28th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival

Learn something new about Alabama the Beautiful in these docs by Alabamians.

The Mayor of Rasslin'
Directed By Layla Khan-Hickman
05:32 • United States
ALABAMA, STUDENT, WOMEN IN FILM
In a small Alabama town, "The Mayor of Rasslin'" follows the life of a beloved mayor and pro-wrestler who fights for his community -- both in the ring and out of it.

Are You Listening? Poetry in the Magic City
Directed By Juliana Eberhardt, Sophie Estrada, Amelia Velaski
11:33 • United States
STUDENT, WOMEN IN FILM
Poets Ashley M. Jones and Halley Cotton spark a poetry renaissance in Birmingham, Alabama. Now, poets of all ages and levels of experience are writing, reciting, and inspiring with their artful use of language. 

HYPERSCALED
Directed By Maya Estrera
19:28 • United States
ENVIRONMENTAL, STUDENT, WOMEN IN FILM
Focused on Alabama's "Project Marvel," this documentary unearths the real world cost of AI as residents fight to get answers about the costly impacts of proposed datacenters. 

Final Press
Directed By John Haley
10:45 • United States • Alabama Premiere
Workers at The Minnesota Star Tribune complete the last run of the newspaper's Heritage printing plant bringing an end to 150 years of printing the paper in Minnesota.

Monograph: David Brower
Directed By Christopher E. Holmes
06:50 • United States
Artist David Brower reflects on his career from photographer to award-winning filmmaker and the transition from commercial work to multi-disciplinary art that feeds the soul.

Memory Work
Directed By Jada Brielle Ceaser
03:21 • United States
BLACK LENS, STUDENT, WOMEN IN FILM
VHS collector Justin Cottingham doesn't just preserve media; he keeps memories alive through his one-of-a-kind hobby.

Ādi
Directed By Sukanya Subramaniyan
11:06 • India • U.S. Premiere
WOMEN IN FILM
"Ādi" (Sanskrit for "beginning" or "origin) captures the origin of the cross-cultural musical group Vishnu, Davis, & Haleigh as they discover new friendships and new sounds together.

The Chukker: Nation of Misfits
Directed By Nate Billings, Charlotte Gale
08:35 • United States
STUDENT, WOMEN IN FILM
The Chukker: Nation of Misfits is a short documentary that tells the story of the famed Tuscaloosa establishment, The Chukker, from its conception in 1956 to the building's condemnation in 2007.

Wall of Sound
Directed By Anissa Latham-Brown
11:02 • United States
BLACK LENS, WOMEN IN FILM
Watch the electrifying and intense journey of the nationally recognized Purple Marching Machine from Miles College—an HBCU in Fairfield, Alabama—as the band prepares for the 2025-2026 season.

Short films to remind us that we are never as isolated as may feel.

The Boy with the Dinosaur Head
Directed by Imran J Khan
9:57 • United States • Alabama Premiere
A troubled first-grader is convinced he's a dinosaur, much to the chagrin of the teacher tasked with bringing him back down to earth. What passes between them, though fragile and brief, is enough to change how both will remember this day.

Leo Lets It Rain
Directed by Jasmin Prophete
11:20 • United States • Southern US Premiere
BLACK LENS, SHOUT, STUDENT
Leo, a trans man with undiagnosed ADHD, is on his way to win back his ex-girlfriend when his plans are thwarted by a storm, forcing him to slow down and reevaluate.

DISC
Directed by Blake Rice
13:56 • United States • Alabama Premiere
A conference hookup turns into something much more awkwardly intimate.

"dirt" by emory
Directed by Julia Fernandez
3:30 • United States • Southern US Premiere
Composed of 300 hand-crafted ceramic tiles, the analogue stop-motion music video for "Dirt" by Emory constructs a fragile universe from dirt itself.

Terrarium
Directed by Morgon Dickerson
10:12 • United States • World Premiere
ALABAMA
Isolated from the desolation outside, a woman reckons her quiet existence against the forces of nature and ruin.

Mary the Widow
Directed by Ryan Noufer
14:13 • United States • Southern US Premiere
An aging widow begrudgingly goes to a speed-dating event at her daughter. Among a string of dud dates, one gentle stranger lingers in her mind.

Vital
Directed by Amir Zargara
14:10 • Canada, Iran • Alabama Premiere
A mother in Iran considers selling her organs to pay for her daughter's healthcare while a doctor in the United States faces ethical dilemmas to save his daughter in this revealing story of the complexities of organ trade.

I Think About Killing You
Directed by Ran Ran Wang
14:10 • United States • Southern US Premiere
WOMEN IN FILM
Team captain Dani is plagued by invasive fantasies of killing her abusive coach. When the coach pushes the team too far, Dani must choose whether or not to act on her fantasies of violence.

Take a glimpse into the future of filmmaking with these teen filmmakers of today.

Love You
Directed By Davy Forrester
02:53 • United States
NARRATIVE
An exploration of teenage female friendship and all the emotional ups and downs that can sometimes lead to fights that include dresses, boys, knives, and flamethrowers.

