A selection of documentaries, narratives and animated short films by Alabamians or about Alabama.
What If? Directed by Emma Bradley Bothwell 1:59 • United States Cassidy learns that nervousness is a two-way street as she tries to speak to her crush.
The Wilhelm Scream Directed by Anna Quinlan 11:50 • United States The Wilhelm Scream has made an appearance in hundreds of films, TV shows, video games, and commercials over the past 70 years. Now discover the story behind the most infamous joke in cinema history.
Fail Year Directed by Beau Shepherd, Apollo Shepherd 2:17 • United States After moving to a city, we watch as a man proceeds to have the worst year of his life. Perhaps the new year will kick off on a higher note.
It Draws Closer Directed by Joshua David Matthews 4:30 • United States A young woman discovers the creature she just sketched is in the bedroom with her.
Next Show in 90 Minutes Directed by John T. Hill 7:20 • United States A routine both natural and unnatural unfolds in the heart of one of America's most cherished landscapes. Content Warning: This film contains mild body horror and brief violence.
b[Reach] Directed by Rachel Hendrix 10:45 • United States A mother struggling with postpartum intrusive thoughts confronts her mental state in a desperate phone call.
A Place to Be Fed Directed by Billy Ivey 19:46 • United States James Harris strives to create a self-sustaining and replicable place of hope, healing, and restoration for food desert communities. The film shines a light on our universal need for healthy food, and a place to call our own.
Neither Donkey Nor Horse Directed by Robin Wang 28:29 • United States Amidst the outbreak of the 1910 Manchurian Plague, a young Chinese doctor must defy prejudices of both the East and the West to champion his groundbreaking theory of the disease and seek the truth that will heal it.
Monday August 18, 2025 6:00pm - 7:45pm CDT Sidewalk Cinema Theater A1821 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham, AL 35203
A selection of documentaries, narratives and animated short films by Alabamians or about Alabama.
What If? Directed by Emma Bradley Bothwell 1:59 • United States Cassidy learns that nervousness is a two-way street as she tries to speak to her crush.
The Wilhelm Scream Directed by Anna Quinlan 11:50 • United States The Wilhelm Scream has made an appearance in hundreds of films, TV shows, video games, and commercials over the past 70 years. Now discover the story behind the most infamous joke in cinema history.
Fail Year Directed by Beau Shepherd, Apollo Shepherd 2:17 • United States After moving to a city, we watch as a man proceeds to have the worst year of his life. Perhaps the new year will kick off on a higher note.
It Draws Closer Directed by Joshua David Matthews 4:30 • United States A young woman discovers the creature she just sketched is in the bedroom with her.
Next Show in 90 Minutes Directed by John T. Hill 7:20 • United States A routine both natural and unnatural unfolds in the heart of one of America's most cherished landscapes. Content Warning: This film contains mild body horror and brief violence.
b[Reach] Directed by Rachel Hendrix 10:45 • United States A mother struggling with postpartum intrusive thoughts confronts her mental state in a desperate phone call.
A Place to Be Fed Directed by Billy Ivey 19:46 • United States James Harris strives to create a self-sustaining and replicable place of hope, healing, and restoration for food desert communities. The film shines a light on our universal need for healthy food, and a place to call our own.
Neither Donkey Nor Horse Directed by Robin Wang 28:29 • United States Amidst the outbreak of the 1910 Manchurian Plague, a young Chinese doctor must defy prejudices of both the East and the West to champion his groundbreaking theory of the disease and seek the truth that will heal it.
Monday August 18, 2025 6:30pm - 8:15pm CDT Sidewalk Cinema Theater B1821 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham, AL 35203
USA • 1 hour 47 minutes • documentary Directed by Jason Sciavicco
“For the Love of the Game” is a phrase that is thrown around easily, but for the players on the Birmingham-Southern College baseball team it’s a lifestyle. Far from the money driven world of big-time college athletics and NIL contracts, these are true student athletes that are chasing a dream without scholarships or the perks that come with playing for a major program. Following years of financial difficulty post-Covid and a rollercoaster ride dealing with the state legislature to secure funding, Birmingham-Southern College is out of options and is forced to announce they are closing down. Despite the crushing news and now facing uncertain futures, the BSC Panthers respond with an improbable winning streak that secures a spot in the postseason and lifts the spirit of the BSC faithful. The eclectic collection of players and their inspirational coach are pursuing a legendary playoff run that continues after the demise of the school they play for.
