Wild & Scenic Film Festival showing in Birmingham on October 19, 2014

Wild & Scenic Film Festival showing in Birmingham this Sunday

Festival will feature films from the largest environmental film festival in the world as well as local films about Alabama

BIRMINGHAM, ALA. Join the Alabama Rivers Alliance, Alabama Environmental Council, and Cahaba River Society as they host the 7th annual Birmingham showing of the Wild and Scenic Film Festival On Tour at Old Car Heaven on Sunday, October 19, 2014 from 2-7pm.

This year’s Birmingham showing will kick off with Southern Environmental Law Center’s Southern Exposure  film seriesa selection of six short movies about Alabama’s natural resources and the environmental issues that impact all of us. Some of the filmmakers, film subjects, and others involved in the project will be on site to discuss the films.

The centerpiece of Alabama’s Wild & Scenic program is a selection of award-winning films from the national Wild & Scenic Film Festival. Considered one of the nation’s premiere environmental and adventure film festivals, this year’s films combine stellar filmmaking, beautiful cinematography, and first-rate storytelling to inform, inspire solutions, and ignite possibilities to restore the earth and create a positive future for the next generation.

This year’s special feature will be the premiere of Alabama filmmaker and photographer Hunter Nichols‘ feature-length documentary, River Dreams, about his 44 day canoe trip beginning on the Cahaba River in Birmingham, AL and traveling all the way to the barrier islands in the Gulf of Mexico. During his journey, powerful storms, alligators, feral hogs, sickness and pollution threaten to end his trip, and Nichols captures it all on film. Nichols will be on site at the festival to discuss his film and copies of the DVD will be available for purchase.

The festival is a natural extension of the Alabama Rivers Alliance, Alabama Environmental Council, and Cahaba River Society’s work to inspire people to act on behalf of the environment.

“For seven years running, it has been great to bring this nationally recognized film festival to Alabama,” said Katie Shaddix, the festival organizer. “This is a great time for us to see and hear amazing stories about people around the world caring for the environment. This year we have a breathtaking selection of films by local filmmakers in addition to our excellent line up of films from the national festival. Our audience will be treated to an exceptional program.”

The Wild & Scenic Film Festival is sponsored by a selection of local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and individuals. Complimentary beer for adults will be served from three local breweries: Cahaba Brewing Company, Good People Brewing Company, and Trim Tab Brewing Company. Refreshments will be provided by Rojo, Brick & Tin, and El Barrio. Other sponsors of the festival include EBSCO Industries, Alden Systems, Wild South, GASP, Mark and Maggie Johnston, the Cahaba Group of the Alabama Sierra Club, Alabama Waldorf School, Friends of the Locust Fork River, Black Warrior Riverkeeper, Paul Freeman, Cyprus Partners, Creative Montessori School, Acoustic Cafe, and The Nature Conservancy.

The Southern Exposure Films and national Wild & Scenic Films will also be showing in Huntsville on November 7 at the Flying Monkey Arts Theater at a showing hosted in partnership with the Coalition for a Green Huntsville and Madison County.

BIRMINGHAM WILD & SCENIC FILM FESTIVAL DETAILS: 

Date and Time: Doors open at 2pm and shows start at 2:30pm.
Location Address:  Old Car Heaven, 3501 1st Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35222
Ticket Prices: 
$25 (includes food, beverages, and one year membership in the Alabama Rivers Alliance and Alabama Environmental Council)
$10 for Students and Seniors
Kids 12 and under, free

Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at www.alabamarivers.org