The 27th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival presented by Regions Bank will take place August 18th – 24th, 2025 in Downtown Birmingham’s Historic Theatre District, offering screenings of more than 200 films, filmmaker Q&As, panels, workshops, networking events and parties.
We may be biased, but we think a bag of popcorn in a dimly lit theater is the perfect way to wrap up your summer. Established in 1999 as the flagship program of the Sidewalk Film Center and Cinema, Sidewalk Film Festival has perfected the trifecta of quality film programming, filmmaker networking, and pure fun.
Repeatedly recognized by MovieMaker Magazine as one of the Top 25 Festivals in the World and by TIME Magazine as one of the Top 10 Festivals for the Rest of Us, Sidewalk annually brings over 250 independent films to The Magic City. Low-priced passes, a concentrated footprint, and Southern Hospitality encourage filmmakers and attendees alike to connect during the festival week.
Sidewalk actively strives to bring a variety of films to its audience. To that end, we are pleased to highlight civil and social issues in our Life & Liberty Track, diversity-related topics and black filmmakers in our Black Lens track, LGBTQ filmmakers and content with our SHOUT track. As an Alabama festival in a city with multiple universities, we also spotlight local and student filmmakers with our Alabama track.
Great Press for the Fest
50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee in 2024
The 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World 2023
20 Great Film Festivals for First Time Filmmakers 2023
50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee 2021
50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee 2017
The 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World 2015
The 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World 2014
Film Festivals for the Rest of Us
Summer Preview Film Festival 2015
10 Great Places for a Fabulous Film Festival
Get Festival Tickets Here