Two films — “Desert One” and “The 24th” — open at the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center on Oct. 2.
Comprehensive without getting bogged down in details, “Desert One” offers a fascinating look at a daring military mission that ended in defeat.
In April 1980, the United States government launched Operation Eagle Claw, their response to the hostage crisis that was happening in Iran at that time. Helmed by then-president Jimmy Carter, the Delta Force tried to rescue the 52 hostages that were detained in the U.S. Embassy and Foreign Ministry buildings in Tehran. The documentary film, “Desert One,” explores the different aspects of this failed mission through interviews with the hostages, soldiers, commanders and even President Carter.
“Desert One” is showing through Oct. 15.
A 1917 uprising sadly resonates more than 100 years later in “The 24th,” an overall compelling — and woefully overdue — reckoning with history.
“The 24th” tells the incredibly powerful and timely true story of the all-Black 24th United States Infantry Regiment, and the Houston Riot of 1917. The Houston Riot was a rebellion by 156 African American soldiers in response to brutal violence and abuse at the hands of Houston police officers. The riot, which lasted two hours, led to the death of nine civilians, four police officers and two soldiers. It resulted in the largest murder trial in history, which sentenced a total of 19 men to execution, and 41 men to life sentences.
“The 24th” is showing through Oct. 15.
Show times are available at the Ross website or by calling 402-472-5353.
