Creating a Permanent Home for Sidewalk Cinema

Sidewalk Cinema Concessions and Bar | Photo: Rion Rizzo

Birmingham has long been known for its thriving arts community, and at the center of that creative energy is the Sidewalk Film Festival. Repeatedly recognized by MovieMaker magazine as one of the Top 25 Festivals in the World, Sidewalk brings more than 200 independent films to the city each year. It is one of Birmingham’s most celebrated cultural events, attracting filmmakers, industry leaders, and film enthusiasts from around the globe. Yet for much of its history, the festival lacked something essential: a permanent home. Events were scattered across rented spaces, and there was no dedicated independent cinema where smaller films could reach local audiences year-round.

Sidewalk Cinema Exterior | Photo: Rion Rizzo

Creating a Permanent Home

That changed in 2019, when our team partnered with Sidewalk and the Alabama Moving Image Association to bring the Sidewalk Cinema & Film Center to life. Located in the lower level of the historic Pizitz Building, the 11,300-square-foot venue includes two intimate 100-seat theaters, a bar and lounge, gallery space, offices, and an education center for film and media programming.

“The vision was to create not just a functional cinema but a true destination, one that captures the spirit of moviegoing and celebrates film as both an art form and a community experience.” – Neil Davis, director of design

Below the Surface

Designing in a basement space came with unique challenges. With low ceilings, existing structural footings, and very limited natural light, our team had to find innovative ways to create the immersive feel of a theater. By digging deeper into the slab, carving out circulation paths, and introducing access through the Pizitz’s main lobby and food hall, the space was transformed into a cultural hub.

Sidewalk Cinema Gathering Area | Under Construction

Sidewalk Cinema Gathering Area | Photo: Rion Rizzo

Sidewalk Cinema Restroom | Photo: Rion Rizzo

Capturing the Spirit of Cinema

From the start, the design intent was clear: this was a place for film, and every detail needed to reinforce that identity. The theaters are wrapped in glowing acrylic panels that nod to a classic marquee, immediately giving visitors the feeling of stepping into a true cinema. Fun details pay tribute to iconic films, such as restroom axe door handles inspired by The Shining, while the bar and lounge add to the excitement with hanging lightbulb finishes and film-themed touches. Even though the cinema sits in a basement, the glowing walls and rounded design bring in light and energy, capturing the magic of movies.

Since its opening, Sidewalk Cinema has quickly become more than a venue for the annual festival. It has grown into a year-round home for independent films in Birmingham, screening movies that otherwise might not reach local audiences. Its classrooms and educational spaces support after-school programs, workshops, and youth development, ensuring the next generation of filmmakers has a place to learn and create. With state-of-the-art projection systems and carefully designed gathering spaces, the cinema offers an experience that is both high quality and deeply personal, bringing people together through stories and film.

Impact Beyond the Screen

Sidewalk’s impact extends beyond the film community. For downtown Birmingham, it represents another step in the revitalization of historic spaces, turning an underutilized basement into a cultural destination that draws visitors throughout the year. It has also become a social space where people meet before or after screenings, reinforcing its role as a place for connection as much as for art.

The project has been recognized with the Member Honor Award from the Birmingham chapter of the American Institute of Architects, but its true success is reflected in the excitement of festivalgoers, students, and everyday movie lovers who now have a space to call their own. For our team, it was a privilege to help make a long-standing dream within the Birmingham arts community a reality and to design a space that continues to inspire, entertain, and bring people together.

“Cinema has always been a passion of mine. I studied film in college, and if I hadn’t pursued architecture, I likely would have gone into the industry. Designing Sidewalk Cinema gave me the rare opportunity to merge two lifelong interests into one project. Our team feels truly fortunate to play a role in creating such a meaningful space for Birmingham.” – Neil Davis, director of design

Sidewalk Cinema Concessions Room | Photo: Jonathan Haas

Sidewalk Cinema Screening Room | Photo: Rion Rizzo