The Lincoln Theatre - Bessemer, Alabama

02/09/2026

Powerful news about Places in Peril: The Alabama Historical Commission put us on the 2025 list! Big thanks to Bham Now - Birmingham’s modern media for continuing to cover the story of the Lincoln Theatre and The Holland Project.

The Lincoln Theatre opened in 1948 and is currently undergoing a reovation by The Holland Project, a nonprofit led by André Holland. nw

09/02/2025

EDITED to add that the movie is playing at Sidewalk Film in Birmingham, NOT the Lincoln in Bessemer!

LOVE, BROOKLYN stars our visionary leader André Holland and opens Friday, Sept. 5 at Sidewalk. Hundreds of moviegoers got to see the poster in the Sidewalk cinema lobby during the fest, but only a fortunate few got to see Mary Holland posing beneath it. 😍

10/18/2024

Our friends at Sidewalk Film chose EXHIBITING FORGIVENESS to be the opening night film of the 2024 festival. Tonight the movie opens nationwide and will be playing at the Sidewalk cinema! ✨🤩✨

EXHIBITING FORGIVENESS, the Opening Night Film of the 26th Sidewalk Film Festival, is starting at the Cinema TOMORROW (10/18)!

Get tickets at sidewalkfest.com/tickets.

10/10/2024

https://www.birminghamtimes.com/2024/10/renovating-bessemers-lincoln-theatre-andre-hollands-next-act/

By Javacia Harris Bowser | For The Birmingham Times With an impressive resume the includes more than a dozen films, including the Academy Award-winning “Moonlight,” television series like “The Knic…

10/10/2024

Big thanks to our friend Javacia Harris Bowser for such fine coverage in the Birmingham Times!
https://www.birminghamtimes.com/2024/10/renovating-bessemers-lincoln-theatre-andre-hollands-next-act/

10/09/2024

So grateful for Sidewalk Film!

We are proud to bring back our 2024 Sidewalk Film Festival Opening Night selection to the Sidewalk Cinema, EXHIBITING FORGIVENESS, winner of the Jambor-Franklin Founders Award for Best Narrative Feature Film!

Exhibiting Forgiveness follows the journey of Tarrell (André Holland), a successful Black artist whose life is disrupted by the unexpected return of his estranged father, La’Ron (John Earl Jelks), a recovering addict seeking reconciliation. As Tarrell prepares for a new gallery show, he struggles with traumatic memories of his childhood and the unresolved pain inflicted by his father. While his mother, Joyce (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor), has forgiven La’Ron, Tarrell grapples with the challenge of forgiveness.

Directed by Titus Kaphar, this film blends emotional depth and visual artistry, exploring themes of familial strife and the complexities of forgiveness against the backdrop of the contemporary art world. With a powerful performance by André Holland and a dynamic supporting cast, Exhibiting Forgiveness offers a poignant reflection on the enduring impact of past traumas and the arduous journey toward healing.

EXHIBITING FORGIVENESS plays at the Sidewalk Cinema Oct. 18 - 31.

Get tickets at sidewalkfest.com/tickets.

08/30/2024

ICYMI: High praise for The 26th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival presented by Regions Bank in MovieMaker Magazine.

We loved seeing the great and director Titus Kaphar discuss , which opened the festival - one of our 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the world. The film is inspired by Kaphar’s complex dynamic with his father, but he said almost as soon as he sat down to write, he realized his father wasn’t a villain. It was one pf the most emotional post-film Q&As we’ve seen, because so many people in the audience talked about their own loves and regrets. You can read more at the link in bio.

08/26/2024

We are so proud that EXHIBITING FORGIVENESS won Best Feature at Sidewalk. Thanks to T. Marie for representing & receiving that award! 🥇🤩♥️

08/21/2024

Our visionary leader!

ICYMI: Director Titus Kaphar and actor/Bessemer-native André Holland will be in attendance for our Sidewalk Fest Opening Night film EXHIBITING FORGIVENESS, sponsored by Gilead Sciences!

They'll be sticking around for a Q+A after the film. Join us in front of the Alabama Theatre before and after the film for our Opening Night parties!

Don't miss this exciting start to the 26th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival presented by Regions Bank on Friday, August 23:
5pm - Opening Night Pre-Party in front of the Alabama Theatre (FREE!)
7pm - Opening Night film
9pm - Opening Night After-Party

Get Passes + Tickets at sidewalkfest.com/tix.

07/20/2024

We are DELIGHTED that the Sidewalk Film lineup includes a screening of the Monograph featuring the Lincoln! 🤩

After announcing a handful of titles over the past few months, we’re honored to announce the full lineup for the 26th Annual Sidewalk Film Festival presented by Regions Bank! You can check out the entire schedule here and read our spotlights on our Opening and Closing Night selections below. This ...