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We’re thrilled to announce the Opening Night Film for The 26th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival presented by Regions Bank: Exhibiting Forgiveness with director Titus Kaphar and star/Bessemer-native André Holland (Moonlight, Selma) in attendance!

Exhibiting Forgiveness, sponsored by Gilead, follows the journey of Tarrell (Holland), a successful Black artist whose life is disrupted by the unexpected return of his estranged father, La’Ron (John Earl Jelks), a recovering addict seeking reconciliation. As Tarrell prepares for a new gallery show, he struggles with traumatic memories of his childhood and the unresolved pain inflicted by his father. While his mother, Joyce (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor), has forgiven La’Ron, Tarrell grapples with the challenge of forgiveness. 

Directed by Kaphar, this film blends emotional depth and visual artistry, exploring themes of familial strife and the complexities of forgiveness against the backdrop of the contemporary art world. With a powerful performance by André Holland and a dynamic supporting cast, “Exhibiting Forgiveness” offers a poignant reflection on the enduring impact of past traumas and the arduous journey toward healing.

*Kaphar and Holland will be in attendance and will participate in a post-film discussion.*

“Watching Exhibiting Forgiveness was the cathartic hug I didn’t realize I needed, especially after losing my father, with whom I had a complicated and layered relationship. I saw myself in Tarrell, wrestling between standing in my truth and drawing a line in the sand. How does one process childhood trauma and learn to forgive at the same time? This phenomenal film is an opportunity to find your own pathway to healing and celebrate the power of choice. I hope everyone sees Exhibiting Forgiveness, you will not regret it.”

 – Black Lens Lead Programmer T. Marie King

Opening Night for The 26th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival is August 23 at the 1800 Block of 3rd Ave in front of the Alabama Theatre. Our Opening Night Pre-Party will begin at 5:00pm, Opening Night Film will begin at 7:00pm, and our Opening Night After-Party will begin at 9:00pm.

Passes for the Opening Night Film + After Party are available here.

Day Passes, Weekend Passes, and VIP Passes are available now at sidewalkfest.com/tix.

The 26th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival presented by Regions Bank is August 19 – 25 in Downtown Birmingham’s Historic Theatre District.

We are thrilled to announce this year’s Sidewalk Film Festival Black Lens Spotlight Night title, The South Got Something to Say, as well as five additional new Black Lens titles!

We’ve already announced a few films from the lineup for the 26th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival presented by Regions (August 19 – 25) and here are six more titles that reflect the diversity of the Black experience in America:

1. Black Lens Spotlight Night: The South Got Something to Say + Black Lens Lip Sync Battle!

The documentary The South Got Something to Say serves as a nostalgic journey through the evolution of Southern hip-hop, resonating deeply with those who grew up in the 80s and 90s. As highlighted in the Vox ATL review, the film encapsulates the essence of an era, blending good times and challenges while celebrating the transformative power of music. It offers a compelling narrative that reflects on both the hardships and triumphs of Southern artists, showcasing their contributions to a genre that profoundly shaped a generation. Through its curated selection of music and poignant storytelling, the documentary not only educates but also evokes a sense of cultural pride and musical appreciation among its viewers.

– Black Lens Programmer T. Marie King

Our Black Lens Spotlight Night begins August 22 at the Sidewalk Cinema featuring a Happy Hour with The Kickback, The South Got Something to Say screening, and Black Lens Lip Sync Battle! 

Spotlight Nights (August 19 – 22) are ticketed separately and can be added on: $15 each, $5 for VIP Passholders. Buy yours here.

2. Following Harry

Following Harry is more than just a documentary; it is a powerful call to action. It challenges audiences to reflect on the progress made and the work that still lies ahead in the pursuit of social justice. The film is both beautiful and thought-provoking, a testament to Belafonte’s enduring influence and a reminder of the importance of continuing the struggle for a just and equitable world.

