woman is the drama and comedy you need on Valentine’s Day.

 

A Soldier’s Story takes a look at racism and segregation in the army and the difficulty of being a Black officer in the military at the time of Jim Crow. In my opinion, this is one of the greatest films ever; amazingly cast and masterfully crafted.

 

Mama Gloria shines a light on an icon that began breaking barriers long before Stonewall. From blazing trails to giving back to her community, Gloria Allen displays the humanity we all need in our life. Mama Gloria is sponsored by The VAL Group.

 

Black Lens Shorts Showcase is an opportunity to highlight the talent of new and young storytellers in and around the Birmingham community. 

 

You don’t want to miss Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip. One of the greatest comics to ever do it humorously shares stories of his life and an impactful trip to Africa that gives us a peek into a more mature comic. Remember it’s rated R for Richard. 

 

Citizen Ashe is a beautiful portrait of a man who broke barriers in the tennis world on his own terms. His journey of fighting to be respected in the tennis community as well as his advocacy for AIDS reminds us of the kind of human we should all strive to be.

 

What’s better than a live concert? The recording of that concert. Okay, maybe not but WattStax captures the Watts Summer Festival from 1972 as artists from the Black community remember the Watts Riots. If you’re a fan of ol’ school music like I am, come and jam with us. WattStax is sponsored by Four Corners Gallery.

 

In The Letter, we see that family drama can touch anyone, even a 95-year-old grandmother. When accusations start circulating through her community, we see the strength of a woman who knows who she is. I’m excited to share this international film with you. 

 

Lil Nas X had everyone line dancing to “Old Town Road” as he climbed the charts and carved his place not only in society but in history. I love it when people take their destiny into their own hands and unapologetically be who they are. Lil Nas X: Unlikely Cowboy is a film you don’t want to miss. 

 

Oprah Winfrey: Fight for a Better Life, well it’s Oprah. Am I the only one who hears the 80s theme song from the Oprah Winfrey Show in my head when I hear the name? I know I’m not the only one. Whether you love her or not, she has solidified her place in history. With a successful talk show running for 25 years, multiple writing and producing credits, her own network (OWN), and much more, the Oprah Effect has impacted millions of people. This is your chance to see her story like never before. Oprah Winfrey: Fight for a Better Life is sponsored by Prosper Bham.

 

We have a powerful collection of films for the inaugural Black Lens Film Week. See you there! – T

Get tickets at sidewalkfest.com/tickets.

 

Executive Director’s Statement on Alamo Drafthouse News

Posted on by Casey Engelbrecht

MEDIA STATEMENT: Feb. 4, 2022

Official Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema Statement

Orchestra Partners/Alabama Power Company Alamo Drafthouse Announcement

 

Please attribute the following to Chloe Cook, Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema Executive Director.

 

“For the last 25 years, Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema – through its flagship Sidewalk Film Festival – has been at the forefront of leading downtown redevelopment efforts. We take great pride in the work we have done to encourage so many to live, work and play in downtown Birmingham.  As a committed community partner, we were eagerly anticipating the redevelopment of Powell Steam Plant. When we learned that Alabama Power and Orchestra Partners would bring a national chain movie theater within five blocks from our front door, we could not help but be concerned about how this would affect the sustainability of our new cinema.  It is very rare to find two modern movie theaters in such close proximity – this model has not proven to work in the past, and it is most often the smaller theater that is unable to sustain itself in the marketplace. 

 

When we learned of these plans, we initiated conversations with the leadership of the project to express our concerns and ask that they reconsider the anchor tenant. When this initial request could not be fulfilled, we began looking for ways we could potentially co-exist to everyone’s mutual benefit. As a result, Alabama Power and Orchestra Partners have committed to support Sidewalk in the years ahead through a meaningful Festival sponsorship, the hosting of an annual fundraising event and the exploration of a possible sales tax revenue program that would not only benefit Sidewalk, but also the greater theater district.

