Every week in September, lovers of song and film can kill two birds at a host of music-centric feature-length documentary and short-film screenings. Here are our top five must-sees:
1. John Akomfrah’s The Last Angel of History is a cinematic essay that explores science-fiction works inspired by funk legend George Clinton and Parliament’s Mothership Connection. Fri., Sept. 7, 7 p.m., $9, with Seven Songs for Malcolm X, International House, 3701 Chestnut St., 215-387-5125, ihousephilly.org.
2. Run Lola Run is an exhilarating techno-fueled adventure by German director Tom Tykwer, who, along with electronica composer Johnny Klimek and the Nina Hagen Band’s Reinhold Heil, also produced the film’s soundtrack. Tue., Sept. 11, 5:30 p.m., free, room 821 in Anderson Hall, Temple University, 1114 Polett Walk, 215-204-5625, temple.edu.
3. The much-anticipated Philly premiere of The Rise and Fall of the Clash will be followed by a Q&A with director Danny Garcia and a performance by local Clash-inspired rockers The High Five. Insider tip: Get your tickets now; this is gonna sell out. Tue., Sept. 18, 7 p.m., $10, The Balcony, 1003 Arch St., 215-922-6888, thetroc.com.
4. Doogie How … er … Neil Patrick Harris stars in Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, the musical “tragicomedy” originally released as a three-part web series. Proceeds from admission and post-screening activities will benefit Equality Now. Sun., Sept. 23, 2-6 p.m., $8-$10, The Rotunda, 4014 Walnut St., 215-573-3234, cantstoptheserenity.com.
5. Director Jeff Krulik will host and narrate this screening of Heavy Metal Parking Lot, his 1986 cult-classic documentary short about crazyass Judas Priest tailgaters. Fri., Sept. 28, 7:30 p.m., $8, PhilaMoca, 531 N. 12th St., 267-519-9651, philamoca.org.
