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On March 12, 2020, Sidewalk made the difficult decision to temporarily close the cinema doors for the safety of its employees and the public. This is a difficult time for not only non-profits and independent cinemas, but also for filmmakers and individuals within the entertainment industry. Below is a list of resources we believe may be beneficial.

Note: We plan to keep this list updated frequently, so check back for updates. Help us if you know of resources not listed here by emailing [email protected].

Petitions to Support the Entertainment Industry

Change.Org Petition – Covid-19 Federal Aid Package for Events Industry

IATSE – Tell Congress to include displaced entertainment workers in the relief package

Emergency Aid for Nonprofit Organizations Amidst COVID-19

Local/State-Wide/Federal Grant or Other Funding Opportunities

Netflix Announces $100 Million Fund to Help Film and TV Industry Workers

New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) Emergency Funds

Actors Fund Entertainment Assistance Program

Cinema Workers Relief Fund

Artist Relief Fund Tree 

SAG-AFTRA Relief Fund

THE SDF EMERGENCY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT GRANT

Temporary Income Opportunities

List Of Remote Work Opportunities

25+ Sites for Finding Remote Work

A List of Resources for Freelancers

Other Resources

Indie Artist Roster 

Ideas for responding to COVID in the film industry

Community Care in the time of Coronavirus

Film Fest Database (tracking postponement and new dates)

Report Lost Income/Artist Relief Funds Spreadsheet

While there are no known cases of COVID-19 at Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema or in our region, out of caution and, in following the lead of our peers across the independent cinema/art-house community, Sidewalk Cinema will be closing Thursday, March 12 with a target reopen date of Thursday, March 26, pending additional guidance from local authorities as well as the CDC and World Health Organization. Our 22^nd Annual Sidewalk Film Festival, August 24-30 is set to take place as scheduled.

The decision to temporarily close has been reached after much deliberation and in acknowledgment of Sidewalk Cinema’s role as a regional destination. Sidewalk Cinema, which draws customers from a 60-mile radius and beyond, is a community gathering place with regular high-volume foot traffic. Despite having recently implemented increased sanitation, reduced seating capacity, and other precautionary measures, the Cinema believes the best course of action at this time is a temporary closure.

By voluntarily closing, Sidewalk Cinema is prioritizing the health and safety of customers, staff, and the community at large, including vulnerable populations.

We ask that you remember Sidewalk is a federally recognized 501c3 Non-Profit Organization and as a result, we will still be accepting memberships, financial donations, and sponsorships. Public support is especially appreciated during this time and will help the Cinema to reopen with minimal disruption as soon as it is acceptable to do so. We are asking our administrative staff to work from home during this time and we are paying all Sidewalk employees during this temporary closure.

Sidewalk Cinema appreciates the public’s patience and understanding during this time. The Cinema looks forward to resuming business and welcoming customers back to the theater upon reopening. In the meantime, visit Sidewalk Cinema’s website for the latest regarding upcoming events and other updates.

• Our “live events” such as classes, workshops, seminars etc.. have been canceled or will be rescheduled.
• We have reduced capacity at all events to 40% to increase the physical space between patrons within in our theaters.
• Every night, a professional cleaning service thoroughly cleans the Cinema including disinfecting all railings, doorknobs, and other frequently-touched surfaces.
• Additionally, our staff disinfects surfaces regularly throughout the day

• If you have a fever, cough or sore throat, please do not come into the Sidewalk Film Center +Cinema.
• We are increasing the frequency of cleaning of common areas and providing disinfecting and hygienic materials for staff and patrons.
• We’ve reminded staff to follow standard precautions, including frequent handwashing, and to stay home if they feel ill. We ask our patrons to do the same.

Our XR line-up for 2019 offers 21 unique VR and AR experiences, some as individual interactive experiences and some as a part of our XR Cinema. We’ll be showcasing new, innovative VR/AR content on Occulus Go, Occulus Rift and Steam.

All Sidewalk XR programming will take place in the basement of the Lyric Theatre, located at 1800 3rd Ave. N., Birmingham, AL 35203

All VIP, Weekend and Day Pass Holders will have access to Sidewalk XR at no additional cost (on a first come, first served basis). Interested parties who don’t have one of the above referenced pass types can purchase a premium single ticket for Sidewalk XR at the door.

It is with great excitement that we announce the line-up of the 21st Annual Sidewalk Film Festival sponsored by Regions Bank.

Check out the schedule now.

This includes 63 feature films (33 documentaries and 30 narratives) and 285 short films (35 Music Videos, 108 Narratives, 68 Documentaries, 26 Animations, 18 Teen Films, 6 Family Shorts, and 6 pieces of Episodic work), as well as a new Sidewalk Talk podcast track of programming, and two full days of VR programming. Our panels, workshops and table reads will be announced July 30 so be sure to revisit the schedule next week.

VIP, Weekend, Day Passes and Premium Single Tickets are on sale now. For questions about ticket products and passes please contact us at [email protected]

Strange thing, the Sidewalk programming team noticed that Generation X clearly had a massive influence on independent film content this season. So many films this year have distinctly focused on, or been obviously influenced by, the “Greed decade”. Instead of trying to narrow down the selections considering the theme, the programming team decided to embrace the trend.