– T. Marie King

3. Era Oculta

Era Oculta – “Hidden Era” unfolds in the vibrant city of Maputo, where Rastafari artist Phambi (28) grapples with securing his son’s education amidst the rhythmic beats of Mozambique. Perennially on the brink of expulsion due to payment delays, Phambi’s artistic journey becomes a compelling narrative, showcasing the challenges and triumphs of an artist navigating the unique landscape of Mozambique.

– Director Carlos Vargas

4. A Symphony Celebration: The Blind Boys of Alabama with Dr. Henry Panion III

Gospel’s divine legacy. Immerse yourself in the unforgettable night of gospel music with the captivating Blind Boys of Alabama and conductor Dr. Henry Panion III. Join the Grammy Award-winning artists as they collaborate with an accomplished orchestra, a blended Alabama choir featuring members from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).

– Screening Committee Member Lisa Provost

5. Fight Like A Girl

Fight Like A Girl tells the story of Safi, a young Congolese woman who is forced to work in the illegal mineral mines after her village is attacked and destroyed. One day she is presented with the opportunity to escape, and successfully does so, but has to live in the streets without any food, shelter, or money. As she makes way for herself, she is introduced to the brash and dynamic world of boxing, where she discovers she has untapped potential and unwavering strength, but also much to learn on her new journey. (Based on true events).

– Screening Committee Member Ariel Smith

6. Commuted

When Danielle Metz’s triple life sentence was commuted, she got a rare chance to regain the life and family that she’d been dreaming about in prison. But back home in New Orleans, she steps into a different reality. Commuted traces Danielle’s journey to find purpose and love, and to confront the wounds of incarceration that linger after release from prison.

– Producer Darcy McKinnon

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These six titles (plus our first six women-led and six LGBTQ+ titles we announced) are just a taste of what’s in store for the 26th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival, happening from August 19th to the 25th.

Day Passes + VIP/Weekend Passes are all on sale NOW!

Join us at the Sidewalk Cinema for a (FREE!) SNEAK PEEK of these great titles plus more on July 17 at 7:00pm.

Over the July 4th holiday weekend, Sidewalk is celebrating director Ti West and MaXXXine, the conclusion of his iconic new slasher trilogy. Did you know Sidewalk and Ti West go way back?

You may have seen 2022’s X and Pearl at the Sidewalk Cinema, but festivalgoers will remember seeing West’s 2009 breakout horror film The House of the Devil at the Sidewalk Film Festival, where it won our jury’s Best Narrative Feature Film award — and again at the cinema last year during our 25 Years of Sidewalk celebration. 

And West’s work has been spotlighted at Sidewalk as our Opening Night selection not once, but twice. In 2011 we opened our festival with the creepy haunted hotel feature The Innkeepers. And in 2016, West joined us at the Alabama Theater to kick off the fest with his Western thriller In a Valley of Violence, starring Ethan Hawke and John Travolta.

Join us to see West’s X, Pearl and an early screening of MaXXXine for Sidewalk’s XXX Triple Feature on Wednesday, July 3! MaXXXine will be playing its regular engagement at Sidewalk starting Thursday, July 4.

Get tickets at sidewalkfest.com/tickets.

We are proud to bring you an additional six titles for the 26th Sidewalk Film Festival (August 19 – 25)! All are films that explore issues and situations involving the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer communities.

Every year, we screen thousands of movies to bring the best in independent cinema for the Sidewalk Film Festival. Here’s an intro to these six particular films, read more on why these titles were selected:

 

1. LOS FRIKIS

Los Frikis, directed by Michael Schwartz and Tyler Nilson, is a poignant feature inspired by true events in Cuba in the 90s. Our expectations of the archetypal coming-of-age narrative were shattered by the raw performances of the cast and their characters’ journeys for freedom in an unpredictable world.

Read screening committee member Linda Reimann’s synopsis of the film:

Los Frikis, depicts the journey of a rebellious punk rock band in Cuba in the early 90s when Cuba was experiencing food insecurities, artists faced censorship, some imprisoned for deviating.  AIDS was on the rise, Cuban government quarantined those with HIV, sadly the sanatoriums were a better option there was food, shelter and more freedoms. Hundreds injected themselves with HIV needles so they could escape.

