“War Pony” writer Franklin Sioux Bob and producer Willi White will join the audience for a discussion following the screening of the film at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 8 at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center.
The discussion is presented by Friends of The Ross and the Norman Geske Cinema Showcase. This event is included in the regular ticket price. Tickets are available online and at the Ross box office.
“War Pony,” a tale of life on the Pine Ridge Reservation, opens at the Ross Sept. 8 and will play through Sept. 21. It is showing with the short film, “Lost Bird.” Continuing is “Past Lives.”
“War Pony” tells the interlocking stories of two Oglala Lakota men coming of age on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. At 23, Bill (Jojo Bapteise Whiting) just wants to make something of himself. Whether it’s syphoning gas, delivering goods or breeding Poodles, he is determined to carve his way to the “American Dream.” Meanwhile, 12-year-old Matho (LaDainian Crazy Thunder) can’t wait to become a man. Desperate for approval from his young, unavailable father, a series of destructive decisions turns Matho’s life upside down and he finds himself unequipped to deal with the harsh realities of the adult world.
A powerful tale of life, hope and belonging on the Reservation, it features spellbinding performances from first-time actors Jojo Bapteise Whiting and LaDainian Crazy Thunder, and was created over a period of several years, in collaboration with members of the Pine Ridge Reservation.”War Pony” is the directorial debut of Riley Keough and Gina Gammell, and written with first-time writers, Franklin Sioux Bob and Bill Reddy.
“Past Lives” tells the story of Nora and Hae Sung, two deeply connected childhood friends, are wrest apart after Nora’s family emigrates from South Korea. Two decades later, they are reunited in New York for one fateful week as they confront notions of destiny, love, and the choices that make a life, in this heartrending modern romance.
“Past Lives” is rated PG-13 for some strong language and is showing at the Ross through Sept. 14.
Learn more about the films, including show times and ticket availability.
