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By Rachel Morgan, Creative Director

You may know this year marks the 25th annual Sidewalk Film Festival. But you may not know our Shout LGBTQ+ film festival has been around for 18 years now! The Shout LGBTQ+ lineup is stellar this year, so you can’t really go wrong — but if you’re looking to narrow down the list, here’s a suggested approach.

Shout LGBTQ+ Spotlight Night: Kokomo City

Wednesday, Aug. 23, at 7 p.m.

Sidewalk Cinema Theater A and B

1821 2nd Ave. N.

One of the most stylish films in the lineup,

Gay as Hell Music Videos

Saturday, Aug. 26, at 9:45 p.m.

Sidewalk Cinema Theater B

1821 2nd Ave. N.

If you dislike having fun, then Gay as Hell Music Videos isn’t for you. This micro-compilation of gay-as-hell classic and modern music videos includes everything from Mick Jagger and David Bowie singing to each other and acting … well, gay … to Lady Gaga channeling Mathew Barney. And you get all the Depeche Mode, Wham, Sophie B. Hawkins (and more) in between. Most importantly, vintage commercials are included and, yes, most of them are gay, too. This super fun block is also free!

ISMAY Live

Sunday, Aug. 27, at 4:05 p.m.

Sidewalk Cinema Theater A

1821 2nd Ave. N.

Another free event! Intimate folk/Americana indie musician ISMAY will perform selections of original music, as well as their favorite Lucinda Williams songs, in advance of their feature Finding Lucinda (another great option in the Shout program). For a preview visit ismaymusic.com. Also be sure to see the film Finding Lucinda later that same evening at 9 at the Kress Building Ballroom (former RMTC). If you’re a fan of Brandi Carlisle, Orville Peck, Lucinda Williams, Tegan & Sara or indie folk or alt-country in general, you’ll want to catch this unique, unrepeatable opportunity.

Plus, the 25th annual Sidewalk Film Festival closing night film is a Shout title, It’s Only Life After All, a total no-brainer for fans of the Indigo Girls. But it’s also for anyone interested in queer advocacy and/or music industry politics and history.

Then there’s Chasing Chasing Amy, a must-see for Kevin Smith fans. And Break the Game for gamers (especially Zerds). Queens of Birmingham for drag-goers. A shorts block dedicated to Shout LGBTQ+ themes. And for cinephiles, we’re incredibly honored to have the new Ira Sachs film Passages.

For full details on those, plus everything else in our lineup, check out our schedule online. And, of course, go ahead and grab those tickets and passes!

Jessica is the Director of Education + Outreach and plans events for filmmakers and film lovers alike in her role at Sidewalk. As a film student at UAB she attended many Sidewalk Salons and other educational programs. After returning from her internship with Oscar-winning production company Dirty Robber, she had the honor of screening her student film in the 2016 Sidewalk Film Festival. Since then Jessica has screened her short documentaries across the United States and internationally. Her award winning documentary, Philoxenia, screened in the 2021 Sidewalk Film Festival. As a filmmaker and storyteller, she has had the pleasure of collaboration with the Jane Goodall Institute, Alabama Public Television, Southern Foodways Alliance, Vox Media and more. She loves offbeat comedies, documentaries that explore hidden histories, stories that highlight food and culture, whodunits, and heist movies. Thanks to TCM always being on in the background growing up, she has a deep appreciation for older films as well as new media.

“I saw Get Out for the first time with friends at the Coyote Drive In in Leeds where it was part of a double feature with The Great Wall (Remember? The movie where Matt Damon saves China? Me neither.) and I immediately knew I needed to see it again. Certainly one of the best films of the 2010s, Get Out explores themes of race and society through the mind of Jordan Peele. The winner of the Best Original Screenplay Oscar, this film pulled together themes from bonafide classics like Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner and The Stepford Wives and put a name to the Social Thriller genre. Get Out has left its mark on the culture by introducing the term ‘sunken place’ and gave imagery through metaphor to the post-Obama era through a lens that subverts themes of societal value, privilege, entitlement and isolation. This film has also laid the foundation for reviving the black thriller genre, most recently exemplified in the Netflix film They Cloned Tyrone by Tuskegee native Juel Taylor. I love movies that engage your brain and force you to make connections as you’re watching and Get Out succeeds in that which is part of what makes it so rewatchable. (Plus a fun fact – Get Out has Alabama ties, it was shot in Fairhope!)”

