Sidewalk Film Festival is in full swing, and the 2022 edition is full of must-see flicks. Selections cover everything from John McEnroe’s side of his life story to the making of Reading Rainbow to the disappearance of the Booty Boys. There are music video watchings, morning cartoons, short film highlights, and all sorts of other film-related fun. There are also plenty of parties, skate nights, panel readings, and other outdoor adventures for when your eyes need a break from the screen. Sidewalk impressed in all areas this year, including their amazing assortment of Alabama-centric showings. Here are a few that you’ve got to see.
Drexell & Honeybees (Alabama, Documentary, Black Lens)
“Drexell & Honeybee's is a "donations only" restaurant; run by Lisa and Freddie Thomas-McMillan. Together, with the help of volunteers, they serve meals to their beloved small community of Brewton, Alabama. Rich or poor, everyone who walks through their doors is treated equally with dignity and respect. No cash register necessary.” This inspiring documentary is directed by Angel Caro and will be shown with the Alabama Documentary Shorts 1 selection on Saturday at 10am at the Alabama Theatre.
Black Mothers Love & Resist (Feature, Documentary, Black Lens, Life + Liberty, Alabama)
“Wanda Johnson and Angela Williams, mothers of young Black men victimized by police brutality, come together and build a network of community-led support, mutual aid, and healing in this documentary spanning Oakland’s Fruitvale to the American South. Long before George Floyd’s murder and the BLM protests in 2020, Oscar Grant’s 2009 fateful encounter with law enforcement on a BART platform seeded public awareness and cultural consciousness of systemic racism and its discontents. Paying forward lessons learned and advocating against anti-Black violence in memory of her son, Oscar, Wanda Johnson holds space for Angela Williams, whose teen son, Ulysses, survives a police encounter in Troy, Alabama, living to tell his story. Radical empathy fuels this timely exposé.” The director and both protagonists, including Angela Williams from Troy, will be in attendance for this screening that takes place at Carver Theatre on Saturday beginning at 2pm.
The Civil Dead
“A misanthropic, struggling photographer just wants to watch TV and eat candy while his wife is out of town, but when a desperate old pal resurfaces, his plans are thwarted, with spooky consequences. From Alabama natives Clay Tatum and Whitmer Thomas.” This film will be shown Saturday at Sidewalk Cinema B beginning at 6:10pm.
“Etowah” Featuring Live Performance By Duquette Johnton (Special Event, Documentary)
“By his own admission Duquette Johnston has lived a ‘wild, incredible life,’ but even that might be underselling the 25-year journey that’s taken him from the spotlight with breakout 90’s indie band Verbena all the way down to the Etowah County Correctional Facility and then back to Birmingham, opening a clothing store in Woodlawn and releasing a critically acclaimed new record this year. Etowah: A Film about Duquette Johnston is the story of an artist that went to the brink…and came back to tell about it. This screening will be followed by a Q & A and live performance by Duquette Johnston.” This powerful experience will take place at the Carver Theatre on Saturday from 7 to 9pm.
A Walk With Joey (Feature, Documentary, Life + Liberty, Alabama)
“A documentary of the unlikely friendship between Joey Hale and Lionel "Little Train" James - the former Auburn / NFL Football player. This inspirational story begins with tragedy and details the impact on each other's life.” This touching tale is directed by Dana Falletta Abercrombie and will be shown at the Alabama Theatre on Sunday at 4:15pm.
Discovery (SHOUT)
“After revealing her sexuality, a young woman comes to terms with living her truth, but a tragic event puts a damper on her newfound freedom.” This film is directed by rising Alabama director Ashley Causey, who has been featured in a number of festivals in recent years. “Discover” will be shown as part of the Shout Shorts at ASFA on Sunday from 1 to 3pm.
Cover image from Pexels
