The 27th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival in Birmingham, Alabama, is in full swing. Opening night of Sidewalk weekend is tonight – Friday, August 22 – but I’ve been trying to #sidewalksohard since Monday – attending spotlight nights, which highlight some of the must-see shorts and feature-length films in the following categories: Alabama Shorts (films by or about Alabamians), Life & Liberty (films that explore a number of issues related to the human condition), SHOUT (films that center the  LGBTQ+ experience), and Black Lens (films that center Black culture and issues).

This week I also had the chance to interview Lauren Melinda, writer and director of Before You, a short film that follows a couple in the wake of a decision they never thought they’d have to make: ending a planned pregnancy.  Before You, which stars Tony-nominated actress Tala Ashe and features Adam Rodriguez, will screen on Saturday, August 23rd at 8 pm, as part of the Sidewalk Film Festival. In addition to the screening, Melinda and her team have also helped organize a panel conversation at the festival on Sunday, August 24th at 5 pm, which will feature filmmakers and local advocates discussing the role that film plays in the fight for reproductive justice. 

The opening night film, Stolen Kingdom, delves into the irreverent world of YouTubers, ‘urban explorers’, and other misfits who investigate the forbidden off-limits locations behind the scenes at the Orlando Disney theme parks. The film reveals that “bad things happen at the happiest place on Earth!”

For my fellow writers, there are three films screening this weekend that feel made especially for us word nerds. While I think all films can help make us better storytellers, these films take that a bit further.

Here are three 27th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival picks for writers:

Voices of the Academy, screening on Saturday, August 23 at 2:30 p.m., at the Birmingham Museum of Art, is all about language. In this short film by Latoria Hicks, three professors explore the history, significance and ongoing challenges of African-American Vernacular English in education and the United States and reflect on its cultural impact and the fight for linguistic acceptance.

Beyond the Headlines: The NABJ Journey, screening on Saturday, August 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the Birmingham Museum of Art, tells the story of the 44 founders of the National Association of Black Journalists as the organization celebrates its 50th anniversary. Since its inception, NABJ has been a pivotal organization in providing career development opportunities for Black journalists, students, and communications professionals across the country and around the world (including yours truly). A panel discussion with members of NABJ and the Birmingham Association of Black Journalists will follow the screening.

Rebel with a Clause is screening on Sunday, August 24 at 5:15 p.m. at the Dorothy Jemison Day Theater. What happens when a traveling grammar advice stand crosses the country to answer questions, listen to rants, and talk about grammar insecurities? This docu-comedy show how words can bring us together in this time of division.

What films do you plan to see at the 27th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival?