Ready to decide what you’ll see at the 2020 Sidewalk Film Festival? Organizers have announced the full lineup for this year’s drive-in event.
Sidewalk, set for Aug. 24-30, typically happens indoors, at several venues in downtown Birmingham. This year, movies will be shown on four screens at The Grand River Drive-In at The Backyard in Leeds.
Here’s the schedule of movies, which includes “Boys State,” a documentary announced this week, and several online Q&As with filmmakers.
MONDAY, AUG. 24
Free online filmmaker Q&A on Facebook Live, 11 a.m., Jason O’Brien and Jubal John Dalzell of “Met My Baby (Down at the Record Store).”
“First Cow,” 2019, screening at 8 p.m. The narrative film by Kelly Reichardt is described this way by Rotten Tomatoes: “Kelly Reichardt once again trains her perceptive and patient eye on the Pacific Northwest, this time evoking an authentically hardscrabble early nineteenth century way of life. A taciturn loner and skilled cook (John Magaro) has traveled west and joined a group of fur trappers in Oregon Territory, though he only finds true connection with a Chinese immigrant (Orion Lee) also seeking his fortune; soon the two collaborate on a successful business, although its longevity is reliant upon the clandestine participation of a nearby wealthy landowner’s prized milking cow. From this simple premise Reichardt constructs an interrogation of foundational Americana that recalls her earlier triumph Old Joy in its sensitive depiction of male friendship, yet is driven by a mounting suspense all its own. Reichardt again shows her distinct talent for depicting the peculiar rhythms of daily living and ability to capture the immense, unsettling quietude of rural America.”
“Banksy Most Wanted,” 2020, screening at 8 p.m. Here’s how Rotten Tomatoes describes the documentary, directed by Seamus Haley and Aurélia Rouvier: “Banksy is a household name, but behind this name hides a multitude of stories, artworks, stunts, political statements and identities, leading to one of the art world’s biggest unanswered questions -- who is Banksy? Through the testimonies of those who know him and have worked with him, but also of those who exploit him, hunt him down, claim him... ‘Banksy Most Wanted’ draws an in-depth portrait of this masked Robin Hood. Each of these investigations reveals a facet of the artist: his commitment to environmental causes or political refugees, his links with the music scene, his entrepreneurial side.”
“Teen Wolf,” 1985, and “Teen Witch” (1989), screening as a double feature at 8 p.m. Here’s an IMDB synopsis of “Teen Wolf,” directed by Rob Daniel and starring Michael J. Fox: “An ordinary high school student discovers that his family has an unusual pedigree when he finds himself turning into a werewolf.” And here’s how IMDB describes “Teen Witch,” directed by Dorian Walker: “High school misfit Louise, at a loss for romance, discovers magical abilities, but the teenage witch finds that she cannot conjure herself true love, so what?”
Narrative Shorts No. 1, screening at 8 p.m.
“The Burnt Orange Heresy,” 2019, screening at 10 p.m. Here’s how IMDB describes the narrative film directed by Giuseppe Capotondi: “Hired to steal a rare painting from one of the most enigmatic painters of all time, an ambitious art dealer becomes consumed by his own greed and insecurity as the operation spins out of control.” The cast includes Donald Sutherland and Mick Jagger.
“The Donut King,” 2020, screening at 10:30 p.m. Here’s a synopsis for the documentary by Alice Gu, as posted on its website: “Ted’s story is one of fate, love, survival, hard knocks and redemption. It’s the rags to riches story of a refugee escaping Cambodia, arriving in America in 1975 and building an unlikely multi-million dollar empire baking America’s favorite pastry, the doughnut. Ted sponsored hundreds of visas for incoming refugees and helped them get on their feet teaching them the ways of the doughnut business. By 1979 he was living the American Dream. But, in life, great rise can come with great falls.”
TUESDAY, AUG. 25
Free online filmmaker Q&A on Facebook Live, 11 a.m., Clint Till of ”Hangry.”
“After Selma,” 2020, and “Finding the Cornerstone: The Wallace A. Rayfield Story,” 2020, screening as a double feature at 8 p.m. Here’s how Sidewalk describes “After Selma,” a documentary directed by Loki Mulholland and Dwight Cammeron: “In 1965, 600 brave citizens marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge for the right to vote. Since that iconic moment, and the passage of the Voting Rights Act, a concerted campaign to suppress voting rights in America has continued.” And here’s a synopsis of Cammeron’s “Finding the Cornerstone,” from the movie’s website: “A disabled white preacher, who worked as an insurance agent and piano tuner, stumbles upon the works of a forgotten African American architect. His discovery takes him on an enlightening mission to uncover and preserve the architect’s legacy. Is his two decade pursuit divinely inspired? Will he eventually donate the artifacts?”