 

Sidewalk has been committed to the redevelopment and reinvigoration of Birmingham’s historic theater district for more than two decades. Additionally, we are a small, not-for-profit arts organization that hosts a world-class film festival and year-round educational classes, networking events and other community-focused programming to enhance the lives of those around us. As such, we hope that Alabama Power Company, Orchestra Partners and the greater Birmingham community will continue to stand with Sidewalk to ensure the long-time viability of our important cultural institution.”

Kiss ‘Em or Diss ‘Em Valentines Spectacular Returns to the Sidewalk Cinema

Posted on by Casey Engelbrecht

Sidewalk returns with its legendary Kiss ‘Em or Diss ‘Em Valentine’s Spectacular!

Spread over three days, this Valentine + Anti-Valentine event has something for everyone.

 

On Saturday, Feb. 12th we’re kicking things off Diss ‘Em title MAD MAX FURY ROAD (2015) at 7:00 pm and Kiss ‘Em title HAROLD & MAUDE (1971) at 7:15 pm.

Later in the evening, we’re hosting Valentine’s Gay with titles BOUND (1996) at 10:00 pm and BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN (2005) at 10:15 pm.

 

Sunday, Feb. 13th we have earlier showtimes with MAD MAX FURY ROAD (2015) at 5:00 pm and Kiss ‘Em title HAROLD & MAUDE (1971) at 5:15 pm. Then later with Valentine’s Gay titles BOUND (1996) at 8:00 pm and BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN (2005) at 8:15 pm.

 

Valentine’s Day proper this year falls on the opening day of Sidewalk’s Black Lens Film Week – a week that shines a light on some of the most outstanding and longstanding narrative and documentary films by above-the-line black filmmakers. So join us this Valentine’s Day for Kiss ‘Em or Diss ‘Em: Black Love edition with LOVE JONES (1997) at 7:00 pm and DIARY OF A MAD, BLACK WOMAN (2005) at 7:15 pm.

 

Sidewalk is always looking for the perfect excuse to throw a party and the overlap of Valentine’s and Black Lens week means we’re really going to be pulling out all the red and pink stops – all 3 days include astrology readings, hand-crafted jewelry (including forever bracelets by Lisa Ayers from Mythic Metal), photo ops, festive drink specials and more – as you know, we think film is best when it’s experiential. So, rest up, mask up and prepare to be Sidewalk valentined.

 

Tickets are $30 per person and include one ticket to the film of your choice, one drink ticket redeemable for a glass of Korbel Champagne (if you’re 21+, a large soda of choice if not), one small popcorn, and a super special sidewalk surprise.

Click here to purchase tickets.

