Academy Award-nominated films are taking over the screens of UNL’s Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center.

Opening Jan. 30 at the Ross is “Song of the Sea” and the “Oscar Shorts 2015” program. Both films play for one week.

“Song of the Sea,” an Academy Award nominee for Best Animated Film, is a hand-drawn movie based on the Irish/Scottish legend of Selkies, women who transform from seals into people. The film tells the story of the last seal-child, Sariose, and her brother, Ben, who go on an epic journey to save the world of magic and discover the secrets of their past. Pursued by the owl witch Macha and a series of ancient and mythical creatures, the siblings race to awaken Saoirse’s powers and keep the spirit world from disappearing forever.

“Song of the Sea” (rated PG) is from the creators of the 2009 Academy Award nominated “The Secret of Kells.”

The Oscar-Nominated Short Films will be presented in four programs — animation, live action, documentary one and documentary two. Separate admission is charged for each program. A festival pass is available for $15 general admission, $12.50 senior citizens and military, and $10 for students, children and members of the Friends of the Ross.

Through a co-sponsorship with the University Program Council, admission for UNL students is $1.

For more information on the Oscar-Nominated Short Films, including a complete list of films in each program, click here.