Birmingham

3 Films Writers Should See at the 27th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival

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:

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Reflecting on Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Message to Birmingham

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman on the nation’s highest court, speaks at the 60th Commemoration of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, in Birmingham, Ala. (AP Pool Photo/Butch Dill)

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman on the nation’s highest court, spoke on Friday, September 15 at 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham for the 60th anniversary memorial service in honor of the four girls killed in the 1963 bombing at the church.

Though she stressed that she was raised by parents who made sure she knew Alabama’s rich history, Jackson shared that this week marked her first visit to the state.

“I felt in my spirit that I had to come,” she said to us, explaining why she’d decided to make the trip. “I’ve come to Alabama to commemorate and mourn, celebrate and warn,” she said.

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Help MONOPOLY tell Birmingham’s story

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin and Mr. Monopoly want to know which Magic City landmarks, businesses, and nonprofits you think should become squares on the board of MONOPOLY: Birmingham Edition.

Birmingham, you’ll soon be able to take family game night to another level with a special Magic City edition of the classic game MONOPOLY.

Top Trumps USA, the American division of Winning Moves International, creators of classic games and puzzles, recently announced that MONOPOLY: Birmingham Edition will debut in March 2024, under license from toy and game company Hasbro.

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Good People Vote: Election Day Journal Prompts

When you think of Election Day journal prompts, you may only think of writing exercises for kids.

But a chat with Tyra Robinson of Good People Vote helped me realize that adults should do some journaling in preparation for Election Day too.

Good People Vote is a Birmingham-based organization dedicated to celebrating active voters and providing relevant information on every aspect of electoral processes, both locally and nationally. Their goal is to spark conversations and self-reflection to encourage communities to take ownership of the civic process.

Read on to learn more about Good People Vote and for Election Day journal prompts for kids and adults.

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