USA • 1 hour 47 minutes • documentary Directed by Jason Sciavicco
“For the Love of the Game” is a phrase that is thrown around easily, but for the players on the Birmingham-Southern College baseball team it’s a lifestyle. Far from the money driven world of big-time college athletics and NIL contracts, these are true student athletes that are chasing a dream without scholarships or the perks that come with playing for a major program. Following years of financial difficulty post-Covid and a rollercoaster ride dealing with the state legislature to secure funding, Birmingham-Southern College is out of options and is forced to announce they are closing down. Despite the crushing news and now facing uncertain futures, the BSC Panthers respond with an improbable winning streak that secures a spot in the postseason and lifts the spirit of the BSC faithful. The eclectic collection of players and their inspirational coach are pursuing a legendary playoff run that continues after the demise of the school they play for.
A selection of documentary shorts highlighting important human and civil right issues.
The Library Problem Directed by Mell Packard 5:27 • United States A short student documentary examining the history and current status of the ongoing battle taking place over LGBTQ+ content in the children's section of Alabama public libraries.
Failure to Fail Directed by Haley Breese 20:17 • United States Delve into the troubling phenomenon of grade inflation in the United States education system. Through the stories of three dedicated teachers, we explore the systemic flaws that push unprepared students through the educational pipeline and consider critical questions about the true value of academic achievements.
The Third Child Directed by Serna Amini 25:11 • Iran Mehdi is the only hearing child in a completely deaf family. Now, he is striving to become a professional voice actor and dubbing artist on his new path while navigating the challenges of his family's circumstance.
The Congress Directed by Eko Krisna 10:58 • Indonesia Indonesian activist Rukka Sombolinggi believes the key to confronting climate crisis is to unite and mobilize the Indigenous communities who are often impacted the most. Now, as the first female general secretary of the world's largest Indigenous Peoples organization, she has the power to do just that.
Exodus Directed by Bob Miller 24:51 • United States Meet Musa and Emmanuel, two unlikely heroes, as they facilitate the evacuation of their fellow Sudanese from cities torn by decades of war into the remote Nuba Mountains in Sudan.
Tuesday August 19, 2025 6:00pm - 7:45pm CDT Sidewalk Cinema Theater A1821 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham, AL 35203
A selection of documentary shorts highlighting important human and civil right issues.
The Library Problem Directed by Mell Packard 5:27 • United States A short student documentary examining the history and current status of the ongoing battle taking place over LGBTQ+ content in the children's section of Alabama public libraries.
Failure to Fail Directed by Haley Breese 20:17 • United States Delve into the troubling phenomenon of grade inflation in the United States education system. Through the stories of three dedicated teachers, we explore the systemic flaws that push unprepared students through the educational pipeline and consider critical questions about the true value of academic achievements.
The Third Child Directed by Serna Amini 25:11 • Iran Mehdi is the only hearing child in a completely deaf family. Now, he is striving to become a professional voice actor and dubbing artist on his new path while navigating the challenges of his family's circumstance.
The Congress Directed by Eko Krisna 10:58 • Indonesia Indonesian activist Rukka Sombolinggi believes the key to confronting climate crisis is to unite and mobilize the Indigenous communities who are often impacted the most. Now, as the first female general secretary of the world's largest Indigenous Peoples organization, she has the power to do just that.
Exodus Directed by Bob Miller 24:51 • United States Meet Musa and Emmanuel, two unlikely heroes, as they facilitate the evacuation of their fellow Sudanese from cities torn by decades of war into the remote Nuba Mountains in Sudan.
Tuesday August 19, 2025 6:30pm - 8:15pm CDT Sidewalk Cinema Theater B1821 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham, AL 35203
USA • 1 hour 10 minutes • documentary Directed by Jessica Earnshaw
At 22, Gail gave birth alone and left her newborn in the woods. Decades later, she’s arrested for murder, even though she says the baby was stillborn. BABY DOE explores the fallout when young women cannot accept the reality of an unplanned pregnancy.
USA • 1 hour 10 minutes • documentary Directed by Jessica Earnshaw
At 22, Gail gave birth alone and left her newborn in the woods. Decades later, she’s arrested for murder, even though she says the baby was stillborn. BABY DOE explores the fallout when young women cannot accept the reality of an unplanned pregnancy.
A selection of short documentary, and narrative films that highlight the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities.
