This week, “The Rivals of Amziah King” made its world premiere at the annual 2025 South by Southwest Film & TV Festival in Austin, Texas. The movie—which was filmed in 2023 right here in Alabama and stars Matthew McConaughey—received a standing ovation.
“The Rivals of Amziah King” was filmed in Alabama
Although “The Rivals of Amziah King” is set in Oklahoma, the principal photography for the movie was filmed right here in Alabama.
During filming, social media was abuzz with spottings of the actors and actresses involved—especially “Dazed and Confused” and “Wolf of Wall Street” star Matthew McConaughey. The actor was spotted all over Central Alabama—here’s a recap:
- May 22: Casting for The Rivals of Amziah King starring Matthew McConaughey begins in Birmingham.
- June 15: Jefferson County residents report McConaughey spottings in Bessemer, Mountain Brook, Pell City and at the Frothy Monkey in downtown Birmingham.
- June 30: Additional Matthew McConaughey and crew sightings in Hoover and Winston County
- July 5: A local Birmingham Pastor invites Matthew McConaughey and community to see The Rivals of Amziah King with her church.
A standing ovation at SXSW
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