The Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner “Last Men in Aleppo” opens July 7 at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center.
Continuing to show is Eleanor Coppola’s “Paris Can Wait” and the dark comedy “Beatriz at Dinner.
Directed by Syrian filmmaker Feras Fayyad, “Last Men in Aleppo” is a searing example of boots-on-the-ground reporting. The documentary showcases the work of the White Helmets, or Syria Civil Defense, a group of international volunteers who are the first to rush towards military strikes and attacks in hopes of saving lives. The story focuses on the lives of three White Helmets founders, Khaled, Subhi and Mahmoud, as they grapple with chaos in Syria and the ever-present dilemma of fleeing or staying to fight for their country.
“Last Men in Aleppo,” which is not rated, shows at the Ross through July 13.
“Beatriz at Dinner,” explores the widening gulf between the world’s haves and have-nots.
Directed by Miguel Arteta and written by Mike White, “Beatriz at Dinner” is set at an elegant dinner party in a swanky hilltop home where conversation between a soft-spoken holistic healer and a hard-nosed businessman explodes into a bitter clash of cultures.
Beatriz (played by Selma Hayek), a self-effacing and spiritual immigrant from Mexico, has spent her adult life caring for the sick while neglecting herself. When her car breaks down, Beatriz’s well meaning employer, Kathy (Connie Britton), insists the healer stay the night and take part in a dinner party that same evening. During the intimate and sumptuous celebration, Beatriz is introduced to Doug Strutt (John Lithgow), a ruthless billionaire real estate developer.
Beatriz listens uncomfortably as Strutt brags about his aggressive business tactics. She reaches a breaking point and can no longer hold her tongue after the businessman boasts about shooting a rhino in Africa. Opposing worldviews collide over the dinner table as Beatriz’s pent up outrage spills out in a way that surprises even herself.
“Beatriz at Dinner,” which is rated R for language and a scene of violence, shows at the Ross through July 13.
“Paris Can Wait” is the feature film directorial debut of the 81-year-old Eleanor Coppola. The film stars Diane Lane as Anne, a Hollywood producer’s wife who unexpectedly takes a trip through France, which reawakens her enjoyment of life and ignites a love triangle.
Long married to a successfully driven but inattentive movie producer (played by Alec Baldwin), Anne takes a car trip from Cannes to Paris with a business associate of her husband (Arnaud Viard). What should be a seven-hour drive transforms into a journey of discovery involving mouthwatering meals, spectacular wines and picturesque sights.
“Pairs Can Wait” will show through July 6. The film is rated R for thematic elements, smoking and some language.
For more information on films at the Ross, including show times, click here or call 402-472-5353.