Have a ’90s Holiday at Sidewalk Cinema

Posted on by Casey Engelbrecht
‘Twas the 1990s’ and all through the decade we liked our malls facing inward and our holiday movies moody and enigmatic. So this holiday season we’re celebrating the decade that brought us Euro Disney and sheep cloning with a truss of 90s’ holiday not-so-classics. While a couple of dudes are standing in front of the Alabama Theatre having the age-old argument “is Die Hard a Christmas film” (child’s play!) we’re around the corner tripling down, giving you  BATMAN RETURNS (1992), THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS (1993) and EYES WIDE SHUT (1999). For those that can’t handle the recently popular global theme of uncertainty in their holiday film fare this season, we also present the Angel Denzel in THE PREACHER’S WIFE (1996). After all, your favorite programming team isn’t totally nihilistic. We love all of these films for different reasons, from the glorious cinematography in Kubrick’s last film (we can argue A.I. later) to the iconic world creation of THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS. So grab a festive cocktail or hot chocolate from the Cinema bar and enjoy Danny DeVito’s weird little penguin body, Tom Cruise getting his steps in and his ego battered, the glorious villainy of Oogie Boogie, and Whitney Houston falling in love with an angel. To quote Taylor Swift, ’tis the damn season. 
– Rachel Morgan, Sidewalk Creative Director
A little more about the films:
The monstrous Penguin, who lives in the sewers beneath Gotham, joins up with wicked shock-headed businessman Max Shreck during the holiday season to topple the Batman once and for all. But when Shreck’s timid assistant, Selina Kyle, finds out, and Shreck tries to kill her, she is transformed into the sexy Catwoman. She teams up with the Penguin and Shreck to destroy Batman, but sparks fly unexpectedly when she confronts the caped crusader.
BATMAN RETURNS is the first film made in Dolby Digital. It is incredibly referential regarding 1920’s German horror cinema. Christopher Walken’s character is named for German horror actor Max Schreck, best known for playing Count Orlock in NOSFERTU (1922), and the wardrobe and overall aesthetic of the Penguin, as well as much of the scenery and set design, are based on THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI (1920). A fun thing to look out for: one of the photographs in Max Schreck’s office depicts him with Arnold Schwarzenegger, who later played Mr. Freeze in BATMAN & ROBIN (1997).
Jack Skellington, king of Halloweentown, discovers Christmas Town, but his attempts to bring Christmas to his home causes confusion.
The film is based on a three-page poem that Tim Burton wrote while he was a Disney animator in the early 80s. Burton claims he took inspiration from television specials RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER (1964) and HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! (1966). Two new pieces of animation equipment were invented during the production of THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS. A “light alarm” warns animators if any of the stage lights failed to come on and a system that enables seamlessly switching to a replacement puppet should one break during a shot. The movie took a group of around 100 people three years to complete – for one second of the film, up to 12 stop-motion moves had to be made.
A cleric begins to doubt himself and is visited by an angel. The heavenly emissary is supposed to help the good reverend over his midlife crisis, but he is distracted by the cleric’s lovely young wife.
THE PREACHER’S WIFE is a remake of The Bishop’s Wife (1947), starring Cary Grant. Denzel Washington begged Whitney Houston for a year to star in the film until she finally agreed – Houston felt that she couldn’t relate to the character and would be uncomfortable dressed as a middle-class housewife. She later revealed on The Oprah Winfrey Show that her cocaine habit was at an all-time high (pun intended) while shooting THE PREACHER’S WIFE and that there was never a day on set that she didn’t do at least some drugs. Not an in-the-holiday-spirit enough fact for you? Here you go: during filming THE PREACHER’S WIFE, a church a block away from the set caught on fire and a crew member saved a four-year-old child. Something to watch out for: Whitney’s mother Cissy Houston appears in the film, singing with the Georgia Mass Choir.
On the heels of a holiday party, a Manhattan doctor embarks on a bizarre, night-long odyssey after his wife’s admission of unfulfilled longing.
Director Stanley Kubrick died just four days after submitting the final cut of the film to Warner Bros. Shot in London, for New York, EYES WIDE SHUT is in the Guinness Book of Records for “The Longest Constant Movie Shoot”, at 400 days – long enough for Cruise and Kidman’s children to acquire British accents.
Happy Holidays! See you at the movies!

Sidewalk’s Annual Black Friday Sale

Posted on by Casey Engelbrecht

Want to shop local this Black Friday? 

Want to give experiences instead of stuff? 

Looking for gifts for those hard to shop for people in your life? 

Want to save money? 

Want to support Sidewalk Film? 

 

Then join us for our Annual Black Friday Sale!

 

In person at the Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema

Friday, November 26, 1pm-9pm

Saturday, November 27, 12pm-6pm

Sunday, November 28, 1pm-5:30pm

 

Gifts of Membership: In person or online

Gift a Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema Membership at any level and receive two free cinema tickets to gift or keep for yourself! All gifts of Sidewalk Circle Memberships will receive an extra special surprise gift. 

 

Ex Libris Sidewalk: In person or online

Sponsor a book in celebration or memory of a friend, family member or colleague and we’ll acknowledge your loved one with a custom bookplate inside the book of your choice, which will become a part of our Filmmaker Library. You and your celebrant will receive an acknowledgement letter, Sidewalk Ex Libris Bookmark and an invitation to our exclusive Ex Libris Party.  Don’t be shy –  you can also sponsor a book in your own name! 