Shout Shorts, screening at 8 p.m.
“She Dies Tomorrow,” 2020, screening at 8 p.m. This thriller was directed by Amy Seimetz. Rotten Tomatoes describes the film this way: “After waking up convinced that she is going to die tomorrow, Amy’s carefully mended life begins to unravel. As her delusions of certain death become contagious to those around her, Amy and her friends’ lives spiral out of control in a tantalizing descent into madness.”
Documentary Shorts No. 1, screening at 8 p.m.
“Bloody Nose, Empty Pockets,” 2020, screening at 10 p.m. This movie by Bill Ross IV and Turner Ross takes viewers inside a dive bar in Las Vegas during its final hours, blending fact and fiction.
Narrative shorts No. 2, screening at 10:15 p.m.
”Freeland,” 2020, screening at 10:30 p.m. Here’s how IMDB describes the narrative film, directed by Kate McLean and Mario Furlon: “An aging pot farmer finds her world shattered as she races to bring in what could be her final harvest.”
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 26
Free online filmmaker Q&A on Facebook Live, 11 a.m., Jean-Cosme Delaloye of ”Harley.”
Free online filmmaker Q&A on Facebook Live, 1 p.m., Fairn Whatley and Suzanne Barrow of “The Mystical Migration of the Monarch.”
“Truth to Power: Barbara Lee Speaks for Me,” 2020, screening at 8 p.m. Here’s what Sidewalk says about Abby Ginzberg’s documentary: “‘Truth to Power: Barbara Lee Speaks for Me’ tells the complex story of Rep. Barbara Lee, a steadfast voice for human rights, peace and equality in the U.S. Congress who cut her teeth as a volunteer for the Black Panther Party and was the lone voice in opposition to the broad authorization of military force after the September 11th attacks. Rep. John Lewis, Senator Cory Booker, Rep. Ayanna Pressley and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Actor Danny Glover, CNN commentator Van Jones and author Alice Walker share insights about what makes Barbara Lee unique as a public servant and as a truth-telling African American woman.” Before the movie, Sidewalk will screen the documentary short “Edwin.”
“Barbershop,” 2002, screening at 8 p.m. Here’s the Rotten Tomatoes synopsis for the Tim Story’s comedy: “An ensemble comedy about a day in the life of a barbershop on the south side of Chicago. It’s Calvin’s shop, and he inherited the struggling business from his father, but with bills to pay and a baby on the way, he sees the shop as a burden and a waste of time. After selling the shop to a local loan shark, Calvin slowly begins to see his father’s vision and legacy and struggles with the notion that he just sold it out. Calvin’s barbershop is filled with an eclectic and comedic cast of folk who share their stories, jokes, trials and tribulations.”
“Miracle Fishing,” 2020, screening at 8 p.m. Here’s a synopsis of the documentary: “Miles Hargrove’s father was kidnapped outside their home in Cali, Colombia by the FARC. In an instant, the Hargrove family found themselves in the midst of a Colombian epidemic -- the kidnap and ransom trade. Their only hope was to give in to the guerrillas’ demands, but they had no idea how to embark on the journey ahead. To cope with the long and difficult negotiations, Miles kept a Video8 diary of the events that unfolded. Twenty-five years later, he revisited the footage to turn his diary into a documentary chronicling his family’s incredible story.”
Documentary Shorts No. 2, screening at 8 p.m.
“A Dim Valley,” 2020, screening at 10 p.m. This narrative film was directed by Brandon Colvin. Sidewalk describes it this way: “A curmudgeonly biologist and his slacker graduate assistants muddle their way through a summer research project. Deep in the Appalachian woods, they encounter a trio of mystical backpackers who change their lives in mysterious ways.”
Animated Shorts, screening at 10 p.m.
”Road House,” 1989, screening at 10:15 p.m. Rowdy Herrington’s kitsch classic stars Patrick Swayze, and gets this synopsis on Rotten Tomatoes: “Dalton (Swayze) is a true gentleman with a degree in philosophy from NYU. He also has a flip side -- he’s the best bar bouncer in the business. When Dalton’s brought in to clean up the Double Deuce, a popular establishment that become particularly rowdy, his calm is put to the test by the town bully.”
THURSDAY, AUG. 27
Free online filmmaker Q&A on Facebook Live, 11 a.m., Rico Shay of “Slave 2.”
