Two films, “The Persian Version” and “The Royal Hotel” open at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center Nov. 3.
“The Persian Version” tells the story of two countries at odds with each other, and Iranian-American Leila (Layla Mohammadi) strives to find balance and embrace her opposing cultures, while boldly challenging the labels society is so quick to project upon her. When her family reunites in New York City for her father’s heart transplant, Leila navigates her relationships at arm’s length in an effort to keep her “real” life separate from her family life. However, when her secret is unceremoniously revealed, so are the distinct parallels between her life and that of her mother Shireen (Niousha Noor). Punctuated by a bright color palette, snappy comedic relief and vibrant dance numbers, “The Persian Version” delivers an honest portrayal of a woman who remains unapologetically herself, blended seamlessly into a heartfelt story about family, belonging and the undeniable influence of pop music.
Winning both the Audience Award and the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, writer-director-producer Maryam Keshavarz delivers a universal and timely story of the Iranian and the Iranian-American experience.
“The Persian Version,” which is rated R for language and some sexual references, is showing through Nov. 16.
“The Royal Hotel” tells the story of Americans Hanna and Liv (Jessica Henwick, Julia Garner) who are best friends backpacking in Australia. After they run out of money, Liv, looking for an adventure, convinces Hanna to take a temporary live-in job behind the bar of a pub called ’The Royal Hotel’ in a remote Outback mining town. Bar owner Billy (Hugo Weaving) and a host of locals give the girls a riotous introduction to Down Under drinking culture but soon Hanna and Liv find themselves trapped in an unnerving situation that grows rapidly out of their control.
“The Royal Hotel,” which is rated R for language throughout, sexual content and nudity, is showing through Nov. 9.
Learn more about the films, including show times and ticket availability.