 

2. YOUR FAT FRIEND

Your Fat Friend, directed by Jeanie Finlay provides a glimpse into the life of writer Aubrey Gordon, an anonymous blogger turned New York Times best selling author. This documentary highlights Aubrey’s experience of being a fat person and her journey to disrupt society’s ideas and change the way fat people are treated.

 

Read screening committee member Deni Owen’s synopsis of the film:

Aubrey Gordon is a best-selling author, podcaster, activist and an unapologetically outspoken, queer, FAT woman. In this frank and surprising doc, Gordon shares it all: her family’s discomfort with her self-acceptance, the career drama as she moves from anonymous articles to book deals, and the very disturbing but common experience of many women online – harassment and threats of violence.

 

3. SABBATH QUEEN

Sabbath Queen directed by Sandi DuBowski, is a deeply moving feature documentary filmed in the span of 21 years. The documentary follows Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie’s journey as the dynastic heir of 38 generations of Orthodox rabbis. We were intrigued by the juxtaposition of familial ties + traditional expectations vs fashioning your own path as a unique and multifaceted individual. 

Read Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema board member Michele Forman’s synopsis of the film:

Sandi DuBowski’s documentary Sabbath Queen is a deeply human portrait about embracing complexity and conflict in pursuit of something higher. It follows Rabbi Amichai Lau-Lavie’s epic journey who is torn between rejecting and embracing his destiny. A self-proclaimed “drag queen rebel,” he searches for spiritual meaning as he founds his experimental all-are-welcome congregation, becomes a queer dad, and creatively reinvents religion and ritual for a challenging, rapidly changing twenty-first century.

 

4. ALL HAPPY FAMILIES

All Happy Families, is a charming modern family dramedy portrait directed by Haroula Rose. We were swept away by the magnificent cast performances and their characters’ tangle of family dysfunctionality.

Read screening committee member Dave Howell’s synopsis of the film:

All Happy Families is a drama-comedy that examines the Landry brothers’ and their parents’ gathering one weekend to fix up the family’s longtime Chicago home for a new tenant. The film humorously explores their love, friction, and complicated relationships as old complaints are reawakened and they attempt to adapt to changes in society.

 

5. PLAYING TO SURVIVE: VON CRAMM VS. HITLER

Playing to Survive: von Cramm vs. Hitler, the slick documentary directed by Annette Baumeister impressed us with sleek animation and high-quality archival footage of the international tennis champion Gottfried von Cramm. This documentary highlights how von Cramm’s sexual orientation was weaponized against him and his steadfast commitment to his principles to avoid any involvement with the Nazi Party.

Read screening committee member J Matthew Cobb’s synopsis of the film:

Inside Annette Baumeister’s documentary, you encounter an untold story of a unique demonstration of bravery. It’s a love letter to Gottfried von Cramm, one of tennis’s forgotten heroes of the 20th century, one whose career and fame was shunned early on due to the rising, rampant homophobia that prevailed after the Roaring Twenties along with Adolf Hitler’s hidden agenda for the sports star. 

 

6. MIDWINTER

Midwinter, directed by Ryan Balas is a melodic tale of finding shelter in others. It tells the story of a blooming song-writer going through the motions of a break up. Additionally the film tackles the subject of motherhood, expanding marriages and multiple sclerosis.

Read screening committee member Dawn Mills’s synopsis of the film:

Midwinter is a very effective film which revolves around two sisters (Lena and Nadine) and the relationships in their lives. It’s a tangled web of a story involving pain, passion and self-discovery. Writer/Director Ryan Balas brings together beautiful cinematography and aesthetics in a film that keeps one’s interest from beginning to end.

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These six titles (plus our first six women-led films we announced) are just a taste of what’s in store for the 26th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival, happening from August 19th to 25th.

Tickets are on sale now, and trust us, you won’t want to miss out on the action. Spread the word and grab your tickets today for what promises to be an epic cinematic experience!

