The Alabama Rivers Alliance and Black Warrior Riverkeeper—two organizations focused on safeguarding Alabama’s environment and waterways—have once again donated copies of Southern Exposure, an award-winning documentary series educating the public about Alabama’s natural resources, to each of the Birmingham Public Library’s 17 locations.
Created in six weeks during the summer, the films featured in Southern Exposure “celebrate special people and places in Alabama while exploring complex issues and solutions,” according to the Alabama Rivers Alliance website. The 2024 edition of Southern Exposure features films on various environmental topics, including the vital role that seagrass plays in the Mobile Bay ecosystem; the dangers posed by ‘forever chemicals’ in Alabama’s rivers and drinking water sources; an exploration of Alabama’s native plant species; and more.
Each of BPL’s 17 locations will now add a DVD copy of the 2024 edition of Southern Exposure to their collections alongside previous editions already donated by Alabama Rivers Alliance and Black Warrior Riverkeeper.
“I am proud that every Birmingham Public Library location has these excellent Southern Exposure documentaries,” said Charles Scribner, executive director of Black Warrior Riverkeeper. “Each year, Black Warrior Riverkeeper delivers the newest copy of Southern Exposure to every public library in the 17-county Black Warrior River watershed.”
“One of our favorite traditions that we look so forward to each year is working with Black Warrior Riverkeeper and Birmingham Public Libraries to make sure all of their libraries have the latest Southern Exposure Films available on DVD,” added Kelly Marshall, Alabama Rivers Alliance’s deputy director. “We strive to make these films available and accessible to all Alabamians and this continued collaboration helps make that happen!”
The groups’ donation comes ahead of the 2025 Southern Exposure premiere at the Altamont School in Birmingham on Friday, September 19. In addition to screening the latest films in the series, the free event will feature an open discussion with the filmmakers, individuals featured in the films, the Alabama Rivers Alliance team, and over 100 other partner organizations from across the state.
