BIRMINGHAM, AL – The Alabama Rivers Alliance is thrilled to announce the FREE World Premiere of the NEW Southern Exposure Films at The Altamont School on Friday, September 19. A panel discussion with filmmakers and local experts will immediately follow.
Created in six weeks during the summer, the Southern Exposure Films celebrate special people and nature in Alabama, while discovering hidden treasures and exploring complex issues. This innovative summer fellowship brings filmmakers from across the country to Alabama to tell authentic, engaging stories through short documentary films about Alabama’s incredible biodiversity and the people who have dedicated their lives to protecting it.
“We can’t wait to share these new films with the eager audience in Birmingham and beyond,” Kelly Marshall, ARA’s Deputy Director, said. “Each year the Southern Exposure Films dive into new and emerging topics before anyone else and highlight special people and their life’s work to protect Alabama’s biodiversity. In addition to seeing these films before anyone else, the world premiere event is always a great opportunity to connect with organizations across the state working to protect our special places.”
The 2025 Southern Exposure films are:
SALABAMA by Nicholas Hess
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 by Maya Estrera
Increased energy and water demands from the seemingly overnight 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 by Patrick Kirby
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 by Lily Huffman
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 by Erika Wade
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.
EVENT DETAILS
Date and Time:
Friday, September 19
Mix and Mingle with snacks and drinks at 5 pm; program begins at 6 pm
Q & A with filmmakers and people featured in the films immediately follows.
Location Address:
The Altamont School, 4801 Altamont Road South, Birmingham AL 35222
Parking: There will be plenty of parking in the school’s parking lot
FREE SCREENING with light food and drinks while it lasts!
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CLICK HERE!