Birmingham’s international festival of social justice films returns with several screenings across the city with directors, producers and special guests taking part. An incredibly strong line up this year we really want to see it all, for those that can’t here are our recommendations. The global arms trade is ruthlessly deconstructed in Johan Grimonprez’s angry and polemical Shadow World (mac Fri 16 Sep 8pm). If you saw his compelling hijacking documentary dial H-I-S-T-O-R-Y you will know what to expect. Joe Stephenson’s heart breaking debut feature is sibling drama Chicken (Electric Sun 18 Sep 4pm) a violent melodrama that will leave you in emotional bits. Mohamed Jabaly’s Ambulance (mac Sat 17 Sep 5pm) is a harrowing but powerful documentary as director Jabaly follows a paramedic crew around Gaza in 2014. Bloody, painful and angry. Yet through the lens of Jabaly we find compassion, bravery and hope.

Thu 15 – Sun 18 Sep. Find out more about the festival at screeningrights.org and check out the mac’s festival page macbirmingham.co.uk.