Get Out is playing at the Sidewalk Cinema August 12 + 13. Get tickets here.

By T. Marie King, lead shorts programmer

Get ready for the extraordinary cinematic experience of the 2023 Sidewalk Film Festival’s shorts programming. As we celebrate our 25^th anniversary, we are going all out to bring you the best of short-form cinema. This year we’ve had a remarkable surge in submissions, resulting in a program of more than 200 captivating short films for your enjoyment.

Our diverse programming covers a wide range of genres, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Here’s just a glance at what you can expect:

• Sports-themed films
• Student productions
• Compelling narratives
• Insightful documentaries
• Family-friendly content
• After Dark selections
• Music videos that will get you grooving
• Enchanting animated creations
• Alabama films

These carefully curated films represent excellence across the entire spectrum of storytelling. And whether you are a dedicated film enthusiast or simply seeking a memorable experience, the 2023 Sidewalk Film Festival shorts programming guarantees an unforgettable cinematic journey. Selecting a block to highlight feels akin to choosing a favorite child, but I must confess that you can’t go wrong with the captivating animation, the powerful and expressive SHOUT films, and the thought-provoking Life & Liberty films.

In the words of fellow shorts programmer Patrick Johnson, “There’s nothing better than a film with a great storyline, except maybe a film about an amazing true story.”

And he is particularly excited about the Black Lens documentary shorts. Here’s what he says you can expect:

“As a long-time enthusiast of documentaries, dating back to the classic “Style Wars” from 1983, I am thrilled to witness our festival’s commitment to truth-telling. Our Black Lens documentary shorts program is a compelling collection of true stories, shining a spotlight on African-American experiences. In this 1.5-hour showcase, viewers can expect to be captivated by thought-provoking narratives like “Garden Ministry” and “The Push,” which are sure to resonate with socially conscious audiences. On the lighter side, “Savi the Cat” and “Slice” offer a fun and refreshing perspective. If you’re seeking motivation and a sense of empowerment to take on any challenge, “The Push” is a must-watch. The Black Lens documentary shorts provide a rich and diverse emotional experience, touching on various aspects of the human condition.”

Whether you’re a film enthusiast or simply looking for a good time, our shorts programming promises to deliver an unforgettable cinematic journey. Join us in celebrating short-form cinema and enjoy the remarkable works of more than 200 talented filmmakers from all corners of the globe.

Check out the short films in this year’s line-up here

Grab your Festival Passes or Tickets here

Today we were so excited to announce the lineup of the 25th annual Sidewalk Film Festival, presented by Regions Bank. As we gear up for this milestone edition of the festival, the challenge of programming a lineup from a pool of hundreds of short and feature films was greater than ever. We are proud to spotlight our selections for opening and closing night.

Opening Night: Art for Everybody
Friday, Aug. 25, at 7 p.m.
The Alabama Theatre
1817 3rd Ave. N.

We are thrilled to open our 25th year with the documentary Art for Everybody, from director Miranda Yousef. Painter Thomas Kinkade, the “Painter of Light,” grew more famous than any American artist in decades when his depictions of quaint Americana boomed in popularity in the 1990s. After his death in 2012, his daughters opened their father’s vault and discovered a trove of secret paintings Kinkade had never shown anyone. That discovery — and this film that tells the story of the controversial artist — will change the way you think about Kinkade, whether you embrace or deride his work. It’s a story about the democratization of fine art and the hidden costs of making it big — and as we start a weekend of providing “art for everybody,” this film is the perfect beginning to our festival. Art for Everybody screens Friday, Aug. 25, at 7 p.m. at the Alabama Theatre. Immediately following the screening, step outside onto 3rd Ave. N. for our Opening Night After Party.