“Coming Clean,” 2020, screening at 8 p.m. Director Ondi Timoner’s documentary “examines America’s opioid crisis through the eyes of the recovering addicts and political leaders on the frontlines. These unlikely allies emerge from the darkness to face their pain, bring the profiteers to justice, and rebuild in the wake of the deadliest drug epidemic in our history,” says IMDB.
“Night of the Comet,” 1984, screening at 8 p.m. Here’s how Rotten Tomatoes describes the horror/sci-fi comedy by Thom Eberhardt: “In this sharp-witted sci-fi disaster outing, a comet smashes into California leaving a pair of Valley girls and a few others alive. When the ladies finally figure out what happened, the twosome embark upon an unprecedented shopping spree, for while all humans were vaporized, their clothing was left intact.”
Black Lens Shorts, screening at 8 p.m.
Environmental Shorts, screening at 8 p.m.
“Everything Is Terrible,” screening at 10:10 p.m. “From the folks that brought you the largest collection of JERRY MAGUIRE on VHS ... ‘Everything Is Terrible! features unusual, dated, and campy clips of VHS tapes from the late 20th century and early 21st century,” the Sidewalk website says. “Guaranteed late night drive-in fun, plus for this screening, a couple of surprise guests.”
“Centigrade,” 2020, screening at 10:20 p.m. This narrative feature is directed by Brendan Walsh. Here’s the synopsis from IMDB: “A married couple find themselves trapped in their frozen vehicle after a blizzard and struggle to survive amid plunging temperatures and unforeseen obstacles.”
“Money Machine,” 2020, screening at 10:20 p.m. Ramsey Denison’s documentary is described this way by Rotten Tomatoes: “Every year, millions lose billions in Vegas, but after Stephen Paddock opens fire on a crowd of 22,000 and kills 58 people, the city’s image as a safe adult playground is put in jeopardy. With billions on the line, the corporations that run Las Vegas use their power to get America’s mind off the shooting, leaving the victims feeling forgotten.”
“Drive-In Massacre,” 1976, screening Aug. 27 at 10:40 p.m. Here’s how the Sidewalk team describes Stu Segall’s slasher flick: “It’s a hot summer night in Southern California, and the local drive-in is packed with patrons. When a sword-wielding psycho begins carving up customers, it gleefully unspools a grubby cavalcade of creepy carnies, peeping perverts, graphic decapitations, and an ending you have to see/hear to believe.”
FRIDAY, AUG. 28
“Yellow Submarine,” 1968, screening at 8 p.m. Sidewalk says: “An icon of psychedelic pop culture, ‘Yellow Submarine’ is a colorful musical spectacle and an exhilaratingly joyful cinematic experience for all ages -- filled with visual invention, optical illusions, wordplay, and glorious, glorious music. The Sidewalk Festival screening of ’Yellow Submarine” will be the special Summer 2020 sing-a-long version of the classic film.” George Dunning directed the movie, an animated romp pitting the Beatles against the Blue Meanies.
“Harley,” 2020, screening at 8 p.m. Here’s how IMDB describes this documentary by Jean-Cosme Delaloye: “Harley, a successful criminal attorney, who represents the most despised people in society in Paterson, NJ, embarks on a quest to win the woman of his dreams and defeat the bully who antagonized him as a child.”
“The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain,” 2020, screening at 8 p.m. The film by David Midell is based on events that led to the death of Kenneth Chamberlain, an elderly Black veteran who had bipolar disorder. He was killed during a conflict with police officers who were dispatched to check on him.
“Feels Good Man,” 2020, screening at 9:40 p.m. Arthur Jones’ documentary is described this way by the Sidewalk team: “When indie comic character Pepe the Frog becomes an unwitting icon of hate, his creator, cartoonist Matt Furie, fights to bring Pepe back from the darkness. ‘Feels Good Man’ is a parable about one man’s fight to retake his creation from the grips of evil and America’s struggle to confront its deep cultural divide.”
“Boys State,” 2020, screening at 9:50 p.m. Here’s how Rotten Tomatoes describes the 2020 documentary by Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss: “‘Boys State’ is a political coming-of-age story, examining the health of American democracy through an unusual experiment: a thousand 17-year-old boys from across Texas gather together to build a representative government from the ground up. High-minded ideals collide with low-down dirty tricks as four boys of diverse backgrounds and political views navigate the challenges of organizing political parties, shaping consensus, and campaigning for the highest office at Texas Boys State -- governor.”
