A film examining the life of history-making actor Marlee Matlin opens at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center Aug. 22.
Continuing is "The Last Class."
"Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore" is a deep dive into the life of the trailblazing actress. In 1987, at the age of just 21, Matlin shattered expectations as the first deaf actor to win an Academy Award for her groundbreaking performance in "Children of a Lesser God." Catapulted into the spotlight, she seized the moment to challenge an industry unprepared for her immense talent, emerging as a trailblazer not only as a performer but also as an author and activist. Matlin’s incredible journey continued with standout roles in acclaimed projects such as "The West Wing" and the Oscar-winning "CODA," all while relentlessly advocating for greater inclusion and accessibility both within Hollywood and beyond its borders.
Directed by Shoshannah Stern, the film offers an unflinching look at Matlin’s remarkable life through the lens of her primary language, American Sign Language. Matlin opens up about her personal and professional struggles — her meteoric rise to fame, the challenges of navigating a predominantly hearing industry, the pain of a tumultuous high-profile relationship, getting sober and years of being overlooked by Hollywood — alongside her many triumphs.
"Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore" is not rated and is showing through Aug. 28.
"The Last Class" is a nuanced and personal portrait of master educator Robert Reich leading his final course and reflecting on a period of immense transformation, personally and globally. The former secretary of labor might be famous for his public service, best-selling books and viral social media posts, but he always considered teaching his true calling. Now, after more than 40 years and an extraordinary 40,000 students, Reich is preparing for his last class.
Over the course of the film, Reich confronts the impending finality, and his own aging, with increasing candor, introspection and, ultimately, emotion. He displays a rawness of feeling he has never shared publicly before.
"The Last Class," which is not rated, is showing through Aug. 28.
For more information on films, including showtimes and ticket availability, visit the Ross' website.