Time Will Tell
Directed By Peyton Cooper
09:27 • United States • Alabama Premiere
NARRATIVE, WOMEN IN FILM
When two high school classmates are assigned to debate whether love is fate or chance, their partnership quickly blossoms from friendship into romance.

MIME
Directed By Gabri Blankson
06:39 • United States
BLACK LENS, NARRATIVE, WOMEN IN FILM
Sixteen-year-old Bri is on the verge of a significant soccer opportunity when the COVID-19 pandemic forces her into isolation. Trapped in a silent, monochrome world, Bri faces the overwhelming presence of these mimes.

Dualists
Directed By Worthy Culverhouse
14:54 • United States
ALABAMA, NARRATIVE
When two friends are given the lead parts in their school's play about an academy for dualists, they follow their instructor's tradition of "embodying characters" and find their friendship tested and the line between reality and fantasy blurring.

Grow Up
Directed By Dari Justin
08:21 • Australia • Southern U.S. Premiere
INTERNATIONAL, NARRATIVE
When 12-year-old Kai is forced to recognize that his older brother has outgrown their childhood fantasy games, he decides it's time to grow up. But is he ready?

Magnacamp
Directed By Landon Zimmer
05:01 • United States • World Premiere
ALABAMA, NARRATIVE
A look at a successful camp months after a zombie apocalypse. 

CHAD
Directed By Maria George, Silverr King
08:11 • United States
ALABAMA, NARRATIVE, WOMEN IN FILM
In the current world where AI is taking precedence over thinking and relationships, Izzy finds herself on a self-journey through intense realities. Sidewalk Teen Board 2026 film.

Rocket
Directed By Luke Ashton Beall
04:40 • United States • World Premiere
ALABAMA, NARRATIVE
A boy attempts to build a model rocket without being discovered by his father.

The Prime Candidate
Directed By Joseph Pickens, Graham Cason
03:30 • United States • U.S. Premiere
ALABAMA, NARRATIVE
A young job candidate participates in an interview where the questions become increasingly concerning. Unemployment may be preferable to what this company has in store.

Dwell
Directed By Luke Ashton Beall
09:57 • United States • World Premiere
ALABAMA, DOCUMENTARY, LIFE & LIBERTY
Dwell Mobile works to resettle refugees in Mobile, Alabama. This documentary sheds light on the experiences of those whom Dwell assists.

No Small Matter
Directed By India Anne Mitchell
05:37 • United States • Alabama Premiere
LIFE & LIBERTY, WOMEN IN FILM, DOCUMENTARY
Through the lens of a 15-year-old filmmaker, "No Small Matter" pulls back the curtain on a radical shift: a court designed not to punish, but to provide a final, desperate lifeline.

Instant
Directed By Hudson Hillin
09:59 • United States • Alabama Premiere
NARRATIVE
For teenage photographer Bennett, memories are made to be captured; for free-spirited Grace, they're meant to be lived.

Draupadi
Directed By Rishan Sathiyaa
10:02 • United States
NARRATIVE
A story about forgiveness and religion set in the grassroots Hindu culture of the San Francisco Bay Area, an Indian girl must attend a karayalu for an uncle who wronged her.

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.

Documentaries about the wide world brought home to you.

What’s My Name?
Directed by Yuge Zhou
8:09 • China, United States • World Premiere
WOMEN IN FILM
Do you keep your name or change your name when immigrating to another country? In this playful exploration of pronunciation, cross-cultural identity, and the nuances of language, learn the real importance of a name and its declaration of ethnicity.

Within Me
Directed by Sherlyn Reyes Zamora
15:21 • United States • Alabama Premiere
WOMEN IN FILM, ALABAMA, LIFE & LIBERTY, STUDENT
"Within Me" explores the adversity and resilience of a Mexican immigrant family in Alabama as each member reflects on how far they've come.

Freedom of the Press
Directed by Pablo Quintero
5:00 • United States
STUDENT
A college professor turns to the printing press to process the weight of political turmoil as he creates prints that invite others to slow down, reflect, and reconnect in an overstimulated digital age.

Rolling Film, Rocking History: Al Maysles Captures the Beatles
Directed by Bart Weiss
10:56 • United States
Al Maysles tells the story of how he shot the Beatles coming to the USA for the first time.

The Day Is Not Lost
Directed by Kay Hannahan
14:50 • Bulgaria • Southern US Premiere
INTERNATIONAL
As the call to prayer echoes throughout a village in Bulgaria's Rhodope mountains, a cold January day becomes a meditation on tradition and transformation high in this quiet observational documentary.

The Theory of Spice
Directed by Gilly Barnes
7:28 • United States • Southern US Premiere
WOMEN IN FILM
Where does flavor come from? Journey across India, Sri Lanka, and Guatemala to examine the provenance, potency, history, and mythology of Ginger, Cinnamon, and Cardamom in this artistic documentary.

Zastava Brothers
Directed by Pep Stojanovic
21:55 • United States • Alabama Premiere
While the Yugo may have faded in popularity in the US, it has become a rallying passion for those from the former Yugoslavia where the little-car-that-could remains an integral part of memories and culture.