“Candyman,” 1992, screening at 10 p.m. Sidewalk says: “Skeptical graduate student Helen Lyle (Virginia Madsen) befriends Anne-Marie McCoy (Vanessa Williams) while researching superstitions in a housing project on Chicago’s Near North Side. From Anne-Marie, Helen learns about the Candyman (Tony Todd), a knife-wielding figure of urban legend that some of her neighbors believe to be responsible for a recent murder. After a mysterious man matching the Candyman’s description begins stalking her, Helen comes to fear that the legend may be all too real.” Bernard Rose directed the horror cult classic.
Narrative Shorts No. 3, screening at 10 p.m.
Music Videos, screening at 10:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, AUG. 29
Free online filmmaker Q&A on Facebook Live, 10 a.m., Miles Hargrove and Eric Martin of “Miracle Fishing.”
Panel discussion on “Filmmaking and Film Festivals after COVID-19,” 11 a.m, free, register here. With Melanie Addington (Oxford Film Festival), Cameron McAllister (Atlanta Film Festival), and Brighid Wheeler (Indie Memphis).
Online workshop: A conversation with Michael O’Neill, 1 p.m. The Sidewalk website says: “Join Acting Out Academy’s Meg Deusner and veteran actor and Alabama native Michael O’Neill for an Inside the Actors’ Studio-style conversation on Zoom. They’ll discuss Michael’s career in Hollywood and offer advice to anyone looking to break into the industry. There will also be a Q & A portion afterwards. Please email questions to kiwi@sidewalkfest.com no later than August 27. Signups close August 29th at 12:30 PM. Participants will receive the Zoom link at 12:30 PM once registration has closed.” Registration is $25. O’Neill recently starred in the NBC series “Council of Dads.”
Free online filmmaker Q&A on Facebook Live, 3 p.m., Bryian Keith Montgomery Jr. of “Good Guy With a Gun.”
Free online filmmaker Q&A on Facebook Live, 4 p.m., Kenzie Greer of “The Pink House” and “Into the Black.”
“Giants Being Lonely,” 2019, screening at 8 p.m. Here’s how Sidewalk describes Grear Patterson’s narrative film: “A pair of players on a successful high school baseball team, the Giants, come of age in the American South. Beautiful, strange and timeless to the point of feeling ephemeral, ‘Giants Being Lonely’ perfectly captures teenage alienation and the often youthfully misguided desperation to connect in a world that seems both simultaneously huge and small.”
“Dazed and Confused,” 1993, screening at 8 p.m. Here’s what Rotten Tomatoes says about Richard Linklater’s comedy: “Like George Lucas’ ‘American Graffiti,’ Richard Linklater’s ‘Dazed and Confused’ is an affectionate look at the youth culture of a bygone era. While Lucas took aim at the conservative 1950s, Linklater jumps ahead a generation to the bicentennial year of 1976 to celebrate the joys of beer blasts, pot smoking and ‘Frampton Comes Alive.‘ Set on the last day of the academic year, the film follows the random activities of a sprawling group of Texas high schoolers as they celebrate the arrival of summer, their paths variously intersecting at a freshmen hazing, a local pool parlor and finally at a keg party.”
“Ema,” 2019, screening at 8 p.m. Rotten Tomatoes describes the film this way: “After a shocking incident upends her family life and marriage to a tempestuous choreographer, Ema, a reggaeton dancer, sets out on an odyssey of personal liberation, in this incendiary drama about art, desire, and the modern family from director Pablo Larraín.”
“Suzi Q,” 2019, screening at 8 p.m. It’s a documentary about rocker Suzi Quatro, from director Liam Firmager.
“Drive,” 2011, screening at 10:15 p.m. The Rotten Tomatoes synopsis of Nicolas Winding Refn’s action film says: “Ryan Gosling stars as a Los Angeles wheelman for hire, stunt driving for movie productions by day and steering getaway vehicles for armed heists by night. Though a loner by nature, Driver can’t help falling in love with his beautiful neighbor Irene (Carey Mulligan), a vulnerable young mother dragged into a dangerous underworld by the return of her ex-convict husband Standard (Oscar Isaac). After a heist intended to pay off Standard’s protection money spins unpredictably out of control, Driver finds himself driving defense for the girl he loves, tailgated by a syndicate of deadly serious criminals. But when he realizes that the gangsters are after more than the bag of cash in his trunk -- that they’re coming straight for Irene and her son -- Driver is forced to shift gears and go on offense.”
Saturday Night Cartoons, screening at 10:20 p.m. Sidewalk’s programmers offer a selection of 1980s and 90′s cartoons and vintage commercials. Typically, these clips are screened on Saturday mornings at Sidewalk, accompanied by sugary cereals. This year, however, the timeframe has changed and organizers recommend that viewers “limit the cereal bar to your car.”
