28th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival

USA • 1 hour 30 minutes
Directed by William David Caballero

After a series of successful short films, director William David Caballero has evolved his storytelling techniques and crafted a unique debut feature that doubles as an ode to his own family. Centered around his own Puerto Rican parents’ struggles with loss and acceptance, this hybrid animated documentary is unlike anything else you will see this year. Deeply personal stories are rarely told with such imagination, and TheyDream is a shining example of creating as an act of healing. 

Brian Ratigan - Features Programmer

Animated films from around the world.

Chip
Directed by Pete Ireland
2:58 • Australia • US Premiere
ANIMATED, DOC, INTERNATIONAL
From the summit of the rock god mountain, through the iconic pop culture milestones of the 70s, there have been two constants: time and Chip Monck. But time waits for no rock god. 

One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six
Directed by Yingdan Lai
8:10 • China, United States
INTERNATIONAL, WOMEN IN FILM
In a rule-bound boarding school, MiaoMiao receives a box of chocolate balls, a rare treat. As she clings to this small treasure, a mix of curiosity, doubt, and quiet rebellion begins to blur the boundaries between order and desire.
 
113 Words for You Today
Directed by Bo Qing Tang, Lan Zeng
12:31 • China, Taiwan, United States • Alabama Premiere
INTERNATIONAL, WOMEN IN FILM
A team of workers is sent to planet Gliese 12b to build a gravitational portal. To conserve energy for survival on the frozen planet, each worker is allowed to speak only 138 words per day.
 
Blessed
Directed by Birute Sodeikaite
7:30 • Canada • Southern US Premiere
INTERNATIONAL, WOMEN IN FILM
A no-nonsense Buffalo has always seen himself as fearless and ready to take the world, but when his long-awaited dream of fatherhood finally comes true, he is thrown into uncharted territory.
 
Snake Soup
Directed by Zack Demirtshyan
7:00 • Armenia • Alabama Premiere
INTERNATIONAL
On his way to a battlefield, one soldier retreats into his imagination and intermingles battlefield experiences with more peaceful encounters. 

On Saint Nicholas’ Eve
Directed by Robin Emy Mirel Ivasca
11:00 • Romania • Alabama Premiere
INTERNATIONAL, STUDENT
After seeing a man lying in the snow, a boy recalls a Saint Nicholas night spent with his father years before. Playing with his father takes an unexpected turn while his dream toy leaves a bitter aftertaste.

A Sparrow’s Song
Directed by Tobias Eckerlin
9:10 • Germany • Alabama Premiere
INTERNATIONAL, STUDENT
Inspired by a true story, a widowed World War II air raid warden struggles to overcome grief and rediscover joy until a tiny bird enters her life.

The Nest
Directed by Aurélien Coquery, Léa Kermanach, Soline Mauguin, Abel Tixador, Jean Baounon, Romane Selter-Fiette
7:12 • France • Southern US Premiere
INTERNATIONAL, STUDENT, WOMEN IN FILM
A shy young luthier, Aurore returns to work in the family’s prestigious workshop. As she reunites with her beloved mother, she uncovers a monstrous family secret.

Dreamwalker
Directed by Luca Schenato, Sinem Vardarli
15:00 • United Kingdom • Alabama Premiere
INTERNATIONAL, WOMEN IN FILM
When a shaman embarks on a quest to save his village from extinction, he connects with a scientist from a different time who is also striving to save her civilization.

Éiru
Directed by Giovanna Ferrari
12:59 • Ireland • Alabama Premiere
INTERNATIONAL, WOMEN IN FILM
When her village's well mysteriously dries up, only the smallest child can descend into the belly of the earth to investigate.