Spirit of Independence Film Festival

Special film screening events celebrating unique and creative voices in the world of independent and cult cinema, leading up to the Spirit of Independence Film Festival in September.

28 May 2026 - Maniac Cop

New York City isn’t safe. Not from muggers. Not from gangs. Not even from the police.

When a uniformed officer starts turning up at the scenes of brutal murders, the city spirals into panic. Is it a copycat? A cover-up? Or something far worse lurking behind the badge?

Equal parts slasher, action thriller, and urban nightmare, Maniac Cop drags you through a grimy, neon-lit vision of late-80s New York where authority itself becomes the threat. With bone-crunching kills, relentless pacing, and a killer premise that refuses to let go, this cult classic delivers pure exploitation energy with a badge and a nightstick.

This special screening features an introduction by Paul Downey, author of ‘This City if Going to Hell: The Making of Maniac Cop’ as well as a series of specially curated trailers from the era of Maniac Cop.

Our supporting short is the insanely brilliant ‘Cocaine Overkill'- 1988. Miami. In one violent night, Detective Lewis Cannon must rid the streets of crack cocaine.

And to round things off, we’ll be running our free raffle where you could bag yourself a Maniac Cop related prize!