VIP + Weekend Passes are NOW ON SALE! Get them here.

Announcing the winners of The 13th Annual Salsa Showdown! ?

 

SALSA

Audience choice: Tarez Kitchen

Juror choice: Pablo’s Mexican Restaurant

 

QUESO

Audience choice: Pablo’s Mexican Restaurant

Juror choice: The Current At Cahaba

 

GUACAMOLE

Audience choice: Condado Tacos

Juror choice: Condado Tacos

 

SPECIALTY DIP

Audience choice: Tarez Kitchen

Juror choice: La Paz Restaurant & Catering

 

Our Hot Chili Pepper Eating Contest Winner: Lance Woodard

 

A special thank you to our other participating restaurants:

Skeeter’s Ridge Farm & Soap Co.

Uncle Keith’s Red Sauce

Margarita Grill Pelham

Mexi King’s Grill

Rojo Birmingham

Hacienda Mexican Grill – Valleydale Rd

Dos Tequilas

 

And a special thank you to our sponsors:

Cahaba Brewing Company

Woodlawn Theatre

Bham Now  – Birmingham’s modern media

La Jefa Alabama

We are extremely excited to bring you our first six titles for the 26th Sidewalk Film Festival! All are female-directed, female-led and female focused! 

Every year, we screen thousands of movies to bring the best in independent cinema for the Sidewalk Film Festival. Without fail, a majority of films follow a similar theme. This year, WOMEN LEAD FILM! Here’s why we chose these six particular films.

1. CHAPERONE

Chaperone is a fantastic black comedy and directorial debut from Hawaiian director Zoe Eisenberg. We were really blown away with the film’s sophistication, especially for a first-time director. The performances from the cast and crew make the film both exhilarating on a first watch and memorable enough to consider re-examination.

Read screening committee member Lisa Provost synopsis of the film:

Maturation blues. Misha, almost 30, refuses to sell her childhood home. She clings to her job as a ticket taker and has no ambitions to grow up. Misha finds solace in a relationship with a much younger man. A secret is revealed at a party, and she loses her job. Misha has no choice but to grow up. Will she finally make the leap into adulthood or continue to live a stunted life?

2. NO ONE ASKED YOU

No One Asked You is an abortion-rights documentary that was partially filmed in Birmingham. With the country’s national status to abortion causing sweeping legal changes across the states, there couldn’t be a more relevant time to screen this film.

Read the synopsis from director Ruth Leitman:

Comedian, disruptor-extraordinaire Lizz Winstead (co-creator The Daily Show) and her team of activists crisscross the U.S. to support abortion clinic staff and bust stigma. Pop culture icons and next-gen comics fuel this six-year road film activating small-town folks to rebuild vandalized clinics, exposing wrongdoer politicians, domestic terrorists, and media neglect as the race to the bottom ensues. A bold call to action reminds us that when the patriarchy burns down, joy will prevail.


3. A SONG FOR IMOGENE

A Song For Imogene showcases amazing talent from both the cast and crew. With financing assistance from the Filmed in NC Fund, made possible through the partnership between the NC Film Office and Cucalorus Film Foundation, we believe A Song For Imogene provides a perfect example of the power in supporting independent film organizations to produce amazing films now and in the future.

Read screening committee member Tara Hulen’s synopsis for more information about this amazing work:

A positive pregnancy test motivates Cheyenne to leave her abusive boyfriend, fleeing to her childhood home. But the needs of her dying alcoholic mother and estranged sister threaten to suffocate her dreams of escape. A Song for Imogen is a beautifully empathetic story without condescending Southern caricatures, showing complex women trying to climb out of crippling generational poverty, mend family wounds, and keep some dreams for themselves.

4. MAYA AND THE WAVE

Maya and the Wave tells the story of a female surfing champion facing challenges in a male-dominated sport. Despite clearly winning a competition category, she has to appeal for recognition through crowdfunding. This film highlights how women’s talents are often overlooked and reflects the societal undervaluation of women’s achievements. 

