What to Watch on IFC in July

By Joanna Varikos on 07/02/2009

Every Monday and Wednesday this month, beginning at midnight, IFC is blending musical performances with indie film. Tune in for films inspired by rock n' roll, including "Last Days," directed by Gus Van Sant and loosely based on the death of Kurt Cobain. You can also catch "Festival Express," a rockumentary featuring amazing performances from some of the music industry's most influential names, including Janis Joplin and the Grateful Dead. Also on the ticket, the Beatles classic "A Hard Day's Night," Australian import "Starstruck" and "Wild Man Blues," a doc about Woody Allen and his love for jazz.

If you've ever wanted to know how a record company starts (and ends) from the bottom up, you have to see "24 Hour Party People," a deliriously good chronicle of the rise of Manchester's Factory Records and the scene that spawned the likes of New Order and the Happy Mondays. The party continues into the wee hours with performances from the White Stripes, Gnarls Barkley, the Queens of the Stone Age, the Shins and a whole lot more. And if you miss Henry Rollins, this is a chance to hear him rant about politics and welcome his own musical guests on some of the last season's best episodes. Plus, if you haven't already seen "Z Rock," get to know this rock band as they perform the rock club circuit by night while singing kiddie tunes by day to pay the bills.

India's film industry is now the largest in the world, a vibrant cinema culture that regularly tromps Hollywood in its homeland and abroad. That's why, beginning this month, IFC is proud to present Bollywood films every Sunday at 10am. In July, look out for crime epic "Johnny Gaddaar," outlandish music industry comedy "Bheja Fry," and acclaimed and award-winning rural fable "The Blue Umbrella." Don't forget to browse our Indie Guide to Bollywood for everything you need to know to get started on Hindi film.

PREMIERES THIS MONTH:

• FROM HELL This period horror story following an inspector probing the Jack the Ripper murders is based on a graphic novel by "Watchmen"'s Alan Moore. Stars Johnny Depp and Heather Graham. Premieres Thursday, July 23rd @ 8PM.
• MAD MAX Before Mel Gibson was a megastar, or a wild-card director responsible for one of the most financially successful indie films, he was an unknown who became an icon in "Mad Max," George Miller's essential dystopic action movie. Premieres Wednesday, July 1st @ 9:45PM.
• PLATOON The winner of both an Academy and Independent Spirit Award for best picture, this war drama focuses on a group of soldiers struggling with what's right while fighting in the Vietnam War. The ensemble cast includes Tom Berenger, Willem Defoe, Charlie Sheen, Forest Whitaker and Johnny Depp, and the film was directed by Oliver Stone. Premieres Wednesday, July 1st @ midnight.
• I'M GONNA GIT YOU SUCKA Keenan Ivory Wayans writes, directs and stars in this blaxploitation satire about a soldier who returns home and recruits crime fighters to get even with a neighborhood thug. Isaac Hayes, Jim Brown and Kadeem Hardison are also featured. Premieres Monday, July 6th @ 8PM.