Tag Archives: film

New hope for independent film fans in Birmingham

It’s only been two weeks since the annual Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival took place in downtown Birmingham, AL. It appears that some are preparing to take advantage of momentum from projects like Railroad Park to provide a year-round venue for locals to enjoy independent film in the immediate metropolitan area while a new movie theater on the city’s east side has recently pledged to fill that need, at least partially.

A Facebook group appeared shortly after the festival, inviting people to become fans to help build support and interest in a new art house theater. Birmingham Indie Film Supporters appears to be loosely affiliated with the film festival’s parent organization, the Alabama Moving Image Association.

It’s interesting to note that in the midst of this recent wave of Facebook activism, Birmingham’s newest independently owned cinema complex, The Edge 12 located in Eastwood, told reporters for CBS 42 in August that they were planning to dedicate two screens to independent, non-commercial films.

BhamArchitect reports that one of the two screens is currently showing 2009’s The Girl Who Played With Fire, keeping in line with CrestwoodNorth’s tweet that only half of the screens were currently being used.

New venue, tickets still available for Open Secret

OpenSecret promotional pieceA new film about the 1901 constitutional convention that led to the state of Alabama’s governing document (the world’s largest) is currently in the process of being debuted across the state.

February 26th brings the film, Open Secret, directed and produed by Melanie Jeffcoat, to the Carver Theatre (overwhelming demand for attending forced organizers to move it from the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute) courtesy of Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform.

The film’s script is based on the 109-year-old transcripts of the convention and reveals the issues of race, poverty and suffrage – and perhaps several other reasons why we may want to rewrite the document. Tickets are still available for the screening which will include a panel discussion with:

  • Merika Coleman, Alabama State Representative (D) for District 57 (Jefferson)
  • Paul DeMarco, Alabama State Representative (R) for District 46 (Jefferson)
  • Dr. Carol Ann Vaughn Cross, Core Curriculum Fellow, Samford University (Moderator)

Films and fun grace the Magic City this weekend

Geez, do you really need me to tell you that the biggest party in town will be downtown this weekend? Happy Anniversary to the Sidewalk folks as they celebrate 10 years of bringing fresh and new film to the Magic City while encouraging our own talented filmmakers. But if you really wonder if anything else is going on worth mentioning, keep reading over on Timetable.

Wade wins the Sidewalk sweepstakes

Wade on Birmingham has the honor of being the first site in the city to share the name of the opening night film for Sidewalk’s 10th anniversary. We’ll share the name with you – Adventures of Power – but for the rest of it, you’ll have to check out Wade’s blog.

Friday the 13th, Sloss Furnaces

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED!

The folks at Sloss Furnaces have decided to take advantage of the date on the calendar (and being one of the most haunted venues in the region) by showing the 1980 classic horror film. Just in time to start planning to watch the new film due out in 2009.

They’ll show the film in the cast shed, provide chairs if you don’t want to bring your own, and free popcorn! You’ll also be able to bring in your own food and drink. A great spooky venue indeed…

For more information please visit their website or call 205.324.1911.

Cost: $5

Location:
Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark (directions)

Be Terminally Happy tonight…

Terminally Happy Hour 300In case you didn’t know, we’re hosting our first ever Terminally Happy Hour this evening over at The Bottletree. We’ve learned a couple of things since we first announced this event…

The Bottletree’s going to run happy hour prices until 8 p.m., meaning that we’ve actually got an extra hour for the event (thanks guys!)

There’s going to be a Mystery Science Theater 3000 marathon afterwards (here’s the info courtesy of The Bottletree).

So come on out, enjoy the patio, the Magic City Manhattan (bourbon, sweet vermouth, and a splash of bitters) and the company of fellow readers and members of our staff!

If you feel like letting us know if you’re going to be there, RSVP via our invites on MySpace or Facebook.

Collective Perspectives: Urban Studies and the Art of Filmmaking, Vulcan Park

Come on out this Tuesday to celebrate Birmingham’s traditionally African-American communities and culture through an engaging set of short films produced by students in UAB’s Ethnographic Filmmaking course. Presented by Michele Foreman, UAB Center for Urban Affairs.

Part of the Collective Perspectives 2008 series.

About the series:

Vulcan Park and Museum is proud to present Collective Perspectives 2008 in honor of Black History Month, a series of non-traditional programs designed to educate, entertain, and enlighten participants on the cultures that have made Birmingham the culturally diverse, compassionate and flourishing city that we are today. The Terminal is happy to be serving as a partner in presenting this series.

Join us every Tuesday in February from 5 – 7 p.m. and enjoy African-inspired foods during an energizing social hour and then explore the fabric of our neighborhoods during a one-hour program. Learn about the experiences of Black Americans in our society, the vital role this community has played throughout our shared history and draw inspiration from their important messages.

Cost:
Free for Vulcan Park Foundation members; $5 for non-members

Location:
Vulcan Park and Museum
1701 Valley View Drive (directions)

related post:
Collectives Perspectives continues at Vulcan Park