“Paris Is Burning,” 1990, screening at 10:30 p.m. Jennie Livingston’s documentary is described this way by IMDB: “A chronicle of New York’s drag scene in the 1980s, focusing on balls, voguing and the ambitions and dreams of those who gave the era its warmth and vitality.”
“Roar,” 1981, screening at 10:30 p.m. This cult classic by Noel Marshall tells of a family who live with more than 100 untamed animals on a preserve in the African plains.
SUNDAY, AUG. 30
Free online filmmaker Q&A on Facebook Live, 1 p.m., Robert Brogden and Kelley Zincone of “Six Nights.”
Sidewrite Table Reads, 2 p.m., free, register here. Sidewalk says: “Experience the award-winning scripts from this year’s screenplay competition.”
Free online filmmaker Q&A on Facebook Live, 4 p.m., Ben Davis of “Observantium.”
“Jasper Mall,” 2020, screening at 8 p.m. This documentary by Bradford Thomason and Brett Whitcomb looks at “a year in the life of a dying shopping mall” in Alabama. “All of our films are inspired by something nostalgic from our childhood,” Thompson said in an interview with AL.com, “and usually we try to take a look behind the curtain of that nostalgia, so to speak, to see how these things have impacted individuals or continue to impact individuals in the present day. Malls and ‘Jasper Mall’ with its untouched ’80s aesthetic fit the bill perfectly.”
“Heroes,” 2020, screening at 8 p.m. The documentary by Manish Pandey focuses on five motorsports drivers: Formula 1 world champion Mika Hakkinen, former Ferrari grand prix ace Felipe Massa, nine-time Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen and World Rally Championship runner-up Michele Mouton. The movie also tells the story of Michael Schumacher, a seven-time Formula 1 Champion who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a skiing accident.
“Transhood,” 2020, screening at 8 p.m. Sharon Liese’s documentary is described this way on its Facebook page: “Filmed over five years in Kansas City, ‘Transhood’ follows four transgender kids -- beginning at ages 4, 7, 12 and 15 -- as they redefine ‘coming of age.’”
Documentary Shorts No. 3, screening at 8 p.m.
“Halloween,” 1978, screening at 10 p.m. John Carpenter’s horror classic stars Jamie Lee Curtis, Donald Pleasence and a homicidal maniac in a face mask. IMDB describes the plot this way: “Fifteen years after murdering his sister on Halloween night 1963, Michael Myers escapes from a mental hospital and returns to the small town of Haddonfield, Illinois to kill again.”
“Donnie Darko,” 2001, screening at 10:10 p.m. Sidewalk says: “During the presidential election of 1988, a teenager named Donnie Darko sleepwalks out of his house one night and sees a giant, demonic-looking rabbit named Frank, who tells him the world will end in 28 days. When Donnie returns home, he finds that a jet engine has crashed into his bedroom. Is Donnie living in a parallel universe, is he suffering from mental illness -- or will the world really end?” Jake Gyllenhaal stars in the movie by Richard Kelly.
“The Immortal Jellyfish,” 2020, screening at 10:30 p.m. Here’s what IMDB says about the narrative film directed by Dusty Bias: “Denny, an off-the-grid oddball who calls a nurse hot-line for help with his nasty ‘fire piss’ problem. When a dying man washes ashore, Denny and nurse Linda get caught up in the drama and become madcap partners in crime-solving.”
Narrative shorts No. 4, screening at 10:30 p.m.
The Grand River Drive-In, 1453 Grand River Parkway North, is part of The Backyard, an outdoor entertainment area at the Outlet Shops of Grand River. The drive-In has four screens, all of which will be used during the film festival. Gates are set to open each day at 6:30 p.m.; screenings will start at 8 p.m. View the schedule grid for the festival on the Sidewalk website. A list of the films in each shorts block can be found via the links there, plus brief descriptions.
Individual tickets will be sold for each film at Sidewalk, priced at $15-$47. Day passes, weekend passes and VIP passes will not be sold this year, organizers said. Pricing is based on the number of people per vehicle: one person per car, $15; two people per car, $26; three people per car, $35; four people per car, $42; five people or more per car, $47. Tickets are on sale now via the Sidewalk website.
Holding the festival at the drive-in will make it easier for folks who attend to practice social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic, organizers said. Sidewalk experimented with the drive-in concept earlier this year, showing a series of movies at its Sidewalk Starlite Drive-In, outside the REI location of The Summit shopping center in Birmingham.