Once Upon a Wetland Directed by Elizabeth Miller-Derstine 16:00 • United States As restrictions tighten across the country, Durham, North Carolina preps for the annual Beaver Queen Pageant a campy, un-beaver-lievable celebration of LGBTQIA activism, environmental conservation, and outrageous critter cosplay.
Solemates Directed by James Rathbone and Mike Feswick 12:00 • Canada The story of a love triangle between a shoe store owner, a customer, and an old pair of shoes.
F*ck That Guy! Directed by Hanna Gray 17:33 • United States 1992 Connecticut. Desperate to keep the attention of her intoxicating older best friend, Frankie sets out to prove that sex is no big deal.
She Raised Me Directed by Ben Lewis 13:26 • Canada & United States When a struggling writer discovers he’s dating the son of his favorite actress, he’ll do anything to make (and keep) a meaningful connection.
Hearts of Stone Directed by Tom van Avermaet 29:55 • Belgium An unexpected connection between Paula, a lonely street artist, and the mysterious sculpture that inspires her unfolds in this fantastical tale of love, loss, and rediscovery.
Wednesday August 20, 2025 6:00pm - 7:45pm CDT Sidewalk Cinema Theater A1821 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham, AL 35203
A selection of short documentary, and narrative films that highlight the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities.
Once Upon a Wetland Directed by Elizabeth Miller-Derstine 16:00 • United States As restrictions tighten across the country, Durham, North Carolina preps for the annual Beaver Queen Pageant a campy, un-beaver-lievable celebration of LGBTQIA activism, environmental conservation, and outrageous critter cosplay.
Solemates Directed by James Rathbone and Mike Feswick 12:00 • Canada The story of a love triangle between a shoe store owner, a customer, and an old pair of shoes.
F*ck That Guy! Directed by Hanna Gray 17:33 • United States 1992 Connecticut. Desperate to keep the attention of her intoxicating older best friend, Frankie sets out to prove that sex is no big deal.
She Raised Me Directed by Ben Lewis 13:26 • Canada & United States When a struggling writer discovers he’s dating the son of his favorite actress, he’ll do anything to make (and keep) a meaningful connection.
Hearts of Stone Directed by Tom van Avermaet 29:55 • Belgium An unexpected connection between Paula, a lonely street artist, and the mysterious sculpture that inspires her unfolds in this fantastical tale of love, loss, and rediscovery.
Wednesday August 20, 2025 6:30pm - 8:15pm CDT Sidewalk Cinema Theater B1821 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham, AL 35203
USA • 1 hour 19 minutes • documentary Directed by Rachel van der Bie
This feature documentary explores the historical relationship between Hollywood, television, and the authentic portrayal of diverse LGBTQ+ experiences over the course of more than a century. Interviews and archival footage provide a critique of the U.S. film industry that emphasizes the life-saving role storytelling plays in our collective imagination for a better future.
USA • 1 hour 19 minutes • documentary Directed by Rachel van der Bie
This feature documentary explores the historical relationship between Hollywood, television, and the authentic portrayal of diverse LGBTQ+ experiences over the course of more than a century. Interviews and archival footage provide a critique of the U.S. film industry that emphasizes the life-saving role storytelling plays in our collective imagination for a better future.
A selection of short documentary, narrative, and animated films that highlight the black experience and black filmmakers.
UNCAGED Directed by Jay Richardson 5:19 • United States A young NIL student-athlete grapples with anxiety, identity, and survivor's guilt as he navigates the hidden costs of success.
Vainglorious Directed by Oshiomati Gabriel Ugbodaga 8:15 • United States When a skilled young boxer and a determined father clash in a traditional Nigerian boxing match, their resilience and pride are put to the ultimate test.
Bloqué Directed by Miguel Ortiz 6:39 • United States A drummer with a creative block visually takes the audience down his own memories into the heart of his emotional blockage.
House of Modern Art Directed by Matthew Mugweru 5:39 • United States In "House of Modern Art," an obsessive cult from diverse trades and backgrounds gathers to perform a grotesque ritual, constructing a distorted piece of artwork that serves as their idol of worship.
Heavy Is the Head Directed by Chap Edmonson 9:24 • United States An experimental exploration of identity as a young black man learns to navigate the world and the expectations that weigh upon him.
American Dignity Directed by Hanson Hosein 19:59 • United States Filmed during the first weeks of 2025, "American Dignity" captures a nation in flux. This short documentary is both a snapshot of a critical moment and a meditation on the enduring tension between progress and backlash.
