Alabama's film industry is on the rise. This TechBirmingham × Sidewalk lunch-and-learn brings together voices spanning the creative ecosystem, from award-winning commercial and broadcast production, to grassroots filmmaker development and documentary storytelling preserving overlooked Southern history. Together, they'll dig into what it takes to build a sustainable creative industry here: talent pipelines, the technology reshaping how films get made, and the infrastructure required to keep momentum going. Moderated by Sidewalk's own Jessica Chriesman, a leader in film education and audience engagement.
Lunch is included. This event is free but registration is required at bit.ly/tt-aug26 Doors at 11:30, Panel at noon.
Join award-winning animator Bill Plympton as he discusses animation and reviews his long career. This event will be a specially ticketed event and include a Q+A, signing, and photo opportunity.
Hear from the winning scripts of the 2026 Sidewrite screenplay competition. A Cast of local actors will bring these scripts to life. Winning titles to be announced.
*This is a FREE event and SEATING IS FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED.
Filmmaker Anissa Latham-Brown's Wall of Sound, made in partnership with PBS amid major changes to public media funding, is the starting point for a larger conversation about telling Alabama's stories. This film's team digs into what it really means to thoughtfully approach storytelling: building genuine relationships and trust with participants, staying sustainable as an independent filmmaker, and harnessing the local community of storytellers in continued collaboration.
Are you interested in analog techniques? In this hands-on workshop filmmakers who want to understand more about the theory and practice of shooting film with 16mm and Super 8mm motion picture cameras get to learn first hand from Kodak Film Lab Atlanta and Otto Nemenz International - Atlanta. Cameras will include the 16mm Arri 416 Camera (the same camera used on festival selection Glorious Summer).
Co-host of Frankly Festivals podcast and founder of Dallas Video Festival, Bart Weiss will use his decades of experience as an award-winning independent film and video producer, director, editor, author, and educator to reveal best practices and tips for getting your film into festivals. He is the author of forthcoming book The Film Festival Guidebook published by Focal Press.
Hear from the teams behind selected festival documentary titles as they provide insights on how they intertwine their personal stories into films that resonate with audiences and reveal how authentic storytelling can create powerful emotional connections.
Art of the Pitch connects what you’re pitching for today to the big goal you’re working towards in 2, 3, 5, 10 years. You’ll learn the basics that are anything but basic: what materials to prepare, how to prepare your emails, your story, your body and your mindset to enter any room and build lasting relationships that will help you achieve your near and long term goals.
Distribution is one of the most mysterious and misunderstood topics for independent creators. We break down the current landscape of distribution for indie films and series, including the different avenues to take, the right questions to ask potential partners, and most importantly, the economics for every window, from theatrical through VOD and beyond.
A sustainable career in entertainment requires more than talent. This workshop prepares emerging creatives for the realities of film, television, theatre, music, and live events by exploring resilience, professionalism, communication, burnout prevention, and sustainable career practices. Participants leave with practical tools they can immediately apply throughout their creative careers.
