A new film opening at the Mary Riempa Ross Media Arts Center explores existential questions and marks a directorial debut from Edson Oda.

“Nine Days,” opening at the Ross on Aug. 6, is an ethereal and evocative film about the meaning of life — elevated by a phenomenal performance from Winston Duke and a “striking directorial debut” by Oda, according to Todd McCarthy, film reviewer for The Hollywood Reporter.

Trailer: “Nine Days”

In the film, Will (Winston Duke) spends his days in a remote outpost watching live TVs of people going about their lives, until one subject perishes, leaving a vacancy for a new life on earth. Several candidates — unborn souls — arrive at Will’s to undergo tests determining their fitness, facing oblivion when they are deemed unsuitable. But Will soon faces his own existential challenge in the form of free-spirited Emma (Zazie Beetz), a candidate who is not like the others, forcing him to turn within and reckon with his own tumultuous past. Fueled by unexpected power, he discovers a bold new path forward in his own life.

“Nine Days” is showing at the Ross through Aug. 12 and is rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America.

Trailer: “Never Gonna Snow Again”

Continuing through Aug. 12 is “Never Gonna Snow Again.” The Polish film follows a Russian immigrant as he takes up work as a masseur for rich clients and takes on a guru persona for them. The film is not rated.

Show times are available at the Ross website, or by calling the Ross film information line at 402-472-5353.