Michele Forman, producer of Southern Exposure FilmsAlabama is home to remarkable natural beauty. Its rivers, forests, wildlife and people hold stories that many never see. This summer, three University of Alabama at Birmingham College of Arts and Sciences faculty members helped create a new season of short documentary films that bring those stories to the screen. The films are part of Southern Exposure, a long running series that celebrates the people and environments of Alabama while explaining the challenges communities face.

Now in its 13th season, Southern Exposure brings early career filmmakers from across the country and around the world to Alabama each year. These filmmakers work closely with environmental groups and local communities to produce short films that highlight important environmental issues.

Michele Forman, assistant professor and director of the Media Studies Program at UAB, produced the Southern Exposure films.

“Our goal is to make short documentary films each year that raise awareness about Alabama’s incredible natural beauty and biodiversity, and the environmental issues that impact all of us who live here,” Forman said. “This is our 13th season of Southern Exposure, which is so exciting to me. We are going strong, with our audience increasing each year.” 

Collaboration that brings stories to life

Each summer, the filmmaking process becomes a large team effort. UAB faculty across several disciplines share their expertise with filmmakers who want to understand the science and history behind each story. Community members open their homes, land and local knowledge to the production teams. Conservation and environmental organizations guide the filmmakers through the issues they see every day.

Forman says this collaboration is what makes Southern Exposure special. The series allows filmmakers to learn directly from scientists, activists and Alabama residents who understand these places deeply.

“Southern Exposure is one of the best experiences I have had working as a documentary producer,” Forman said. “A big part of that is getting to work with environmental and conservation groups around the state, especially the team at Alabama Rivers Alliance.”

Films featured this season

The new season includes these short films that explore how Alabamians connect with their natural environment:

“Undermined”
Residents in Belle Mina are fighting a quarry development that they believe puts their air, water and quality of life at risk. Scott Brande, Ph.D., associate professor in the UAB Department of Chemistry, explains the chemistry of limestone and the unique geography of Alabama that plays a role in this issue.

“Hyperscaled”
This film examines the growing number of large data centers in the Southeast and the heavy water and energy use that comes with them. Community members raise concerns about a proposed development called Project Marvel and the effect it may have on their area.

“Salabama”
This film introduces viewers to the salamanders that live across Alabama. Megan Gibbons, Ph.D., assistant professor in UAB’s Department of Biology, appears in the film as she searches for salamanders and helps explain why these animals are so important to the ecosystem.

“The River’s Gift”
A group of veterans find healing and community along the Tallapoosa River. The film shows how time spent in nature together helps support their mental and emotional wellbeing.

“Knowing”
Written, directed and performed by Erika E. Wade, this film uses poetry to explore family, community and the comfort that comes from connecting with nature.

Sharing Alabama with the world

Forman hopes that these films will inspire and educate both local viewers and international audiences about the astonishing richness of Alabama’s environment and how much depends upon it.

“I hope that local audiences are inspired by the stories of their fellow Alabamians and get out to experience the beauty and wonder of nature,” Forman said. “I hope they feel motivated to protect the water, air and land for future generations.”

National and international audiences may see the films at festivals, environmental events, college classrooms or the United Nations World Water Day.

“We are proud to show how much Alabama has to offer,” she said.

The films are now available to stream online here.