Alabama is once again in the Hollywood spotlight after actor Matthew McConaughey’s latest film, The Rivals of Amziah King, made its world premiere at the 2025 SXSW Film & TV Festival. The indie crime thriller, shot extensively in the Birmingham metro area in 2023, is already earning praise, with McConaughey himself giving Alabama a special shout-out.

During a group interview at SXSW, McConaughey described Birmingham as “a little jewel down there in Alabama,” recognizing the city’s beauty and charm.

Fellow cast member Rob Morgan echoed his sentiments, calling Birmingham “a beautiful city in the mountains.”

While the film is set in Oklahoma, Alabama provided the perfect backdrop for its story. Locations such as J&J Grocery & Deli in Bessemer, Pell City Steak House, the Green Valley neighborhood in Hoover, The Frosty Mug in Jasper, and the former Jean’s on the River in Cordova played key roles in bringing the film’s vision to life.

McConaughey, who spent several weeks in the state during filming, was spotted in various locations, including the transformed Frosty Mug, which served as a fictional restaurant called Ulysses’ Steak Sandwiches. Background actors and extras from Alabama also participated, playing roles including truck drivers, nurses, jail guards, and church attendees.

The Rivals of Amziah King received a standing ovation at its SXSW premiere on March 10 at the Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas. Another screening is set for March 13 at the ZACH Theatre.