Blue Velvet (dir: David Lynch, 1986, cert 18)
Few directors have traduced expectations in cinema than the enigmatic and unpredictable David Lynch. Announcing himself with the surrealist and uncomfortable industrial hymn Eraserhead, Lynch’s work has never been easily classifiable, genius to some and pretentious show off to others, there is no disputing the maverick anomie of his style, characters and stories. Blue Velvet is the film where all the weird disparate elements of his dark imagination clicked in perfect synchronicity, creating a perverse and perfect movie monster.
Mon 13 Nov 6pm & 8.30pm at The Mockingbird, Custard Factory, Gibb St, Birmingham B9 4AA £4 veezi.com

Pyaasa (dir: Guru Dutt, 1957, cert U)
Epic and intellectually deep piece of Arthouse cinema that is both dazzling and moving as struggling poet Vijay struggles to connect with a world he increasingly experiences as morally bankrupt. Beautifully scored, Pyaasa is a stunningly meditative contemplation on life and the individual’s place within it. Corruption may seem all pervasive but we can resist.
Tue 14 Nov 2pm at mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham B12 9QH £9 macbirmingham.co.uk

Pink Flamingos (dir: John Waters, 1972, cert 18) with Conjurer’s Kitchen
Now generally regarded as one of the most important queer films of all time, John Waters’ scandalous tale of the filthiest person alive is a gleefully zero budget paddle through a litany of depravities and a trailblazing march towards punk rock culture. Waters regular Divine is outrageous as Babs and yes, that is real dog shit she chows down on. Conjurer’s Kitchen are laying on a select menu of themed snacks to be eaten at key moments in the film so expect eggs and quite possibly the yummiest canine faeces you’ve ever tasted. Screened as part of Shout Festival.
Tue 14 Nov 8pm at The Electric Cinema, Station Street, Birmingham B5 4DY £20.70 www.theelectric.co.uk

We Are Many + Q&A (dir: Amir Amirani, 2014, cert 12A)
In February 2003, with war in Iraq imminent, a million people took to the streets of London in the biggest march this country had ever seen. The demonstration was part of a coordinated world wide protest that saw some 30 million people marching against the war in 800 cities. Amirani’s film explores what it calls the new grass roots activism that grew from the protests. A Yellow Wednesday presentation followed by a panel discussion including peace campaigner Salma Yaqoob.
Wed 15 Nov 6.30pm at Impact Hub, 58 Oxford Street, Birmingham B5 5NY £5 www.eventbrite.co.uk

Kiki (dir: Sara Jordenö, 2016, cert n/a)
Jordenö’s background as a visual artist is apparent in the gorgeous spectacle  of Kiki, a documentary glimpse into New York’s flamboyant ballroom scene. Participants belong to groups known as ‘houses’ of which Kiki is one, Kiki is run by LGBTQ people of colour. Kiki, along with other houses such as Juicy Couture, Unbothered Cartier and Pink Lady provide compelling company. Beyond the visual splendour, much illuminating focus is honed on the personal lives of house members. Screened as part of Shout Festival.
Wed 15 Nov 7pm at mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham B12 9QH £9 macbirmingham.co.uk

The Florida Project (dir: Sean Baker, 2017, cert 15)
This is a remarkable film. Sumptuous cinematography and sublime composition ensure Sean Baker’s the Florida Project is one of the best movies released so far this year. The budget Magic Castle Motel is the setting for a disparate group of characters conjoined by the antics of their precociously mature children. Willem Dafoe excels as put upon Motel manager Bobby; but Moonee, Scooty and Jancey, three startlingly streetwise six year olds, will take your breath away. It is a film rich with artful symbolism as their deprived lives unfold in the shadow of Disneyland. Stunning cinema.
Fri 17 Nov to Thu 23 Nov at The Electric Cinema, Station Street, Birmingham B5 4DY £9.50 www.theelectric.co.uk

The Marker + Q&A (dir: Justin Edgar, 2017, cert 15)
Filmed almost exclusively in Digbeth; which is fast becoming the UK’s go to film set for unspoilt industrial realism, just ask Stephen Spielberg, Justin Edgar’s grimy inner city thriller stars Frederick Schmidt as a newly released criminal haunted by his past. Some jarring violence and Schmidt is excellent as the tormented Marley, but why aren’t there more Brummies? The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the director.
Sun 19 Nov 2pm at mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham B12 9QH £9 macbirmingham.co.uk