Birmingham Highlight: Sidewalk Film

“I have a very simple definition of a good movie: a good movie makes you forget you’re watching a movie.”

— Michael Cimino

Sidewalk Film is undeniably one of the most sacred gems in downtown Birmingham. Located just downstairs from the beloved Pizitz food hall, this theatre has the unrivaled ability to make all who enter feel like an angsty teenager in their own coming-of-age story.

Most of us can remember what it felt like going to our hometown movie theatre for the first time in our adolescence. The neon lights and fresh popcorn felt like freedom. Who knew that the smell of overly buttered corn kernels would make us feel so powerful. Sidewalk Film embodies that emotion. The intimate setting and nostalgic decor excavate reminders of serotonin filled summers that we forgot existed. Not to mention their curated movie lineup is the best in the city. If you’re craving indie cinematic glory, this is the place to be. Sidewalk is the “cool older sister” for all of us. We guarantee that you’ll be sitting in your seat and pondering life for a minimum of 10 minutes after each film. 

Sidewalk Film began as a local film festival in 1998. For over two decades, this Birmingham based festival has been THE event. Filmmakers eagerly travel across the country every year to screen their work amongst enthusiastic crowds who are eager to devour independent cinema. The founders of Sidewalk wanted those thought-provoking moments to last longer than one week out of the year. Thus, Sidewalk Film & Cinema was born. Now we can get a cinematic hit of endorphins every weekend from Birmingham’s only non-profit theatre. Their heart is to provide a place of community and inclusion for all. From filmmakers to film lovers, we all need a safe space to escape.

Photo Credit: Sidewalk Film

Sidewalk is top tier for those looking to spice up date night or chill with friends. We highly recommend catching a movie then venturing upstairs to Pizitz for cocktails and poke bowls after. Visit their website to check out their weekly showings or get more information about their upcoming Film Festival in August!

Birmingham Small Business Gift Guide

Shopping small is so important this time of year, especially in the midst of Covid-19. The Birmingham small business community is full of so many incredible makers and shop owners, and we are lucky to share our city with so many talented individuals! We wanted to make shopping small easy and convenient for you, so we’ve gathered together some of our favorite local artists and makers to shop from this holiday season!

P.S. We are partnering with many of the featured businesses below to bring you a HUGE giveaway, so be sure to visit our Instagram so you can win many of these gorgeous items for free!

Susan Gordon Pottery

Susan’s incredible hand made pottery pieces and jewelry are timeless classics for any Birmingham household! Her hand painted ornaments would be the perfect gift for your loved ones or would be a great gift for yourself to snazz up your Christmas tree! Click here to visit the Susan Gordon website and start shopping!

Elam Estate Antiques

Antique shopping is a fun way to add unique details to your home and to make more sustainable purchases, but it can be hard work to find the hidden gems! Sarah from Elam Estate Antiques does all the hard work for you by curating the loveliest vintage and antique pieces in her Instagram shop. Instagram shopping is so fun and all you have to do is give her a follow and browse all the lovely pieces she has on hand. You can pick up from her locally or she can ship directly to you.

Sidewalk Film

Do you have a friend or family member who already seems to have it all? Experiences are the way to go for this challenging gift recipient! Sidewalk Film is Birmingham’s very own local theater and is so much fun to attend. Their concession stand is full of delicious and local snacks and drinks to add to the experience. They are being extremely diligent about Covid-19 safety, and are definitely much more safe than a big chain theater, so visit their website to purchase tickets or a gift card for your favorite film junkies!

Breakout Birmingham

One of the most unusual activities in Birmingham, this live action escape room experience is fun for puzzle and adventure lovers of all ages! You and your team will have an hour to solve the puzzles, riddles, and clues to accomplish your mission and escape from one of 8 different story lines like the Submarine Survival, Mystery Mansion, or Runaway Train. Breakout is offering 20% off all gift cards right now, and with exclusively private rooms, this is a great and Covid safe experience for you to give to your loved ones. Checkout their website to book a game or purchase a gift card!

Trove Design Shop

Trove is a Birmingham, Alabama-based gift and home goods store that offers so many beautiful treasures that would be perfect gifts for anyone on your Christmas list! They have beautiful Holiday cards and gift tags that would be a perfect touch to your gift wrapping. We are also enamored with their stunning ceramic pieces and wall art. You can visit the Trove shop in person or order on their website for curbside pickup or shipping.

Ashley’s Famous Cookies

Cookies warm the heart and the soul, and Ashley pours so much love into every crumb! You will be the hero of the holidays when you show up with a box of her scrumptious baked goods. You can even ship a variety box of cookies to your loved ones if you are having to avoid holiday travel, so don’t wait too long to order! Click here to check out her website and browse all the flavors Ashley hand makes!

VAE Creative

This new Birmingham business was born in the midst of a Covid summer and the owner, Virginia, has a passion for creativity, love, and systemic change. She hand makes stunning resin jewelry and art that is as gorgeous as it is unique. You can purchase already made pieces from her Etsy shop or order a custom piece through her Instagram! We are really loving her citrus slice coasters and think they would be such a wonderful gift for someone with great style.

P.S. We think it would be lovely to send wedding florals to Virginia for a custom piece of jewelry designed with bits and pieces of your wedding embedded in her work!

Chocolata

Chocolata has a variety of beautiful chocolates and sweet treats to choose from. Their cocoa confections are as beautiful as they are sweet! We are huge fans of their decadent sipping chocolate that is SO much more luxurious than any hot chocolate you’ve ever had. It’s rich, warm, and oh so creamy! This would be the perfect treat for Christmas morning by the fire or a delicious stocking stuffer. You can visit their shop or purchase from their website directly!

Noha Nadler

Growing up, Noha learned how important it is to celebrate culture and heritage through exploring her Egyptian roots. Now she incorporates the rich textures and colors that she saw on trips to Egypt into her stunning bag designs. She has lots of different designs and styles to choose from, and each one is so unique and beautiful! She also has some adorable leather hand sanitizer cases that would be the perfect stocking stuffer. We can’t get enough of Noha’s designs and are sure that her bags are going to be top on your Christmas list! Visit her website to shop and be sure to send a link to your hubby for a Christmas hint!

Club Duquette

With trendy clothes and good vibes, this Birmingham based shop has something for everyone. The artist and musician team of owners are full of creativity, and that is reflected in the clothing, accessories, and home goods that are hand selected and created for Club Duquette. They even have a signature scent! To shop Club Duquette, visit their website where you can even book a private shopping appointment in store!