Join Alabama Rivers Alliance and our friends at Alabama Public Television for the FREE virtual premiere screening of the 2021 Southern Exposure documentary films. Panel discussion afterwards with film fellows, Southern Exposure Series Producer Michele Forman and Alabama Rivers Alliance’s Cindy Lowry.

Created in six short weeks this summer, the 2021 Southern Exposure films celebrate special people and places in Alabama. We’ll explore a once-in-a-generation chance to change the operation of a major dam, and discover a special place at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains. We’ll hear stories untold-until-now about the remarkable families along the Selma to Montgomery March route, grapple with the wastewater infrastructure challenges, and meet amazing advocates working to protect their communities. Join us for an evening of documentary films, with live panel discussion and Q & A following.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

***NOTE: The link above is the same link used for the screening.

Once you register, click the link above to join us LIVE on Thursday, September 30 from 6-8 pm CST ***

ABOUT THE 2021 FILMS

54 MILES TO HOME

Untold-until-now stories of the three families who risked their lives by opening up their land to provide campsites for the thousands of marchers along the 54 mile route from Selma to Montgomery in 1965. The Halls, Steeles and Gardners share for the first time what their parents and grandparents sacrificed and how their families’ legacies and this historic land can be preserved for generations to come. Directed by Claire Haughey. Click here to read about the fellows.

Click here to see the trailer for 54 Miles to Home!

HEAL THE RIVER

Hydropower dams, built decades ago, have dramatically altered river systems across Alabama. Downstream of the Harris Dam on the Tallapoosa River, families and landowners who have lost property and use of the river have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make changes to the operation of the dam through the relicensing process.  Their hope is that these changes can improve downstream conditions and can begin to heal the river. Directed by Paulina Sobczak. Click here to read about the fellows.

Click here to see the trailer for Heal the River!

THE LAST LAST HIKE

83-year-old Nimblewill Nomad is about to become the oldest person to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. But he didn’t start at Springer Mountain, Georgia – his trek began on Flagg Mountain in Alabama, the true southern terminus of the Appalachian Mountain Range. Throughout his odyssey, he’s meeting hikers along the way and sharing the magic of Flagg Mountain, where he has been the caretaker for the past three years. With more than two decades and 50,000 miles of hiking experience behind him, will this really be his last last hike? Directed by Céline François. Click here to read about the fellows.

Click here to see the trailer for The Last Last Hike!

WASTEWATER: A TALE OF TWO CITIES

The other tale of two cities — both plagued by decades of lack of investment and racial discrimination in their wastewater infrastructure — told by community members, advocates, utility operators, and elected officials. As the nation grapples with how to fund long overdue infrastructure needs, this film brings to light the need for urgency and equity in these decisions. Directed by Sarah Franke. Click here to read about the fellows.

Click here to see the Wastewater: A Tale of Two Cities trailer!

Special thank you to those special people who make Southern Exposure happen!

Dell Brooke | Michele Forman | Vicki Carroll | Tom & Lisa McLeod

Jess Lingle | Matthew J Grcic | David Shaddix | Arik Sokol

Scot Duncan | Nelson Brooke | Natasha Zaretsky

Maggie Johnston | Sarah Stokes | Mitchell Reid

Becky Smith

The Phoenix Building | Kim Mason | Jeremy & Ben Erdreich

Bridgestreet Gallery and Lofts  | GoPro Event Solutions

& Alabama Rivers Alliance’s 

partner organizations