We are extremely excited to bring you our first six titles for the 26th Sidewalk Film Festival (August 19 - 25)! All are female-directed, female-led and female focused! 

Every year, we screen thousands of movies to bring the best in independent cinema for the Sidewalk Film Festival. Without fail, a majority of films follow a similar theme. This year, WOMEN LEAD FILM!

Here’s an introduction to these six particular films, read more on why we chose them here.

Dates & times but VIP + WEEKEND PASSES are now ON SALE!

Ladies First! Six Women-Led Films at the 26th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival + VIP and Weekend Passes Now On Sale!

CHAPERONE

Maturation blues. Misha, almost 30, refuses to sell her childhood home. She clings to her job as a ticket taker and has no ambitions to grow up. Misha finds solace in a relationship with a much younger man. A secret is revealed at a party, and she loses her job. Misha has no choice but to grow up. Will she finally make the leap into adulthood or continue to live a stunted life?

- Screening Committee Member Lisa Provost

NO ONE ASKED YOU

Comedian, disruptor-extraordinaire Lizz Winstead (co-creator The Daily Show) and her team of activists crisscross the U.S. to support abortion clinic staff and bust stigma. Pop culture icons and next-gen comics fuel this six-year road film activating small-town folks to rebuild vandalized clinics, exposing wrongdoer politicians, domestic terrorists, and media neglect as the race to the bottom ensues. A bold call to action reminds us that when the patriarchy burns down, joy will prevail.

- Director Ruth Leitman

A SONG FOR IMOGENE

A positive pregnancy test motivates Cheyenne to leave her abusive boyfriend, fleeing to her childhood home. But the needs of her dying alcoholic mother and estranged sister threaten to suffocate her dreams of escape. A Song for Imogen is a beautifully empathetic story without condescending Southern caricatures, showing complex women trying to climb out of crippling generational poverty, mend family wounds, and keep some dreams for themselves.

- Screening Committee Member Tara Hulen

MAYA AND THE WAVE

Follow the story of professional surfer Maya Gabeira and her pursuit of becoming a world record holder big wave surfer. Overcoming a near death accident, loss of sponsors, and continuous criticism that she did not belong in the male dominated sport, Maya’s courage and determination overcomes those challenges to prove that she is worthy.

- Screening Committee Member Eileen Keirnen

THE WORLD ACCORDING TO ALLEE WILLIS

Allee Willis' quote “I am the world’s best kept secret” really is the best way to describe this film. It’s a must watch for anyone who loves music, songwriting or just likes to see the underdog win. Allee was more than a songwriter, her persona was so strong that she built bridges. She was an icon in her time, she moved to the rhythm of her own beat and thankfully we get to dance to the boogie now.

- Screening Committee Member Derek Wingate

WELCOME SPACE BROTHERS

Welcome Space Brothers tells the story of The Unarius Academy of Science, a group of believers in self-healing and extra-terrestrial connection., and their leader Ruth Norman, aka Uriel. Through their use of public-access television, the group created films to tell their fantastic story to the world. Part spiritual group, part soap opera of personalities, and part discovery of an inventive indie filmmaker.

- Screening Committee Member Jamie Plott

VIP & Weekend Passes NOW ON SALE!
 
VIP, Weekend Passes, and all add-ons are on sale TODAY!
Day passes go on sale July 1st, 2024.

premium single tickets will go on sale July 26th, 2024.

Pass prices will increase on June 1st, July 1st, August 1st, and August 21st, 2024.

VIP PASSES

The VIP Pass provides you with top-tier access to the Sidewalk Film Festival – including access to Festival parties, first (or early) access to all Festival weekend films (VIP Pass holders are granted entrance first, alongside premium single ticket holders, followed by weekend pass holders, day pass holders and finally general admission ticket holders), the VIP Lounge and special perks throughout the weekend. VIP pass holders can add-on Spotlight Night tickets for only $5 at the time of checkout (regularly priced at $15).

The VIP pass includes:

- Opening Night film at The Alabama Theatre
- Opening Night After-Party with complimentary beer and wine for VIPs
- All Saturday films including the Saturday Spotlight Film
- Entry to the Saturday Night Party with complimentary beer and wine for VIPs (must be 18+ to attend)
- All Sunday films, including Closing Night Film
- Access to VIP lounge with refreshments and complimentary beer and wine
- Sidewalk Tote Bag
- Sidewalk Commemorative Program
- Early Access Seating for Film Screenings
- Exclusive VIP discounted tickets to select Festival Week special events (select these add-on tickets when you add the VIP pass to your shopping cart)

Get VIP Passes HERE!

WEEKEND PASSES

The Weekend Pass provides you with access to the Sidewalk Film Festival – including access to all Festival weekend films (remember, VIP pass holders are granted entrance first, alongside premium single ticket holders, followed by weekend pass holders, day pass holders, and finally general admission ticket holders) and the Opening Night After Party

This does not include Spotlight Nights, the Saturday Night Party, or VIP/Filmmaker events.
 
Get Weekend Passes HERE!

The 26th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival is August 19 - 25 in Downtown Birmingham's Historic Theatre District.