Read screening committee member Eileen Keirnen’s synopsis below:

Follow the story of professional surfer Maya Gabeira and her pursuit of becoming a world record holder big wave surfer. Overcoming a near death accident, loss of sponsors, and continuous criticism that she did not belong in the male dominated sport, Maya’s courage and determination overcomes those challenges to prove that she is worthy.

5. THE WORLD ACCORDING TO ALLEE WILLIS

The World According to Allee Willis provides a glimpse into the life of a not-so-well-known songwriter whose work you’ve probably hummed a thousand times. Allee’s story and forgotten historical relevance are exactly the type of stories that deserve a biographical profile. Her influence can be seen across many works of art widely known in popular culture, yet her story has remained untold for decades. 

Read screening committee member Derek Wingate’s synopsis below:

Allee Willis’ quote “I am the world’s best kept secret” really is the best way to describe this film. It’s a must watch for anyone who loves music, songwriting or just likes to see the underdog win. Allee was more than a songwriter, her persona was so strong that she built bridges. She was an icon in her time, she moved to the rhythm of her own beat and thankfully we get to dance to the boogie now.

6. WELCOME SPACE BROTHERS

Welcome Space Brothers is the kind of film one would expect to see at the Sidewalk Film Festival. With a cult leader, UFOs aiding mankind in getting closer to Jesus, and all set in the 80s, this film immediately caught my attention as an enchanting journey of wonder and legend. 

Read screening committee member Jamie Plott’s synopsis of the film below:

Welcome Space Brothers tells the story of The Unarius Academy of Science, a group of believers in self-healing and extra-terrestrial connection., and their leader Ruth Norman, aka Uriel. Through their use of public-access television, the group created films to tell their fantastic story to the world. Part spiritual group, part soap opera of personalities, and part discovery of an inventive indie filmmaker.

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Get ready for an electrifying lineup at this year’s fest! These six titles are just a taste of what’s in store for the 26th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival, happening from August 19th to 25th. Tickets are on sale now, and trust us, you won’t want to miss out on the action. Spread the word and grab your tickets today for what promises to be an epic cinematic experience!

VIP + Weekend Passes are NOW ON SALE! Get them here.

Alabama might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about filmmaking, but the craft is alive and well in the deep south. The Alabama Film Week (April 18 – 21) series features films that were either shot in Alabama, were made by an Alabama-based filmmaker, or utilize Alabama cast and crew- sometimes all three.

 

NORMA RAE (1979), 4/18 & 4/21

Synopsis: A young single mother and textile worker agrees to help unionize her mill despite the problems and dangers involved.

Sally Field’s performance in NORMA RAE earned numerous awards and accolades for the year 1979, beginning at the Cannes Film Festival and culminating with the Academy Award for Actress in a Leading Role. The film also received the Academy Award for Music (Original Song) for “It Goes Like It Goes” and was nominated in the categories of Best Picture and Best Writing (Screenplay Based on a Material from Another Medium).

Filming Locations: Opelika, AL & Waverly, AL

 

CRISIS: BEHIND A PRESIDENTIAL COMMITMENT (1963),  4/19, 4/20 & 4/21

Synopsis: Filmmaker Robert Drew was provided the rare opportunity to watch a President of the United States deal with a national crisis. In this case, the crisis of the title was the attempted integration of the University of Alabama by African-American students by the Kennedy Administration and the machinations of then Governor George Wallace to stop them.

Filming Locations: Birmingham, AL, Huntsville, AL, Montgomery, AL, Tuscaloosa, AL

 

PAYDAY (1973), 4/18

Synopsis: Maury Dann (Rip Torn, in one of his most memorable performances) is a not-so-nice country-Western singer. He ruthlessly manipulates everyone around him to suit his selfish needs…he even gets his limo driver to take the blame for the death of a fan whom he stabbed.

