Reviewed by: Caleb Turrentine
When + where to watch these films about Alabama nature around the state
Reading time: 3 minutes
Your chance to catch five engaging films about Alabama’s natural resources, biodiversity and environmental issues is here.
The films were made at this year’s Southern Exposure, a program hosted annually by the Alabama Rivers Alliance. Around 100 to 150 filmmakers apply, and just a select few are chosen to participate.
The selected participants come from all over the country and live in Alabama for the summer while they work on their projects. Many of them end up living in the area after falling in love with it.
This year’s films are:
- “SALABAMA” by Nicholas Hess
- “HYPERSCALED” by Maya Estrera
- “The River’s Gift” by Patrick Kirby
- “Undermined” by Lily Huffman
- “Knowing” by Erika Wade
Their first-time premieres were in September at The Altamont School in Birmingham, but now, folks from around the state can watch them and talk with the filmmakers.
About the films
SALABAMA
“Meet Alabama’s salamanders like you’ve never seen them before and fall for their undeniable charm. We dive into the salamanders’ hidden world of wonder, crawling right under your feet and all around you, with the scientists and salamander superfans who can’t get enough of these quirky critters.”
HYPERSCALED
“Increased energy and water demands from the rapid development of large data centers, and driven by technological advancements like ‘AI,’ are increasing threats to communities across the Southeast, including Alabama. HYPERSCALED unearths the real world cost of AI as residents fight to get answers about the environmental, community, and other costly impacts of this water and energy sucking industry. Much like a vampire, the proposed ‘Project Marvel’ is projected to consume unprecedented amounts of water and energy – right in their backyards.”
The River’s Gift
“The Tallapoosa River brings a community of veterans together to find peace, connection and of course, red eye bass. Wind through Alabama’s pines, meet Rowell and his friends, and cast a line or two with them while hearing about their healing connection to this community and this special place.”
Undermined
“In Belle Mina, it’s ‘Another Day, Another Lawsuit’ as a small Alabama town fights back against a quarry blasting right next door to them, threatening their air, water and overall quality of life.”
Knowing
“Knowing features a poem created by Erika E. Wade during the summer, exploring personal themes of family, community, access to nature and more. Erika also directed and starred in this short film.”
Where to watch
There are six FREE screenings across Alabama between Oct. 29 and Jan. 25. Here are the upcoming events:
Montevallo
- When: Wednesday, Oct. 29 from 6:30-9:30PM
- Where: University of Montevallo in Humanities Hall
University of Alabama at Birmingham
- When: Tuesday, Nov. 18 from 5-6:30PM
- Where: UAB’s Mervyn H. Sterne Library
Montgomery
- When: Thursday, Nov. 20 (mix + mingle at 5:30PM, films start at 6:30PM)
- Where: Capri Theatre
Mobile
- When: Tuesday, Dec. 2 (mix + mingle at 5:30PM, films start at 6:30PM)
- Where: 5 Rivers Delta Center
Decatur
- When: Saturday, Jan. 11, 2026 at 2:30PM
- Where: Alabama Center for the Arts Recital Hall
Mentone
- When: Saturday, Jan. 25, 2026 at 2PM
- Where: Moon Lake Library
More events may pop up over time, so be sure to follow the Alabama Rivers Alliance on social media and watch their website to be the first to learn about new events.
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