The University of Nebraska–Lincoln's Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center is marking the beginning of spring with two new films — a baseball comedy and a documentary celebrating hummingbirds — opening March 21.
"Eephus" follows two recreational baseball teams, the River Dogs and Adler’s Paint, who have been meeting on their New England field on Sunday afternoons for longer than anyone can remember. These middle-aged sportsmen can’t run as fast as they used to or connect as reliably with a pitch, but their vigorous appetite for socializing, squabbling and busting chops remains undiminished. After the know-nothing county board opts to raze the baseball diamond to make way for a school, the teams meet for one final game at their beloved Soldier’s Field, with girlfriends, kids and local hooligans as intermittent spectators. As day turns to night and innings bleed together, the players face the uncertainty of a new era.
"Eephus," which is not rated, is showing through March 27.
Author and wildlife rehabber Terry Masear has an ambitious goal: to save every injured hummingbird in Los Angeles. But the path to survival is fraught with danger. "Every Little Thing" was a Sundance hit, introducing audiences to Masear’s diminutive patients through breathtaking slow-motion photography and emotional storytelling. Over the course of director Sally Aitken’s moving documentary, the audience becomes deeply invested in hummingbirds such as Cactus, Raisin, Jimmy and Wasabi, celebrating their tiny victories and lamenting their tragedies. Through Masear’s eyes, each bird becomes memorable, mighty and heroic. Her compassion and empathy serves as a reminder that grace can be found in the smallest of acts and the tiniest of creatures.
"Every Little Thing," which is not rated, is showing through March 27.
For more information on films, including showtimes and ticket availability, visit the Ross website.
