21 Films to See at the 2016 Sidewalk Film Festival

Sidewalk Film Festival turns 18-years-old and I am pleased as punch to be attending for my fourth year. This is easily one of the best festivals in the world, from the picture-perfect program to the intensely smooth operations that are stretched across 12 venues throughout Downtown Birmingham, Alabama.

I gush every year, and I'll continue to gush this year—do not miss this festival.

I've highlighted 21 films you should catch this weekend. I know, 21 is a high number, but don't blame me—blame the programming team led by Rachel Morgan and the filmmakers that hear great things every year and submit good works to this wonderful showcase.

Four films are marked as Can't Miss—"Cheerleader," "The Arbalest," "Contemporary Color" and "Fraud"—and once you see them, you'll know why. Check out the full list after the jump!

Atlanta Film Festival and Sidewalk Film Festival Named Among "Coolest Film Festivals in the World" by MovieMaker Magazine

The list of 25 was picked from nominations by MovieMaker Magazine's 2015 Panel of Cool.

Since the first Venice Film Festival began in 1932, film festivals around the globe have evolved into the premiere events for the celebration of independent cinema. As film enthusiasts, we attend these events to experience the moving image in the best possible way—through exceptional programming in stunning venues surrounded by a crowd of equally passionate cinephiles.

Two of our favorite film festivals to attend, the Atlanta Film Festival and the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival, were recently recognized by MovieMaker Magazine as two of the 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World—and we couldn’t be more excited and proud!

Georgia filmmakers stray from home in Atlanta Film Festival documentaries: "Limo Ride" (****), "Mayan Blue" (****)

Georgia filmmakers travel near and far for these ATLFF selected documentaries;
"Mayan Blue" (top) filmed in Guatemala, "Limo Ride" (bottom) filmed in Alabama.

As is usually the case with the Atlanta Film Festival, Georgia independent film is featured with an especially high visibility. This year, there are two documentary features, two narrative features and a host of short films from Georgia filmmakers. To go beyond that, several films are 'Georgia connected,' meaning they come from a filmmaker that grew up in Georgia, have a producer from here or some other connection that makes them slightly less of a Georgia production—but still something we can claim as our own.

This year's two local documentary features—"Limo Ride" and "Mayan Blue"—are anything but 'local.' "Limo Ride" comes from Atlanta filmmakers and ATLFF alumni Gideon C. Kennedy and Marcus Rosentrater (also a Senior Animator on the excellent Georgia-made television show "Archer"), but was set and shot in Alabama. The film tells the tale of a group of friends who rented a limo to take them to-and-from a crazy New Years Day party and wound up with a little more adventure than they bargained for. "Mayan Blue" was directed by Atlanta-born, Athens-based director Rafael Garcia from Standoff Studios, but showcases Guatemala's beautiful Lake Atitlán. The film explores the recent discovery of the underwater Mayan city of Samabaj and the implications of the city's destruction on Mayan society.

Macon Review: "Muscle Shoals" (****)

Keith Richards is featured in "Muscle Shoals"

Recent scientific research has shown that it is impossible to keep still during the first ten minutes of "Muscle Shoals." Moments after Bono's opening lines echo across the stunning colors and textures of northwestern Alabama's verdant riverbanks, Wilson Pickett's "Land of 1,000 Dances" kicks in and you can't help but shake loose. It is immediately clear just how much soul this film possesses, having gleaned character and zeal from its many revered subjects.

"Deep down in your stomach, coming out of your gut. That's that Muscle Shoals sound." —Candi Staton

Having first seen "Muscle Shoals" at the Sidewalk Film Festival in Birmingham last summer—appropriately showcased at the Alabama Theatre—I was excited to hear that the film was also the opening night selection for the 2014 Macon Film Festival. Macon—although much larger of a city and with a less musically synonymous name than Muscle Shoals—has a rich and diverse musical history, even claiming home to Georgia's Music Hall of Fame. I knew the crowd in Macon would love "Muscle Shoals," and I was right. In the Q&A following the film, I can't tell you how many times an audience member (or one of the moderators) tried to cajole director Freddy Camalier into making a follow-up film about Macon. I guess it could work—he already has Gregg Allman's contact information.

Sidewalk Film Festival kicks off with "Lil Bub & Friendz" (***)

A throng of film fans and cat ladies gathers outside Birmingham's famed Alabama Theatre.

Though my father hails from Alabama, my time spent in the Yellowhammer State consists mostly of quick hours passing though or day-trips for weddings, funerals and hikes. It doesn't make any sense, however, to cover Georgia's film festival circuit so thoroughly but ignore a colorful and highly revered festival in our neighboring state—and at that, only two hours away! I've glanced at the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival (now more commonly abbreviated to the Sidewalk Film Festival) in years past, but this is the first time I've ever paid it much attention.

Now in its 15th year, Sidewalk is a well-oiled machine that spans across Birmingham's large and heavily masoned downtown. Six main venues, ranging from the beautiful Alabama Theatre and smaller theaters like the Carver to First Church Birmingham and the Alabama School of Fine Arts. Panel discussions, 'Sidetalks' and parties also bring in the crowds, but the main attraction is a strong lineup.

Featuring many familiar titles from the year's earlier festivals —Sundance, SXSW, Atlanta, Tribeca—the fest also showcases many strong features and documentaries that would simply not show up in Birmingham's cinemas due to limited release platforms. An emphasis on Alabama's independent film industry is also front-and-center, shedding a bright light on local talent.

11 films to see at the Sidewalk Film Festival

I've spent plenty of time over the last two years talking about Georgia's film festival circuit, which is much more expansive than many people realize. Full of rich content, insightful filmmakers and valuable networking opportunities—I can't stress enough how important it is for you to explore Georgia's film festivals! But now I'm branching out. In two-and-a-half weeks, I'll be attending the Sidewalk Film Festival in Birmingham, Alabama (also known as the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival).

Taking place across six different venues in downtown Birmingham, Sidewalk has earned an impressive reputation over the last several years as a vibrant and lively festival with impressive programming to boot. As much as I am looking forward to the fest, I'm equally excited about spending time in such a cool community. I will be reviewing films from the festival in the coming weeks, but be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more complete coverage.

After the jump, check out eleven films—just a fraction of the great lineup—worth checking out this year at Sidewalk.