Opening Night After Dark: Hello Dankness
Friday, Aug. 25, at 10 p.m.
Sidewalk Cinema (in both theaters A and B)
1821 2nd Ave. N., in the lower level of the Pizitz Building

For our 25th year, we’re bringing you a second opening night option following the main event — this one a little darker, a little stranger and a little more provocative. Join us at the Sidewalk Cinema (in both theaters A and B) at 10 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 25, for Hello Dankness, our selection for this special Opening Night After Dark screening. From the visionary creative duo known as Soda Jerk, this experimental narrative takes us on a journey through a surreal and dark time: the past decade of life in the United States. Four years in the making, this nightmarish, hilarious odyssey uses hundreds of clips and samples from film, television and popular culture at large to tell the story of the Trump presidency and the outbreak of COVID. It’s fair to say you’ve never seen anything like it. Tickets and seating are extremely limited, so get yours today.

Closing Night: It’s Only Life After All
Sunday, Aug. 27, at 6 p.m.
The Alabama Theatre
1817 3rd Ave. N.

And we’ll close out our festival with director Alexandria Bombach’s documentary on the beloved folk band The Indigo Girls, It’s Only Life After All. This loving portrait features never-before-seen footage of Emily Saliers and Amy Ray, the Atlanta-area duo who became standard-bearers in the late ‘80s and through the ‘90s as one of the few mainstream groups to be openly out as queer. Now, as their decades-long friendship and artistic partnership continues, we look back with them as they reflect on their history and contextualize their careers in the political and social arenas of the times. Join us for our screening of It’s Only Life After All on Sunday, Aug. 27, at 6 p.m. at the Alabama Theatre.

And don’t forget — check out the full lineup here. See a lot you like? You’ll want to purchase VIP, weekend or day passes and join us for all the fun. On a budget, or see a couple of things you absolutely must attend? Premium single tickets to individual screenings and events are also now on sale.

For the July entry in our Staff Picks series, we turn to Marketing Manager Nick Adrian who’s selected a film that’s resonated with him well before his own college graduate days. Here’s what he had to say about it:

“My Sidewalk journey started as a very, very brief intern before accepting the position of Marketing Manager. Before that I was a proud patron, attending a couple festivals and visiting the Cinema as often as I could before the pandemic. My life has been dominated by film for about as long as I can remember, ultimately leading me to pursue it at least in some part in both my academic and professional careers. Though a lot of my favorites were self-discoveries, I have to thank my parents for instilling a love for older titles – basically by having them constantly playing in the house growing up. 

Mike Nichols’ 1967 coming of age classic The Graduate entered my life at probably way too early of an age. As I was beginning to grow more curious about film in my middle school years, my dad had cited it as having one of his favorite movie endings. That – and admittedly a Plain White T’s music video – ignited my curiosity over it, eventually convincing Dad to show it to me. I was far too young to appreciate what was going on, but its uniqueness stuck with me. I still loved it for what it was the few times I’d watch it throughout the years – it came to reflect almost everything I loved about the medium from the boundary pushing plot, influential soundtrack, European influences, and mix of comedy and drama. But it wasn’t until my own approaching college graduation that its importance truly cemented itself.

Everyone’s anxiety about adult life outweighs the ordeal of their graduation, but I participated in mine from my living room as it streamed through YouTube in the midst of the pandemic. Not only was I uncertain about my own future – I was uncertain about the world’s future. It felt almost worthless to worry about grad school and a career when it seemed like the planet wouldn’t even be around that long. That uncertain summer in 2020 mirrored Benjamin’s in 1967. Though somewhat a product of its time – the generational gaps representing the growing resentment towards anyone over thirty in the late 1960s – the themes still prevail to this day, pandemic or not. While it has (thankfully) passed, that period in between finishing your education and beginning your profession can be scary, intimidating, and long – films like The Graduate can help you feel a little less alone.”

The Graduate (1967) plays at the Sidewalk Cinema July 13 + 15. Get tickets here.

This month for our 2023 Staff Picks series, we turn to Rental and Special Events Coordinator Allan Monterrubio whose love of surreal horror brought him to his selection.

Allan started his journey with Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema as an intern for the festival in 2022. Soon after, he joined the Sidewalk administrative staff as the Rental and Special Events Coordinator. His love for film started at a very young age when his cousins thought it’d be funny to play gory scenes of The Shining for him. Little did they know they only fueled a fire for his love of surreal and macabre media. That includes video games like Silent Hill, short stories from Edgar Allan Poe, and Giallo films directed by Dario Argento and Mario Bava to name a few. When he’s not watching something bizarre, he enjoys his time attending concerts and music festivals. Some of his favorite artists include hyper-pop royalty Charli XCX, experimental electronic composer Oneohtrix Point Never (Daniel Lopatin), as well as English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys. He believes that without good music whether it’s an original score or a conceptualized soundtrack, you can’t have a memorable film that transcends reality and sucks you into its orbit. Here’s what he had to say about one of his all-time favorite films: the entrancing Climax by Gaspar Noé.

