Filmed right here in Birmingham, Last Shot follows 12-year-old basketball player Caden Isaacs as he navigates an unexpected and sudden tragedy. Forced to move to a different city to live with his previously absent, workaholic mother, Caden learns that his actions have consequences as he tries to fit in with a new basketball team while Lexi juggles family and work responsibilities.
USA • 1 hour 5 minutes Directed by Jacob Koestler and Michael McDermit
Latin Clowns Evolution chronicles an annual weeklong convention where Latino clowns gather in South Los Angeles. The documentary seamlessly juxtaposes their joyful performances with stories of immigration, sacrifice, and resilience. As they learn new tricks and share deeply personal backstories, these artists remind us that spreading joy and laughter is a radical healing force.
Films appropriate for ages 6+. Come for your kid, stay for the fun.
Blu's Directed By Rajesh PK 09:46 • India • Alabama Premiere ANIMATED, INTERNATIONAL Witnessing her beautiful environment being swallowed up by industrialization, BLU decides to fight for the wildlife, meadows, rivers, and trees before they disappear completely.
Reel Birmingham Directed By Daniel Munoz, Brandon Grant 09:14 • United States ALABAMA, DOCUMENTARY, STUDENT What does it mean to pursue a filmmaking career outside of Hollywood? A portrait of the burgeoning indie film community in Birmingham.
Forever Home Directed By Ashley Wong 03:21 • United States • Alabama Premiere ALABAMA, ANIMATED, WOMEN IN FILM Benson, the three-legged mastiff, lives alone in a quiet house. He spends his days content to watch the world pass by until one day a mysterious dog shows up at his doorstep, followed by many more. (Note: Allusion to peaceful passing.)
Dawn Directed By Gary Telly Jeannot 09:34 • Cameroon ANIMATED, BLACK LENS, INTERNATIONAL In the depths of the Kenyan savannah, Malaïka, a young Masai warrior, comes face to face with himself and learns the true meaning of courage.
Like Father Directed By Jared Callahan 07:26 • United States • Alabama Premiere DOCUMENTARY A poignant look at the work of renowned children's author Richard Scarry as his son carries on the family legacy.
Armadillo Olympics Directed By Bae Allen 10:42 • United States • Alabama Premiere DOCUMENTARY, STUDENT A documentary film about a small town, its people, and an athletic competition for armadillos.
Snow Bear Directed By Aaron Blaise 11:29 • United States • Alabama Premiere ANIMATED When a lonely bear can't find a friend, he makes one. Completely hand-drawn, "Snow Bear" tells the story of a polar bear in an unforgiving environment on his quest to find a friend.
Two Tears Directed By Josefina Pieres 18:37 • United States • Alabama Premiere NARRATIVE, WOMEN IN FILM On the eve of their Nutcracker debut, two young ballerinas stumble upon a mysterious book revealing a dance curse and how to break it.
USA • 1 hour 35 minutes Directed by Bowie Alexander and Matthew Syrett
Tender, urgent, and hopeful, Admission Possible follows seven New York City high school seniors applying to college as first generation students. Guided by their determined and caring college admissions counselor, they grapple with the complex cultural, social, and political factors influencing higher education today. Debates over testing, legacies, and family loyalty muddy the waters of their decisions.
How powerful is childhood imagination? Costa Karlalis’ Frogtown draws us into a world where myth is reality. Set in a small Southern town, this feature reminds us about the art of collective dreaming. In this film, you’ll see complex family dynamics along with a reverence for the mystery of the natural world. Suspend your disbelief and amplify the amphibian!
