Unveiling the Winners
The curtains have drawn to a close on the 26th Sidewalk Film Festival. Each year, this fantastic event celebrates the best of filmmaking talent. The festival took place between August 19th and 25th in the Historic Theatre District of downtown Birmingham, Alabama. This year, standout films included Exhibiting Forgiveness and Secret Mall Apartment, each taking home significant awards.
A Look at the Top Films
Exhibiting Forgiveness is a touching narrative feature film created by the talented Titus Kaphar. The movie took home the prestigious Jambor-Franklin Founders Award for Best Narrative Feature Film at the Sidewalk Film Festival. The story revolves around Tarrell, a painter portrayed by André Holland, as he comes to terms with his feelings about his strict father, La’Ron, played by John Earl Jelks.
The Best Documentary Feature award went to Secret Mall Apartment, a film directed by Jeremy Workman. Based on true events, the documentary tells the intriguing story of a bunch of artists who covertly lived in an apartment within the Providence Place Mall in Rhode Island during the early 2000s.
Other Highlights of the Festival
As well as these winners, several other exceptional films were presented this year. Los Frikis, a film directed by Michael Schwartz and Tyler Nilson, bagged the award for Best SHOUT Film. Meanwhile, the Best Black Lens Film accolade went to Fight Like A Girl, directed by Matthew Leutwyler.
A Sneak Peek at the Full Winners List
The festival not only celebrated filmmakers and their creations, but it also paid tribute to the various individuals who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Jessica Garrison and Daniel Walters were rewarded for their dedication with the Volunteer of the Year Award. The Black Lens Filmmaker Grant was awarded to Bettina Byrd Giles, while the David Brower Alabama Filmmaker Grant was presented to Melanie Jeffcoat.
Promising screenplays were also commended. The Wishlist by Matthew Curie Holmes, Twich Collins, and Lisa Sims Harrison won Best Alabama Feature Screenplay. Company Man by Chase Haislip won Best Alabama Short Screenplay, and Pour Myself A Cup of Ambition by Willow Anderson won Best Short Screenplay.
Among the short film categories, the Reel South Short Film award went to I’m Still Here. Unibrow was dubbed the Best Family Film, and Guiding Light won the Best Student Film.
Looking Forward to Next Year
With the success of the 26th Sidewalk Film Festival, movie enthusiasts can now look forward to the 27th annual event scheduled for August 18 to 24, 2025. We can only imagine what exciting narratives, documentaries, and short films next year’s festival will bring. Until then, let’s continue to celebrate and appreciate the hard work and dedication of all finalists and winners of this year’s Sidewalk Film Festival.
Sidewalk Film Festival, through its recognitions and awards, goes beyond just entertainment. It inspires aspiring filmmakers and reminds us of the power of storytelling. Congratulations to all the winners of the 26th annual Sidewalk Film Festival! We can’t wait to see what stories will captivate us next year.
