Alabama home to one of the world’s coolest film festivals according to new ranking

Birmingham’s Sidewalk Film Festival, which is celebrating its 25th year in 2023, just landed on MovieMaker’s list of The 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World, 2023. Here’s why.

Sidewalk Film Festival’s feature in MovieMaker

Birmingham’s Sidewalk Film Festival has caught the attention of MovieMaker, a trusted publication on all things film. In their list of The 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World, 2023, Sidewalk was listed along festivals in France, Mexico, New York and other places all over the globe.

This list comes from a panel of experts, which MovieMaker appropriately named the “Panel of Cool.” They know how to spot a good film festival, and they spotted one in Alabama.

Why Sidewalk Film Festival is so cool

In MovieMaker’s description of Sidewalk, they praised the festival and incorporated testimonials from filmmakers who have experienced it firsthand.

Geoff Marslett, a filmmaker and member of the “Panel of Cool” sung Sidewalk’s praises:

“[Sidewalk] really stands by your whole career once you play with them. Consider this a long-term relationship.”

Geoff Marslett, as quoted on MovieMaker

Marslett added that the “always feels like coming home.”

For Alabama, it is home.

Ondi Timoner, who has won several Sidewalk prizes over the past 15+ years, told MovieMaker:

“[Sidewalk has] more energy and spunk than any regional festival I’ve attended — and under the artistic direction of Rachel Morgan, they have really become a world-class film festival.”

Ondi Timoner

Your guide to Sidewalk Film Festival

Sidewalk Film Festivals draws Alabamians from every direction each year to enjoy a week of creative genius in the form of film. Not to mention, there’s fun parties, events, food, drinks and more—a full week of fun for sure. This year’s festival is happening August 21-27

If you’re ready to get in on the action along with the 15,000+ film lovers, here are some guides to making the most of your time:

• Here is the full lineup for Sidewalk Film Festival 2023.
• These four films are must-sees at this year’s festival.
• Support local by seeing these four films made by Birmingham directors.

Here are the details on the this year’s Sidewalk.

• When: Monday, August 21-Sunday, August 27
• Where: 10 locations across Birmingham, including Sidewalk Film Center & Cinema, 1821 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Schedule
• Tickets

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