The documentary “Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine” and a John Waters film retrospective open April 17 at UNL’s Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center.

The retrospective features 10 films by the director and runs through April 22. “Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine” is not rated and shows through April 23.

On Oct. 7, 1998, University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard was brutally attacked, tied to a fence and left to die because he was gay.

In “Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine,” Michele Jouse, a close friend of Shepard, revisits the shocking case with never-before-seen photos and rare video footage. The footage includes testimonies from friends and family in this multi-layered biographical film.

The Waters retrospective is being shown in conjunction with his “This Filthy World” one-man show April 23 at Rococo Theatre, 140 N. 13th Street. The performance is organized by the Friends of the Ross. For more information on the live performance, click here.

https://theross.org/event/868/

The retrospective will include 10 films by the director — “Pink Flamingos,” “Female Trouble,” “Desperate Living,” “Polyester,” Hairspray,” “Cry-Baby,” “Serial Mom,” “Pecker,” “Cecil B. Demented” and “A Dirty Shame.” Admission to each is at regular Ross prices. A festival pass, good for admission to all screenings, is available. A complete schedule is available at https://theross.org/movie/768.

For additional information on show times and upcoming events at the Ross, go to https://theross.org.