“What do you get when you mix a bit of horror and color from Suspiria (1977) with a pinch of surrealism from Un Chien Andalou (1929) and an entrancing Daft Punk track? A delirious psychological horror concoction that’s equal parts intoxicating and surreal. Climax is that delicious concoction that I want to keep drinking again and again. I still recall experiencing this film for the first time in a small indie theater in NOLA when it premiered in 2019. Since then, the carefully selected electronic dance music, impeccable choreography, and the one-shot style cinematography all stood out to me as one of the most cohesive cinematic experiences to date. Climax manages to take you on a hallucinatory trip with apexes of high-octane energy and sinkholes of desolation and despair which are hallmarks of Noé’s films. An intriguing fact that makes me appreciate Noé’s craft as a director more is that Climax was shot in only 15 days with a cast made of mainly trained dancers/non-actors who improvised various scenes.

While Climax is based on true events from the late 1990s, the real-life events were far tamer. Be advised that Noé’s reimagining of this incident is not for the faint of heart and plays out like an entrancing nightmarish music video. So go ahead, drink the sangria…”

Climax plays at the Sidewalk Cinema June 16 – 18. Get tickets here.

This month for our 2023 Staff Picks series, we turn to Shorts Programmer Patrick Johnson who’s selected a film about one of his favorite artists and one of the most special things in his life – hip hop. Here’s what he had to say:

“I’ve been a self-proclaimed hip hop head since the genre arrived in the late 70’s. A bit of a purist, but not to the point that I don’t want to see the music and artists grow. Music is my life – I was a band nerd in high school and performed with the hip hop group Red Light District for over 10 years. I have a Tidal hip hop playlist for any occasion you can name. Sometime between 1990 and 1991, I fell in love with the eclectic, jazzy, weirdness that everyone referred to as ‘A Tribe Called Quest.’ The horns. The muddy bass lines. Ali with the ‘sugar cuts,’ and The Abstract and the Five-Footer with the wordplay.

Tribe was a huge part of my 90’s soundtrack. The entire rap community was devastated when Tribe broke up. ‘First the Fat boys break up? Now this?’ How could this be?

Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest, a behind-the-scenes documentary by Michael Rappaport, really attempted to find the answer. Hearing the stories of the come-up and the world tours and watching Phife deal with his health issues gave me the insight I needed. I watched friendships blossom within the group, only to have those same friendships tested during the most integral moments. It was like watching brothers fight and a family separate, only to find that the love is still all there. The admiration is greater. The respect is real.

You like music? You’re really into it, huh? You may even have a favorite group. If so, you gotta check out Beats, Rhyme and Life. Through all its ups and downs, the film is a true celebration. You’ll be looking for your Tribe playlist soon after!”

Beats, Rhymes, & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest plays at the Sidewalk Cinema May 19 – 21. Get tickets here.

In the shadow of Alabama filmmaker and multi-time Sidewalk alum Daniel Scheinert sweeping the Academy Awards… it’s time for Sidewalk’s inaugural Alabama Film Week! 

Considering the recent landslide, we’re highlighting Daniel’s films with a best-hits-so-far retrospective including THE DEATH OF DICK LONG (shot in Alabama!), SWISS ARMY MAN and, of course, EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE. We’re also highlighting the short-form work of a number of successful Alabama filmmakers with ALABAMA SHORTS, including a couple of Scheinert’s Sidewalk Scramble films as well as short films by GODZILLA VS KONG director and Alabama-native Adam Wingard, Jay Burleson, Stacey Davis, Xavier Burgin, Lily Ahree Siegel, Paul D. Hart and more. 

