Dog Day Afternoon  (dir: Sidney Lumet, 1975, cert 15) Proving that real life is much stranger than fiction is Lumet’s recounting of John Wojtowicz’s (inexplicably called Sonny Wortzik in the film) attempt to bank rob his way to sex reassignment surgery for his homosexual lover. Oscar nominated for his role, Al Pacino excels as the keen but inept criminal with a bank full of hostages and no cash to steal. A tragically comic story filled with a certain lunatic charm. There will be an introduction to the film from B-Film academic Richard Langley.
Tue 12 July 8.30pm at Electric Cinema, Birmingham £10.50 www.theelectric.co.uk

When Marnie Was There (dir: Hiromasa Yonebayashi, 2016, cert. PG) There are rumours that this will be the last Studio Ghibli film. If that is the case it is a stunning achievement with which to bow out. Hayao Miyazaki’s influence looms large on this enchanting, almost genteel ghost story, and while it never quite reaches the heights of Spirited Away’s magical animated imaginations, it is still leagues ahead of the competition.
Mon 11 Jul to Tues 12 Jul Various times at Electric Cinema, Birmingham, £10.50 www.theelectric.co.uk

The Fog of Srebrenica (dir: Samir Mehanovic, 2016, cert 15) In July 1995 over 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were abandoned by The United Nations to their fate and executed by General Ratko Mladić’s Bosnian Serb army. The worst massacre on European soil since The Third Reich. Survivors and family members talk about the events leading up to the massacre in Mehanovic’s compelling and heart breaking documentary. What would you do if you thought your neighbours were out to kill you? The film will be followed by a Q & A session.
Thu 14 Jul 6pm at Mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham B12 9QH £8 www.macbirmingham.co.uk

Night of the Demon (dir: Jacques Tourneur, 1957, cert PG) Probably more renowned for the battle between Tourneur and his producers interfering with the film. NOTD is still a genre defying classic that has stood the test of time and is easily one of the scariest films ever according to no less an authority than Martin Scorsese.
Fri 15 Jul to Thu 21 July various times at Electric Cinema, Birmingham £10.50 www.theelectric.co.uk

Poor Cow (dir: Ken Loach, 1967, cert 15) Loach’s debut feature establishes many of the themes that became fundamental motifs during half a century of creating dynamic social realism on screen. The titular poor cow, Joy, played with an air of helpless innocence by Carol White, has little influence over the circumstances of her life as she lurches from one tragedy to another. Terence Stamp and swinging 60s London are iconically cool in spades.
Sun 17 Jul 6pm at Mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham B12 9QH £8 www.macbirmingham.co.uk

The Passenger (dir: Michelangelo Antonioni, 1975, cert 12) One of the greatest film directors paired with one of the most enigmatic actors of their respective generations producing one of the greatest films ever made. A dreamy and wistful peak of arthouse cinema. The lingering and beautiful ennui of Antonioni’s oeuvre has never been better realised than in this vision of one man’s descent into another man’s hell. We love this film and the cable car scene is one of the most beautiful things ever committed to celluloid, or is it the opening desert scene? Recommended – with knobs on!
Sun 17 Jul 2pm at Electric Cinema, Birmingham, £10.50 www.theelectric.co.uk

Withnail and I (dir: Bruce Robinson, 1987, cert 15) Probably one of the most quotable films ever and a staple of the UK student film canon since it’s release. However, it’s not just uproarious high jinks as our heroes go on holiday by mistake. It’s actually a subtly nuanced tragedy as the youthful I has to decide whether it’s time to take a leap into adulthood and the future. The London Zoo ending still brings a tear to our eye. Anyway, here’s our favourite quote, ‘I feel like a pig shat in my head’. Now put down that Camberwell Carrot and go see.
Fri 15 Jul 8pm at Mockingbird Theatre, Custard Factory, Birmingham £4 www.mockingbirdtheatre.com

Shock & Gore Festival continues to play with your minds this week check out our preview here