 

Book + Film Club: In person or online

Purchase any Book + Film Club membership or individual months and use code READ2022 for 25% off!

Click here for Adaptation Book + Film Club  / Click here for Book + Film Club Memberships

 

Merchandise: In person only

Enjoy amazing deals on all Sidewalk Merch all weekend long. Save 25% on your total purchase and receive a complimentary Sidewalk tote. 

 

2021 Sidewalk Cinema Membership Drive

Posted on by Casey Engelbrecht

HAVEN’T BECOME A SIDEWALK MEMBER YET? IT’D BE A LOT COOLER IF YOU DID DURING OUR MEMBERSHIP DRIVE, APRIL 26TH – MAY 9TH!

 

Sidewalk Memberships are a great way to help support us year-round. Membership purchases help fund a number of efforts toward Sidewalk’s mission of bringing independent film to Birmingham, including new educational programs, Cinema programming, Sidewalk Home Video, and of course the annual Sidewalk Film Festival.

Our memberships start at just $75/year. The membership levels are listed here and include tons of benefits including discounts on tickets, passes, and merchandise; plus access to exclusive Members-Only events!

This year, all new members who join during the Membership Drive will receive a Dazed and Confused-themed koozie and t-shirt. T-shirts are unisex and come in S – 4XL, please put your size in the comment box when checking out.

Everyone who chooses to become a member at the Art Department level ($250) or above during the Membership Drive will also receive this rad cooler.

The t-shirt and cooler are for members only and will not be available for purchase on our merch site.

To become a member today, visit the membership page of our website.

2021 Oscar Nominated Shorts at the Sidewalk Cinema

Posted on by Casey Engelbrecht

With Oscar season upon us, it is time to celebrate the best of the year’s cinema and catch up on the nominated films. Sidewalk will be presenting multiple screenings of all three categories of the 2021 Oscar-Nominated Short Films beginning on Friday, April 2.

Each block of shorts (live-action, animated, and documentary) requires a separate ticket. Tickets are available now at sidewalkfest.com/tickets.

 

LIVE ACTION SHORTS
Rated R
Total Run Time: 130 minutes

FEELING THROUGH
USA, 19 minutes
A late-night encounter on a New York City street leads to a profound connection between a teen-in-need and a deaf-blind man.

THE LETTER ROOM
USA, 33 minutes
When a corrections officer is transferred to the letter room, he soon finds himself enmeshed in a prisoner’s deeply
private life.

THE PRESENT
PALESTINE
25 minutes
On his wedding anniversary, Yusef and his young daughter set out in the West Bank to buy his wife a gift. Between soldiers, segregated roads and checkpoints, how easy would it be to go shopping?

TWO DISTANT STRANGERS
USA, 25 minutes
In TWO DISTANT STRANGERS cartoonist Carter James’ repeated attempts to get home to his dog are thwarted by a recurring deadly encounter that forces him to re-live the same awful day over and over again.

WHITE EYE
ISRAEL
21 minutes
A man finds his stolen bicycle, which now belongs to a stranger. While attempting to retrieve it, he struggles to
remain human.

ANIMATED SHORTS
Rated PG-13
Total Run Time: 99 minutes

BURROW (USA, 6 minutes)
A young rabbit embarks on a journey to dig the burrow of her dreams, despite not having a clue what she’s doing.
Rather than reveal to her neighbors her imperfections, she digs herself deeper and deeper into trouble.

GENIUS LOCI (FRANCE, 16 minutes)
One night, Reine, a young loner, sees among the urban chaos a moving oneness that seems alive, like some sort of
guide.

IF ANYTHING HAPPENS LOVE YOU (USA, 13 minutes)
Grieving parents struggle with the loss of their daughter after a school shooting. An elegy on grief.