We’re honored to host a special screening of SUN RA: A JOYFUL NOISE featuring a reading and book signing with director Robert Mugge. Stop by and catch films by future-famous Alabama Filmmakers at the Statewide Scramble Screening (Scheinert credits this quickpaced film competition for his filmmaking start). Plus much more including a conversation with Alabama Public Television, a sneak preview of work by David Brower Alabama Filmmaker Grant winner, Theo Moore II, film trivia in the lobby and beyond + our always expected surprises. 

Sidewalk is honored and excited to serve as the capstone for filmmaking and filmmakers in Alabama, join us to celebrate locally connected filmmaking with the spotlight on just a few of Alabama’s amazing filmmakers. Cheers!

Find our full lineup at sidewalkfest.com/tickets.

Happy Women’s History Month!

To celebrate, Sidewalk is bringing back our annual Women In Film Week, starting March 6th and lasting until March 12th. The week will consist of female-centric programming selected by some of Sidewalk’s favorite local female voices.

Last Flight Home (2022)

Directed by Ondi Timoner

Playing March 6 – March 12

In his final days, we discover Eli Timoner and an extraordinary life of wild achievements, tragic loss and most of all, enduring love. Last Flight Home shares a stunning verité account of a courageous family confronting life and death.

Get tickets here.

Big (1988) Programming Selection by Stacey Davis

Directed by Penny Marshall

Playing March 6 and March 11

After wishing to be made big, a teenage boy wakes the next morning to find himself mysteriously in the body of an adult.

Get tickets here.

Eat Pray Love (2010) Programming Selection by T. Marie King

Directed by Ryan Murphy

Playing March 8 and March 9

A married woman realizes how unhappy her marriage really is, and that her life needs to go in a different direction. After a painful divorce, she takes off on a round-the-world journey to “find herself”.

Get tickets here.

Women’s Adventure Film Tour

Directed by Chloe Keeley, Danny Warley, Jen Randall, Paula Champagne, and James Q. Martin

Playing March 8, March 9, and March 11

The Women’s Adventure Film Tour® (WAFT) is back for the sixth year. The tour is a celebration of the fantastic women around us who are doing extraordinary things in the name of adventure.

Get tickets here.

The Virgin Suicides (1999) Programming Selection by Jackie Lo

Directed by Sofia Coppola

Playing March 9, March 10, and March 12

A group of male friends become obsessed with five mysterious sisters who are sheltered by their strict, religious parents in suburban Detroit in the mid 1970s.

Get tickets here.

Cocaine Bear

Directed by Elizabeth Banks

Playing March 10 – March 23

An oddball group of cops, criminals, tourists, and teens converge in a Georgia forest where a 500-pound black bear goes on a murderous rampage after unintentionally ingesting cocaine.

Get tickets here.

Sidewalk’s Black Lens Film Week, a week dedicated to celebrating Black voices and stories, starts this coming Monday, February 20th and ends Sunday, February 26th. With titles ranging from engaging narratives, family-friendly films, cult classics, and captivating documentaries, we’ve got a little something for everyone. If you’re unsure of what to come see at the Cinema, we’re including this year’s complete lineup for you below: 

Monday, February 20

Panther (1995) preceded by Fathers (short) – 7:00pm

Tuesday, February 21

Sign O’ The Times (1987), preceded by A Concerto Is A Conversation (short) – 7:00pm

 Wednesday, February 22

February Book + Film Club Public Screening: In the Heat of the Night (1967) – 7:00pm

Thursday, February 23

Roll Bounce (2005), preceded by The Beauty President (short) – 7:00pm

Friday, February 24

Crooklyn (1994) – 7:00pm

Saturday, February 25

Akeelah and the Bee (2006) – 12:00pm

Dope (2015) – 12:30pm

Storming Caesar’s Palace (2022) sponsored by Mayors for a Guaranteed Income – 4:00pm

Shaft (1971) – 4:30pm

Shaft (2000) – 7:00pm

King: A Filmed Record…Montgomery to Memphis (1969) sponsored by Four Corners Gallery – 7:30pm

Sunday, February 26

Can We All Get Along sponsored by Neil Rafferty – 2:00pm

Little (2019) – 3:00pm

Let the Church Say (2022) – 3:30pm

Black Lens Shorts Showcase sponsored by Withrow Newell – 5:30pm

The Bodyguard (1992) – 6:00pm

Posse (1993) – 8:00pm

For more info on each screening, follow their respective links or find all our titles here.