Filming Locations: Selma, AL & Montgomery, AL

 

SHUTTLESWORTH (2022), 4/20

Synopsis: Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth was raised in the crucible of segregated Birmingham but he was forged by its attempt to kill him. When the KKK planted a bomb underneath his bed and he emerged unharmed, he was sure he was saved by God to lead a Movement. His work not only ended legal segregation but led directly to the Civil and Voting Rights Acts – and inspired freedom movements around the world. 

Filming locations: Birmingham, AL

 

 

YOU’RE NEXT (2011), 4/19 & 4/21

Synopsis:  When the Davison family comes under attack during their wedding anniversary getaway, the gang of mysterious killers soon learns that one of the victims harbors a secret talent for fighting back.

Alabama Connection: Adam Wingard is from AL, early films produced in Birmingham, Adam is a multi-year alum, YOU’RE NEXT music by Alabama residents, Kyle McKinnon and Jasper Lee and features Sidewalk alum Ti West, Joe Swanberg, and features numerous other AL cast & crew members. 

 

THE THIRD SATURDAY IN OCTOBER PART V / THE THIRD SATURDAY IN OCTOBER (2022) Double Feature, 4/20

THE THIRD SATURDAY IN OCTOBER PART V Synopsis: Follow an implacable killer as he stalks and butchers the occupants of houses across the stretch of one lone country road while the residents prepare to watch a yearly college-football bout.

THE THIRD SATURDAY IN OCTOBER Synopsis: When a psycho goes on a murderous rampage after surviving a botched execution, only two survivors of his initial attack can stop him.

THE THIRD SATURDAY IN OCTOBER PART V will screen first, then THE THIRD SATURDAY IN OCTOBER.

There will be a Q & A with the filmmaker.

Filming Locations: Elkmont, AL, Athens, AL,  Tanner, AL and Hartselle, AL

 

YELLOWHAMMER/UNA SHORT FILMS, 4/20

Synopsis:  Featuring stand out shorts from Troy State’s YellowHammer Film Festival and The University of North Alabama’s George Lindsey Film Festival. Filmmakers will be in attendance and there will be a Q & A after the screening.

The screening is FREE!

 

SELMA (2014), 4/18 & 4/19

Synopsis: A chronicle of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s campaign to secure equal voting rights via an epic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, in 1965.

Filming Locations: Selma, AL and Montgomery, AL

 

 

Get tickets for all Alabama Film Week titles (and be on the lookout for more surprises) at sidewalkfest.com/programs/alabama-film-week.

Casey Engelbrecht has served as Director of Operations at the Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema/Sidewalk Film Festival since 2021. In this role, she is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring the day-to-day operations of Sidewalk Film. Casey has previously worked as Sidewalk’s Marketing Manager, Marketing Assistant, Marketing Intern, and occasionally she’s served as a bartender at the Cinema bar. She holds an A.S. in Business from Jefferson State Community College and a B.S. in Digital Marketing from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. 

Casey’s Staff Pick, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, is presented during Women in Film Week as an example of a film that does not pass the Bechdel Test among a lineup of many films that do. The Bechdel test is a measure of the representation of women in film and other forms of fiction. To pass, the work must feature at least two women who speak to each other about something other than a man. This film is intended to be an example of a film that severely fails the Bechdel test but still can provide a pivotal film experience for a young woman. 

When asked why she chose this particular film, Casey said “Monty Python and the Holy Grail is essentially a collection of absurd comedic sketches that held a pivotal role in the development of my sense of humor. With the growing popularity of short-form content and the ever-shortening attention span of myself and many others within my generation, this film was destined to take up residency in my brain just from the sheer silliness…it still affects my personality to this day.”

“I don’t want to talk to you no more, you empty-headed animal food trough wiper! I fart in your general direction! Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries!”  – French knight to King Arthur

Catch Monty Python and the Holy Grail March 8-9th during Sidewalk’s Women in Film Week. Tickets are on sale now at sidewalkfest.com/tickets.

