Award-winning director Suzanne Raes gives a unique insight into the realization of the largest Vermeer exhibition ever in “Close to Vermeer,” which opens at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center Sept. 15.
Continuing is “War Pony.”
In “Close to Vermeer,” Raes films Rijksmuseum curators Gregor Weber and Pieter Roelofs and conservators Abbie Vandivere and Anna Krekeler in their mission to shine a new light on Johannes Vermeer. For although The Milkmaid and Girl with a Pearl Earring are world-famous, we know little about the painter himself. No self-portraits, no letters, no notes; a small oeuvre is all that the Dutch Master left behind.
This fascinating documentary shows everything from the quiet diplomacy required to get the Vermeers to the Netherlands and the new knowledge gained by scanning the paintings layer by layer, to the shocking world news that one work may not be by Vermeer after all. Slowly we discover how Vermeer was able to depict reality so differently from his contemporaries.
But above all, “Close to Vermeer” shows the infectious love of the curators and other protagonists for Vermeer’s art. As Weber lovingly puts it, “A good exhibition should change your view of the world. Vermeer can really do that.”
“Close to Vermeer” is not rated and is showing at the Ross through Sept. 21.
“War Pony” tells the interlocking stories of two Oglala Lakota men coming of age on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. At 23, Bill (Jojo Bapteise Whiting) just wants to make something of himself. Whether it’s syphoning gas, delivering goods or breeding Poodles, he is determined to carve his way to the “American Dream.” Meanwhile, 12-year-old Matho (LaDainian Crazy Thunder) can’t wait to become a man. Desperate for approval from his young, unavailable father, a series of destructive decisions turns Matho’s life upside down and he finds himself unequipped to deal with the harsh realities of the adult world.
A powerful tale of life, hope and belonging on the Reservation, it features spellbinding performances from first-time actors Jojo Bapteise Whiting and LaDainian Crazy Thunder, and was created over a period of several years, in collaboration with members of the Pine Ridge Reservation.”War Pony” is the directorial debut of Riley Keough and Gina Gammell, and written with first-time writers, Franklin Sioux Bob and Bill Reddy.
War Pony” will play through Sept. 21.
Learn more about the films, including show times and ticket availability.
