Activism from Exposure: Southern Exposure Film Festival Announces 2015 Premiere Screening
On Sept. 10, the Altamont School’s Cabaniss-Kaul Center for the Arts will host the first screening of 2015’s Southern Exposure short documentary films sponsored by the Southern Environmental Law Center.
Southern Exposure is a summer film fellowship program that brings emerging filmmakers to Birmingham each summer to learn about Alabama’s environment and meet the people working to protect one of the most ecologically and geologically diverse states in the U.S. Produced by college and graduate-level filmmakers from across the country, the 2015 films explore a variety of issues Alabama currently faces, including the lingering environmental and economic impacts on the Gulf Coast’s oyster industry five years after the BP oil spill, the policy barriers preventing Alabama from realizing its solar potential and the ongoing conservation work to preserve more than 4,000 breathtaking caves in the state, according to the press release.
“Our goal is for people to come away from the films with a sense of appreciation for Alabama’s natural beauty and the important work being done to conserve that environmental wealth, ” said David Pope, director of the SELC’s Alabama and Georgia offices.
The film lineup for the fourth Southern Exposure includes The Storm Downstream, Fishermen’s Right to Know, Oysterman, On the Horizon and Sharing the Secrets.
Pope stressed the importance of the films’ role in inspiring environmental activism.
“In learning more about what’s at stake for Alabama’s environment, people want to know how they can get involved in the issues they’ve just seen onscreen,” said Pope. “The ability to inspire action and make a difference has been an incredibly positive development for Southern Exposure and a true testament to these compelling films and the messages they impart.”
The Southern Exposure screening will take place at The Altamont School, 4801 Altamont Road, 7 p.m. This is a free event. For more information, visit southernexposurefilms.org.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
An Evening with Katherine Clark and Special Guest Pat Conroy — The Altamont School. 4801 Altamont Rd. This special book-signing event will feature the signing of Katherine Clark’s new novel and a dessert reception. Ticket price includes a copy of The Headmaster’s Darlings and signatures from Clark and Pat Conroy, who wrote the foreword. Doors open at 6 p.m. $50. For more information, visit altamontschool.org.
ASO Junior Patrons Launch — Jemison Art Gallery. 1814 First Ave. N. The Alabama Symphony Orchestra new Junior Patrons board invites the public to their first season launch event. Classical musician Joyce Yang will perform live, and patrons will be able to try new Cathead Vodka cocktails, The Hot Tag hors d’oeuvres and complimentary beer and wine. 6:30–8 p.m. $25. For more information, visit alabamasymphony.org.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
Alabama State Chess Championship — Samford University. 800 Lakeshore Dr. Labor Day Weekend marks the annual Alabama Chess Federation state championship tournament. The best chess players in the state will battle for the state title in adult and scholastic divisions. Fri. 6:30 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–7 p.m. and Sun. 8:30 a.m.–2 p.m. $60. For more information, visit alabamachess.com.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
The World of Carnivorous Plants — Birmingham Botanical Gardens. 2612 Lane Park Rd. This crash course into the history, cultivation and propagation of carnivorous flora allows attendees to make the most of their garden. Each participant will be able to take home their own “bog in a bowl.” 12:30–4:30 p.m. $60. For more information, visit bbgardens.org.
College Football Opening Weekend — Iron City. 513 22nd St. S. This weekend’s college games will be playing at Iron City’s events center. With lots of space, superior sound, food, drinks and a 240 square-foot projector screen, Saturday’s pigskin tussle will be a memorable experience. Louisville vs. Auburn 2:30 p.m. Wisconsin vs. Alabama 7 p.m. For more information, visit ironcitybham.com.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
Music in the Side Room — Rojo. 2921 Highland Ave. S. Musicians Frank R., Sarah Green, Frank Jordan and Matt Curtis will perform live in the side room at Rojo. Patrons will be able to order from Rojo’s dinner and drink menu while kicking back in a relaxing, artistic setting. 6:30 p.m. Free. For more information, visit rojobirmingham.com.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
“I Had No Idea” Tour — Shepura Men’s Center. 3420 Second Ave. N. The Jimmie Hale Mission offers public tours of Shepura Men’s Center, a dormitory-style housing for low-income men that provides counseling, clothing and meals. 11 a.m.–12 p.m. Free. For more information, visit jimmiehalemission.com.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
BAO Bingo — Birmingham AIDS Outreach. 205 32nd St. S. BAO’s monthly Bingo game returns this Thursday. Compete for cash prizes of $100 or more. 7–9 p.m. $15. For more information, visit birminghamaidsoutreach.org.
Glow for a Cure — Highland Park Golf Course and Tennis Center. 3300 Highland Ave. Golfers can gather this Thursday to raise funds for Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama. Spectator and player tickets include dinner and two rounds of golf (one with glowing tees and balls). 4:30–10 p.m. $25 to watch, $200 to play. For more information, visit alzca.org.
UPCOMING
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
Big Fish — Red Mountain Theatre Company. 301 19th St. N. Birmingham native David Wallace’s novel comes to life on stage with Red Mountain Theatre Company’s production of Big Fish. Will Bloom tries to disentangle the truth from his father’s tall tales, diving headfirst into the fantasy himself. Thurs.–Sat. 7:30, Sun. 2 p.m. Through Oct. 3. $30. For more information, visit redmountaintheatre.org.