Our 2024 Staff Picks series continues next month with a sci-fi cult favorite, picked by Box Office Associate, Richard O’Brien. Here’s what they had to say about their pick:

“Directed by Nicholas Roeg and starring David Bowie in his most significant acting work (barring, of course, Zoolander), The Man Who Fell To Earth (1976) is one of the greatest science fiction films ever made, a heady and philosophical examination of the classic ‘Alien Invasion’ trope that plays on the cultural anxieties of the 1970s, the national anxieties of Americans at the time and international anxieties about Americans and their place in the world. It serves as a strangely beautiful intersection of the trends and fixations of the time.

It’s a lo-fi science fiction drama combining quasi-futurist set design and abstract dream sequence to phenomenal effect. It’s a paranoid thriller about government intervention in daily life eroding—more than even personal freedom—the individual sense of self in the face of a police state. It’s a bizarro mirror of Bowie himself, finding in alien visitor Thomas Jerome Newton another character folded into his repertory while still existing beyond him., coming off a previously even more bizarre attempt at pop rock cultural synergy by Roeg to do the same with Mick Jagger in the similarly cult classic film Performance (1970) at the start of the same decade. It’s a country music-tinged romance with surprisingly nuanced peeks at queer and interracial relationships, turning to tragedy as time, greed, and violence destroy anything worth loving, only for a hint of redemption to peek through at the very end. Rip Torn appears as a shining example of the slowly dying archetype of the Seventies Scientist-Hero, agnostic in the face of the bold new thing, but hopeful for a universe far in excess of his own experience.

Most of all, The Man Who Fell To Earth is a journey, the story of someone just passing through, ‘A Traveler!’ as Candy Clark’s Mary-Lou excitedly deems Bowie’s character during their first meeting. While Bowie’s performance is the centerpiece of the film, every member of the wider ensemble has some kind of journey, transformed by the horrifying specter of an America To Come, yet unformed, blinding anyone it sees as strange and dangerous with an x-ray photograph of the skull.

Despite all being so indicative of the cultural moment of its creation, The Man Who Fell To Earth is also timeless. The viewer—much like Newton—is set adrift in a vast unmoored chronology, the America of the past and future coexisting, equally alien to someone who is, of course, already alien. Even as time, failure, and other people set out to destroy him (and, in many ways, succeed), the character standing at the end of the film is alive. Unmoored, directionless, but alive, an eternal Traveler, only ever passing through.”

 

Catch The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976) at the Sidewalk Cinema March 21 – 23. Get tickets here.

This blog post is by Black Lens Programmer, Patrick Johnson.

Good people of Birmingham and beyond, Sidewalk’s Black Lens Film Week has returned for 2024! A true celebration of Black creatives in film, Black Lens has been a staple at Sidewalk since 2022. This week’s lineup includes a wide variety of genre’s, including drama, comedy, and documentary films.

While the lineup is magnificent, there are a few films that I’m especially looking forward to experiencing. Da 5 Bloods won me over by simply casting some of my favorite actors – Delroy Lindo, Clarke Peters, and Isaiah Whitlock, Jr. (“shiiiiit”). This is a story of 4 Vietnam veterans returning to their old war zone for closure – and buried treasure. Adventure, drama, with a little comedy sprinkled in makes this film a must-see.

For my weekly dose of truth, I’m taking in the documentary Defending Freedom: The Arthur D. Shores Story, a long overdue story about the life and accomplishments of homegrown, unsung civil rights hero Arthur Shores. My truth seeking is complete with the biopic Origin (Starring Anjanue Ellis-Taylor, directed by Ava DuVernay). This film follows journalist and author Isabel Wilkerson as she research for her book Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. I imagine Wilkerson watching quietly, testifying with her right hand raised. I plan to follow suit.

Finally, my Black Lens experience isn’t complete without a true happy hour/vibe session on Saturday, February 24 from 5:30pm – 7:30pm. Sounds and atmosphere will be provided by The Kickback, one of the best DJ crews in the city. Drink specials, Black Lens movies, and the Kickback? We should all be in line right now!

 

A $40 Ticket Package for 5 films of your choice are available!

Sidewalk’s Black Lens Film Week is February 21 – 25. For more info, showtimes, tickets, and ticket packages, click here.