OPERA (SOUTH KOREA/USA, 9 minutes)
OPERA is a massive 8K size animation installation project which portrays our society and history, which is filled with
beauty and absurdity.

YES-PEOPLE (ICELAND, 9 minutes)
One morning an eclectic mix of people face the everyday battle, such as work, school and dish-washing. As the day progresses, their relationships are tested and ultimately their capacity to cope.

Three additional animated shorts are included in this shorts program:
THE SNAIL AND THE WHALE (UK/GERMANY, 26 minutes)
KAPAEMAHU (USA, 7 minutes)
TO GERARD (USA, 8 minutes)

DOCUMENTARY SHORTS
Rated R
Total Run Time: 136 minutes

A CONCERTO IS A CONVERSATION
USA, 13 minutes
A virtuoso jazz pianist and film composer tracks his family’s lineage through his 91-year-old grandfather from Jim
Crow Florida to the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

A LOVE SONG FOR LATASHA
USA, 19 minutes
A dreamlike portrait of a vibrant 15-year-old-girl whose shooting death sparks the 1992 L.A. Riots.

COLETTE
FRANCE/GERMANY/USA, 25 minutes
Resistance took courage in Nazi-occupied France. 75 years later, facing one’s ghosts may take even more.

DO NOT SPLIT
USA/NORWAY, 20 minutes
The story of the 2019 Hong Kong protests, told through a series of demonstrations by local protestors that escalate
into conflict when highly armed police appear on the scene.

HUNGER WARD
USA, 40 minutes
Filmed from inside two of the most active therapeutic feeding centers in Yemen, HUNGER WARD documents two
female health care workers fighting to thwart the spread of starvation against the backdrop of a forgotten war.

 

Please visit sidewalkfest.com/tickets to purchase tickets online. Tickets must be purchased in advance. For a full list of Sidewalk’s health and safety protocols, please visit sidewalkfest.com/cinema.

The 93rd Academy Awards <3 Sidewalk Cinema

Posted on by Casey Engelbrecht
We’re incredibly proud that 5 of the 8 recently announced 2021 Best Picture Oscar Nominees screened at the Sidewalk Cinema! Congratulations to PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN, JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH, MANK, MINARI, and NOMADLAND!
Additionally, Best Director nominations include Sidewalk Cinema alum Lee Isaac Chung (MINARI), Emerald Fennell (PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN), David Fincher (MANK), and Chloé Zhao (NOMADLAND). Plus Best Actor nominees, Chadwick Boseman (MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM), Gary Oldman (MANK), Steven Yeun (MINARI), and Best Actress Viola Davis (MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM), Frances McDormand (NOMADLAND), and Carey Mulligan (PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN).
Further shout-outs to Sidewalk alums nominated in the Best Supporting Actor/Actress category, Daniel Kaluuya (JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH), Leslie Odom Jr. (ONE NIGHT IN MIAMI), Amanda Seyfried (MANK), and Yuh-Jung Youn (MINARI). And then there are Cinematography alum nominations Sean Bobbitt, (JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH), Erik Messerschmidt (MANK), Editing alum nominations NOMADLAND and PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN and Visual Effects alum nominations THE MIDNIGHT SKY and TENET.
Cheers to all of the nominees, but especially to the amazing aforementioned Sidewalk Cinema alums. If you joined us at the Sidewalk Cinema for PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN, JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH, MANK, MINARI, NOMADLAND, MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM, THE MIDNIGHT SKY and/or TENET, thank you for supporting us in hosting these (and more) spectacular films in Birmingham.
If you didn’t catch any of these lauded titles, that’s okay, we’re looking forward to continuing to screen films of the like, super safely, in downtown Birmingham, join us.
Speaking of, we’ll be screening the 2021 Oscar-nominated shorts in April, keep an eye out.
Pssst. If you haven’t seen young Alan Kim’s (MINARI) adorable Critics Choice Award speech, in which he thanks our friends at A24, we recommend such. Watch it here.