The 2019 Sidewalk Film Festival line-up is diverse, as usual, but it contains a definite, undeniable thread of ’80’s inspired films, as well as a super special retrospective screening. This week’s title release celebrates this year’s theme and, for extra excitement, one of the included titles is the 2019 Sidewalk opening night film!

Opening Night: I Want My MTV

Directed By Tyler Measom and Patrick Waldrop

Documentary / USA

Synopsis: On August 1, 1981 an innovative new channel burst onto the rising spectrum of cable TV offerings. It became a touchstone for young people and a new format for musicians and filmmakers to show off their talents. I Want My MTV examines the channel’s early days and its deep cultural impact.

Friday, August 23 / 8:00pm / Alabama Theatre

After the movie, the MTV vibes will continue at the Opening Night Block Party, on 3rd Ave. N.,directly outside of the Alabama Theatre. Dance to classic MTV videos, enjoy some late night snacks and enjoy drinks from Yellow Tail Wines, Cahaba Brewing Company, Absolut and Cooper’s Craft (complimentary bar for VIP pass holders, cash bar for all other pass holders).

Opening Night Sponsored by Kinetic

Opening Night Access is provided to all VIP, Weekend and Opening Night Day Pass Holders. Tickets on Sale Now.

SHOUT Spotlight: Special Preview Screening – Scream, Queen! My Nightmare on Elm Street

Directed By Roman Chimienti, Tyler Jensen

Documentary / USA

Synopsis: Scream Queen! My Nightmare on Elm Street sets the record straight about the controversial sequel to A Nightmare on Elm Street, which ended star Mark Patton’s acting career, just as it was about to begin. Scream Queen follows Patton as he travels to horror conventions across the United States. Each new city unwraps a chapter from his life that is met with equal parts joyful and bittersweet detail, as he attempts to make peace with his past and embrace his legacy as cinema’s first male “scream queen.”

Wednesday, August 21 / 7:30pm / Venue to be announced

SHOUT Programming Sponsored by AIDS Alabama

SHOUT Spotlight Night Tickets are available as $5 add ons for all VIP Passholders (check your confirmation email for details)  Single tickets are $15 and  on sale now.

Trailer

Mystify: Michael Hutchence

Directed by Richard Lowenstein

Documentary / Australia

Synopsis: A powerfully intimate and insightful portrait of the internationally renowned INXS frontman, Michael Hutchence. Deftly woven from an extraordinary archive of rich imagery, Michael’s private home movies and those of his lovers, friends, and family, the film delves beneath the public persona of the charismatic ‘Rock God’ and transports us through the looking glass to reveal a multifaceted, intensely sensitive and complex man.

The date, time and location of this screening will be announced July 23 when the full festival schedule is announced.

Trailer

Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back

Director Irvin Kershner

Narrative / 1980 / USA

Synopsis: Three years after the destruction of the Death Star, Imperial forces continue to pursue the Rebels. After the Rebellion’s defeat on the ice planet Hoth, Luke journeys to the planet Dagobah to train with Jedi Master Yoda, who has lived in hiding since the fall of the Republic. In an attempt to convert Luke to the dark side, Darth Vader lures young Skywalker into a trap at Cloud City. In the midst of a fierce lightsaber duel with the Sith Lord, Luke faces the startling revelation that the Vader is in fact his father.

Saturday, August 24 / 11:00am / Lyric Theatre

Access to Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back will be available to all VIP, Weekend and Saturday Day Pass Holders (first come, first served) as well as Premium Single Ticket Holders. Premium Single Tickets will go on sale July 23.

Trailer

The Death Of Dick Long

We’re excited to announce the first four films of the 21st Annual Sidewalk Film Festival sponsored by Regions Bank.

More titles will be released each week, until the full schedule announcement at the Festival Sneak Peek, Monday, July 22 at Saturn.

We’ve been working so hard, for so long now, it’s hard to believe that this day has finally arrived – principal construction has begun on the Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema and we are BEYOND excited!

This week our partners at Stewart/Perry will be installing the ventilation partitions and beginning the saw work on the existing foundation.

Check out the gallery below for a few glimpses of the action, and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for regular photo/video updates on the construction process.

If you’ve already contributed to the Make Movie Magic campaign to fund the Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema – THANK YOU!

If you have not yet made a contribution, it is not too late!

We’ve raised $3,994,000 towards our $4.9 million campaign goal and we could use your help to finish strong. Our campaign offers a wide range of giving levels (each with their own unique donor benefits) which you can learn more about at our campaign website.

One of the most popular opportunities this holiday season is the “Take a Seat” campaign – a perfect gift for a loved one who loves movies, or Sidewalk specifically, or who simply has everything!

Seats can be sponsored for only $1,000, with several affordable payment options available. 

And there are several cool benefits:

• Your seat will be identified with an engraved plaque
• Your gift will be acknowledged on the Make Movie Magic Campaign Website and the Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema official website
• Your gift is tax deductible!

You can “Take a Seat” online in a few easy steps or you can contact us by emailing chloe@sidewalkfest.com or catherine@sidewalkfest.com

Please note: We will honor all seat requests on a first-come, first-served basis. Seat sponsors must still purchase tickets for film screenings, special events etc.. at the Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema. Seat name recognition does not guarantee that particular seat for future performances.