A variety of documentaries that delve into the diverse lives of the LGBTQ+ communities.

Drag me to Church
Directed by Isabella Sullivan
12:34 • United States • Alabama Premiere
DOCUMENTARY, SHOUT
Worlds collide when a gay pastor in Atlanta, Georgia, bridges the gap between two divided communities by throwing a fabulous drag church service.

Rainbow Rider
Directed by Georgia Krause
25: 41 • United States • Southern U.S. Premiere
DOCUMENTARY, SHOUT
Rainbow Rider follows Shelle Lichti, an outspoken lesbian truck driver hauling freight across the country in her eponymous and iconic rainbow semi-truck.

There’s a Small Hotel
Directed by Michael Grodner
18:53 • United States • Southern U.S. Premiere
DOCUMENTARY, SHOUT
A short documentary about the Brevoort, an old Hollywood apartment building with a notorious past, that has been managed for the last 18 years by former Warhol superstar Joe Dallesandro.

Love Birds
Directed by Elliott Kennerson and Angel Morris
27:40 • United States • Alabama Premiere
DOCUMENTARY, SHOUT
In 1972, when married biologists George Hunt and Molly Warner discover that a great number of nesting seagull pairs on one of California's Channel Islands are all female, their research on “lesbian seagulls” triggers outrage and jubilation in a nation grappling with a growing LGBTQ+ rights movement while also threatening to tear apart their own relationship.

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.

Films to lighten your day and bring a smile to your face.

Loco
Directed By Eddie Mujica
15:57 • United States • Alabama Premiere
At his first therapy session, Rafael Reyes relives the anxious thoughts and overbearing family that boiled over on the night of his 25th birthday. Based on a true story of false thoughts.

The Sisters of Scott County 
Directed By Courtney Hoffman
12:00 • United States • Alabama Premiere
WOMEN IN FILM
All Cherry Mary wants is to pass her Commercial Driver's License test and become a trucker, but after her family's criminal enterprise makes the wrong enemies. When the test starts, the trouble begins.

Stop to Stop
Directed By Samantha Massell, Asher Grodman
11:30 • United States • Southern U.S. Premiere
WOMEN IN FILM
A frustrated response to a spam political text leads to an unexpected meet-cute.

A Night In
Directed By Eduardo Olmos
15:00 • United States • Alabama Premiere
When an upscale rental is accidentally double booked, two strangers discover unexpected connection during an evening of forced hospitality, psychological games, and emotional vulnerability.

Big Little Love
Directed By Liesa Cole
03:00 • United States
ALABAMA, WOMEN IN FILM
Sometimes a little Love can make a big difference.

UN-DEAD
Directed By Bo Webb
09:56 • United States • Alabama Premiere
A zombie outbreak is ruining Jane's first day at her new job, but she does something desperate and crazy that changes everything in funny and unexpected ways. 

Another Day in the West
Directed By Matthew Sliger
03:18 • United States • Alabama Premiere
The true cycle of the West reveals itself when a cowboy steps up to defend the honor of the woman he loves. 

The Method
Directed By Luke Howe
15:22 • United States • Southern U.S. Premiere
To get out of the doghouse, a desperate husband hires a washed-up actor-turned-con artist to pose as a couples therapist.

Documentaries that remind us all voices deserve to be heard.

From Fields to Flight
Directed By Ipshita Bhattacharyya
11:10 • India
INTERNATIONAL, LIFE & LIBERTY, WOMEN IN FILM
In a world ruled by patriarchy, one woman from India's hinterlands finds the courage to challenge gender norms to achieve her dream of becoming a drone pilot.

Faithful Defenders
Directed By Barbara Jean Hall
17:15 • United States
WOMEN IN FILM
In a challenging and inspirational approach, "Faithful Defenders" suggests that Christianity and reproductive rights can co-exist.

White Nine
Directed By Nilou Safinya
29:15 • United States • Southern US Premiere
WOMEN IN FILM
Meet Joe, Christos, and Charlie, three teenagers whose lives were forever changed by devastating spinal cord injuries in the 1960s. Bound by survival, friendship, and a shared refusal to be marginalized, they became leaders in Massachusetts’ independent living movement and helped fight for the civil rights of people with disabilities.

Oceanbone
Directed By Lani Cupchoy
09:16 • United States • Alabama Premiere
WOMEN IN FILM
Stolen ancestors lie in museum vaults, waiting to return home. "Oceanbone" is a poetic reckoning with history, confronting the colonial theft of Indigenous remains and the urgent fight to bring them back.

HER BABY DIDN'T BLOCK HER JUMP SHOT
Directed By Emily M Lobsenz
25:00 • United States • World Premiere
WOMEN IN FILM
In 1969, high school freshman Jane led her basketball team to a state tournament. In 1970, she scored over 40 points a game. In 1971, when she gives birth, state rules make her ineligible to play. In 1972, with the backing of her coach and friends, she continued to play and began a landmark challenge to a rule that allowed boys involved in a pregnancy to continue playing while refusing the same privilege to girls.