Birmingham, October 5, 2025
News Summary
The second annual Better Cities Film Festival – Birmingham Mini Fest is set to take place at Sidewalk Cinema, showcasing short films focused on urban redevelopment and sustainability. Attendees can enjoy various amenities for $25, with community discussions featuring local leaders on pressing issues related to housing and sustainability. The event aligns with the mission of promoting resident empowerment in thriving neighborhoods.
Birmingham Hosts Second Annual Better Cities Film Festival
The Neighborhood Housing Services of Birmingham is set to present its second annual Better Cities Film Festival – Birmingham Mini Fest on Sunday, with a focus on urban redevelopment and sustainability. The event will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. at Sidewalk Cinema located in the Pizitz Building.
Attendees can purchase tickets for $25, which will grant them access to all film blocks, along with complimentary bottomless popcorn, fountain drinks, and a hot dog bar featuring both meat and vegetarian options.
This year’s festival will showcase a collection of short films that explore various themes. Highlighted topics include architectural programs that reimagine design to benefit communities, the impact of Atlanta’s growth on health, and the land bank model from Flint, Michigan, which offers valuable lessons for Birmingham.
Empowering Communities Through Film
As emphasized by Carol E. Clarke, CEO of Neighborhood Housing Services of Birmingham, the festival aligns with the organization’s mission to promote resident empowerment in thriving neighborhoods. Founded over 40 years ago, the nonprofit focuses on supporting neighborhood revitalization, homebuyer education, and homeownership preservation.
Additional services provided by Neighborhood Housing Services of Birmingham include foreclosure prevention counseling and funding for critical home repairs aimed at seniors and disabled homeowners. The film festival serves to highlight the personal effects of neighborhood revitalization both in Birmingham and across the United States.
Community discussions at the event will include representatives from the Alabama Rivers Alliance, the Birmingham Land Bank Authority, and other local leaders. This forum aims to create solutions for residents to envision a better future amidst ongoing challenges related to housing, sustainability, and equity.
Proceeds from the film festival will directly support the initiatives of Neighborhood Housing Services. For those seeking further information about the festival, details can be found on the Neighborhood Housing Services of Birmingham’s official website.
Key Features of the Festival
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Better Cities Film Festival – Birmingham Mini Fest |
| Date and Time | Sunday, 3 to 6 p.m. |
| Location | Sidewalk Cinema, Pizitz Building, Birmingham |
| Ticket Price | $25 |
| Included Amenities | Access to all film blocks, bottomless popcorn, fountain drinks, hot dog bar |
| Featured Themes | Architectural design, health impacts of urban growth, land bank models |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Birmingham Mini Fest?
The Neighborhood Housing Services of Birmingham is presenting its second annual Better Cities Film Festival – Birmingham Mini Fest on Sunday.
When and where is the event being held?
The event will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. at Sidewalk Cinema at the Pizitz Building.
What is the cost of tickets and what do they include?
Tickets to the festival cost $25 and include access to all film blocks, bottomless popcorn, fountain drinks, and a hot dog bar with meat and veggie options.
What are some of the themes showcased at the festival?
The festival will showcase short films that address various themes, including architectural programs that reimagine design to benefit communities, the impact of Atlanta’s growth on health, and the land bank model from Flint, Michigan which offers lessons for Birmingham.
What organizations will participate in community discussions?
Community discussions at the event will include representatives from the Alabama Rivers Alliance, the Birmingham Land Bank Authority, and other local leaders.
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Birmingham Film Festival
- Wikipedia: Film Festival
- Detroit Free Press: Film Festivals in Michigan
- Google Search: Film Festivals
- Tuscaloosa News: Things to Do
- Google Scholar: Community Sustainability Films
- Bham Now: Alabama-Focused Features at Film Festival
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Neighborhood Revitalization
- Variety: Birmingham Indian Film Festival
- Google News: Birmingham Film Festivals
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
