Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema

My son discovered this spot while watching a film for one of his UAB course assignments. He immediately sent me photos (I currently reside in NC) to share what a cool place it was. It's a non profit, independent theatre that features some of the more mainstream movies as well as lots of independent films. While visiting over the Thanksgiving holiday, we went to watch a movie. I absolutely loved the "underground" theatre! It's so beautiful and chic, even when it's not decorated beautifully for the upcoming Christmas holiday. All of the staff were great and accommodating. I inquired about a coffee at the snack bar (at 8:30pm) and they brewed a fresh pot for me! Now, the itty bitty coffee cups (by my standards) were a bit of a disappointment, but that speaks more to my caffeine use disorder more than anything! lol Unlike many of your standard theatres, this one offers alcoholic drinks as well. The theatre is really beautiful and in good repair. It's also clean, which I appreciated. I am about to move to Birmingham and this will be a place I frequent!

This place is one of my favorite places to watch a movie. Cute theater room with smaller screen but seats are very close. You definitely feel more immersed in the show. Amazing bar and fantastic concessions.

Wonderful independent movie theater in the basement of the Pizitz food court. Paid parking is available in the adjoining garage (anything below 2 hours is free). Lovely decor, including seating areas with a shelf of games in the lobby, and the staff was unfailingly friendly and helpful. The individual theaters are small compared to a big chain, but chairs are very comfortable and it's hard to have a bad seat. Concessions are good quality (there's a bar with rotating themed drinks) and priced fairly reasonably. The bathrooms are even Shining themed! You can also reserve theaters for private events.

Only come here if you want a good experience and love movies. If you want to be bored, go somewhere else. At Sidewalk Film Center friendly staff will greet you, you’ll find a really thoughtfully decorated space with lots of little movie Easter eggs, a gorgeous bar, plenty of little seating areas to hang out before and after a film, a food and drink menu with the classics, and comfortable and intimate auditoriums with the latest digital tech.

Been here three times now and not only is this a very nice theater it’s super fun. They really try hard to make this a unique experience for everyone. They have lots of theme nights and having a bar only adds to the experience. Everyone is so kind and we love coming here for the different events. Fun for all ages. Can’t wait to come again.

My first visit was for a $5 matinee showing of “Moonage Daydream” which was excellent, but can’t reflect on this review. No matter, because Sidewalk Cinema is a cool place, whatever they’re showing. All of the employees I encountered were polite, helpful and professional. I loved the videos playing on several large screens in the areas outside the theaters. There were several seating areas for enjoying cocktails, beer and beverages, making this a good place to visit even if you don’t have a movie on your agenda. Sidewalk is located in the lower level of Pizitz Food Hall, so there are additional options if you need to kill time before a movie or just chill out for a bit. I try to photograph bathrooms for my reviews, and did so here, but didn’t notice the mirror until I revisited prior to leaving. Nice touch! The movie was in a small theater with quite comfortable seats. The showing was sparsely attended, but that wasn’t surprising considering it was at 2pm on a Thursday. Now that I’ve had my first visit, I’m definitely going to be back. Sidewalk Cinema is a bright spot in Birmingham’s cultural growth.

We made reservations for a movie, when we arrived, on time, they said it was full & wouldn't let us in. If this is a 1st come bases, they should not be allowing reservations & sending out confirmation number of your reservation. My group does a lot in the Birmingham area on weekends, we will not be back to this business. Poor management is the only explanation!!! We left sidewalk film center & went to top golf & had a blast. My advice is to stay away from sidewalk film center & use another local theater for movies. We were totally disappointed!!

Not only the best cinema in town, but also an excellent event space in which to host viewing parties. (special shout-out to Trevor, whose quick thinking helped resolve some technical difficulties) Don't miss the bar and the great books about filmmaking you can read while hanging out.