Films that examine the political unrest that erupted after the death of a teenager in Ferguson, Missouri, and India’s transition from British rule to independence open Sept. 29 at the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center.
The documentary “Whose Streets?” follows activists and leaders who lived and breathed the uprising after teenager Michael Brown was killed by Ferguson police and left lying in the streets for hours. Brown’s death marked a breaking point for the residents of St. Louis who, fueled by long-standing racial tensions, joined together to hold vigil and protest the tragedy.
“Whose Streets?” is directed by Sabaah Folayan and Damon Davis. The film, which is rated R for language throughout, shows through Oct. 5 at the Ross.
Also showing at the Ross is “Viceroy’s House,” which brings a balanced perspective to the 1947 transition of India from British rule to independence.
The film follows Lord Mountbatten (played by “Downton Abbey’s” Hugh Bonneville), who is dispatched along with his wife, Edwina (Gillian Anderson), to New Dehlit to oversee the change.
Taking his place in the resplendent mansion known as the Viceroy’s House, Mountbatten arrives hopeful for a peaceful transference of power. But ending centuries of colonial rule in a country divided by deep religious and cultural differences proves no easy undertaking, setting off a seismic struggle that threatens to tear India apart. With sumptuous period detail, director Gurinder Chadha brings to life a pivotal historical moment that re-shaped the world.
“Viceroy’s House,” which is not rated, shows through Oct. 12 at the Ross.
For more information on films showing at the Ross, including show times, click here or call 402-42-5353.