Livestreams with GrandmaPuzzles Directed by Emily Sheskin 6:00 • United States A lifelong hobby becomes a lifeline for an unexpected Twitch streamer.
Voices of the Academy Directed by Latoria Hicks 13:14 • United States Three professors explore the history, significance, and ongoing challenges of African American Vernacular English in education and the United States and reflect on its cultural impact and the fight for linguistic acceptance.
Teddy Directed by Lauren Santucci 15:55 • United States Meet Timothy Gant, Jr., "Teddy," a male birth doula working to improve birth outcomes for Black women in Houston, Texas. As a doula working predominantly with Black women, Timothy helps his clients achieve a positive, safe, and empowering birth on their terms.
Thursday August 21, 2025 6:00pm - 7:45pm CDT Sidewalk Cinema Theater A1821 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham, AL 35203
A selection of short documentary, narrative, and animated films that highlight the black experience and black filmmakers.
UNCAGED Directed by Jay Richardson 5:19 • United States A young NIL student-athlete grapples with anxiety, identity, and survivor's guilt as he navigates the hidden costs of success.
Vainglorious Directed by Oshiomati Gabriel Ugbodaga 8:15 • United States When a skilled young boxer and a determined father clash in a traditional Nigerian boxing match, their resilience and pride are put to the ultimate test.
Bloqué Directed by Miguel Ortiz 6:39 • United States A drummer with a creative block visually takes the audience down his own memories into the heart of his emotional blockage.
House of Modern Art Directed by Matthew Mugweru 5:39 • United States In "House of Modern Art," an obsessive cult from diverse trades and backgrounds gathers to perform a grotesque ritual, constructing a distorted piece of artwork that serves as their idol of worship.
Heavy Is the Head Directed by Chap Edmonson 9:24 • United States An experimental exploration of identity as a young black man learns to navigate the world and the expectations that weigh upon him.
American Dignity Directed by Hanson Hosein 19:59 • United States Filmed during the first weeks of 2025, "American Dignity" captures a nation in flux. This short documentary is both a snapshot of a critical moment and a meditation on the enduring tension between progress and backlash.
Livestreams with GrandmaPuzzles Directed by Emily Sheskin 6:00 • United States A lifelong hobby becomes a lifeline for an unexpected Twitch streamer.
Voices of the Academy Directed by Latoria Hicks 13:14 • United States Three professors explore the history, significance, and ongoing challenges of African American Vernacular English in education and the United States and reflect on its cultural impact and the fight for linguistic acceptance.
Teddy Directed by Lauren Santucci 15:55 • United States Meet Timothy Gant, Jr., "Teddy," a male birth doula working to improve birth outcomes for Black women in Houston, Texas. As a doula working predominantly with Black women, Timothy helps his clients achieve a positive, safe, and empowering birth on their terms.
Thursday August 21, 2025 6:30pm - 8:15pm CDT Sidewalk Cinema Theater B1821 2nd Ave. N., Birmingham, AL 35203
USA • 1 hour 30 minutes • documentary Directed by Catherine Gund
In 1971, underestimated artist Faith Ringgold made a monumental painting for the women incarcerated at Rikers Island jail. Fifty years later, artist Mary Enoch Elizabeth Baxter, who gave birth in prison 15 years ago, finds herself banding together with an eccentric bunch of activists, politicians, artists, corrections officers and Faith Ringgold to free the painting with the ultimate goal of freeing the women. Paint Me a Road Out of Here is a wild tale of the painting’s whitewashed journey and the two artists who challenge the same powerful, oppressive and persistent institutions, a half century apart with their artwork, their voices and their shared, persistent goals.
USA • 1 hour 30 minutes • documentary Directed by Catherine Gund
In 1971, underestimated artist Faith Ringgold made a monumental painting for the women incarcerated at Rikers Island jail. Fifty years later, artist Mary Enoch Elizabeth Baxter, who gave birth in prison 15 years ago, finds herself banding together with an eccentric bunch of activists, politicians, artists, corrections officers and Faith Ringgold to free the painting with the ultimate goal of freeing the women. Paint Me a Road Out of Here is a wild tale of the painting’s whitewashed journey and the two artists who challenge the same powerful, oppressive and persistent institutions, a half century apart with their artwork, their voices and their shared, persistent goals.
