Sidewalk Film Festival to Showcase More Than 250 Films Across Birmingham

By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times

Film lovers from Birmingham and beyond will have the opportunity to experience more than 250 films during the 28th Sidewalk Film Festival, which will bring filmmakers, artists and audiences together across 11 venues in Birmingham’s historic theater district.

The 28th annual Sidewalk Film Festival will take place in Birmingham from August 24-30.

Festival organizers hosted two festival preview nights at Sidewalk Cinema last week to showcase what’s in store.

The festival will feature a mix of short films, documentaries and narrative features, with programming designed to highlight Alabama filmmakers while also introducing Birmingham audiences to stories from across the country and around the world.

Jessica Chriesman, Sidewalk’s director of education and outreach and Black Lens features programmer, said the festival’s programming is designed to offer a wide range of perspectives.

“We do try to have a spotlight on our Alabama filmmakers, but we also want to bring international titles to Birmingham as well for our audience here,” Chriesman said.

Among the festival’s featured programming is the Black Lens track, which includes both narrative films and documentaries that explore the diversity of Black communities.

Chriesman said the program includes films directed by Black filmmakers, as well as stories about Black people and their lived experiences told through different perspectives.

“We really try to show the breadth of the Black experience,” she said.

This year’s Black Lens programming includes stories about high school football, family, the entertainment industry and the lasting impact of history.

One of the featured films is “Warriors,” directed by Leland Hall. The documentary tells the story of the 2009 Davidson High School football team, a powerhouse public school program that pursued an Alabama state championship.

The team featured future NFL players Jimmie Ward and Jaquiski Tartt, who became the first high school duo drafted by the same NFL team.

Set against the backdrop of Friday night football in the Deep South, Warriors explores the achievements of the 2009 season while also focusing on the personal stories of several players and coaches.

Another film, “A Mess of Memories,” directed by Ebony Blanding, follows estranged siblings Deja, Riley, Mylo and Brooke as they reunite when their childhood home is threatened by their mother Jovita’s hoarding.

As the siblings sort through years of clutter, buried memories, family tensions and long-held secrets begin to resurface. What begins as an effort to save their home becomes a journey involving family, reconciliation and rediscovering the ties that bind them.

The documentary “Punkie”, directed by Audrey Olsen, offers a behind-the-scenes look at stand-up comedian and Saturday Night Live star Punkie Johnson.

The film follows Johnson as she navigates the challenges of life on the road, works to protect her authentic artistic voice and confronts a personal crisis.

The Alabama connection continues with “Echoes of The Forks of Cypress,” directed by Frederick DeShon Murphy.

The documentary explores the lives of enslaved people and enslavers connected to the Forks of Cypress plantation in Florence, Alabama, highlighting the struggles, resilience and historical significance of the plantation.

The film then shifts to the present, following descendants from both sides as they confront their shared past and work toward healing.

Chriesman said the Black Lens programming is intentionally broad, with the goal of creating a lineup that offers something for a variety of moviegoers.

“We have a film that is like a music doc. We have some films that are from Africa. We have some films that are Alabama and civil rights related,” she said. “So we really try to have a little bit of something for everyone.”

While film screenings remain at the center of the festival, Sidewalk will also offer attendees opportunities to socialize and celebrate outside of the theaters.

The festival’s opening night party will take place following the opening night film. The event will include a street party with a bar and will allow festivalgoers to gather throughout the evening.

The festival’s Saturday night party will take place at Lakeview Marina, where Sidewalk will take over the complex for an evening featuring a variety of experiences.

“Whether you’re like a more low-key chill party or you like getting to talk to and see everyone who walks through the door,” Chriesman said, the Saturday night event will offer something for different types of attendees.

Participants can purchase tickets to the parties separately from film tickets, allowing those interested in the social events to attend without purchasing a full festival pass.

With more than 250 films spread across 11 venues, the festival will give audiences the opportunity to experience stories that range from Alabama history and Black life to family, music, sports and international perspectives.

For tickets and more information on the 28th Sidewalk Film Festival, visit sidewalkfest.com/tix.