An animated feature and a modern fable are opening at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center on April 19.
From Signe Baumane, director of “Rocks in My Pockets,” comes “My Love Affair with Marriage,” a new award-winning animated feature about a spirited young woman determined to find love in the bewildering world. The animated film follows Zelma on her 23-year quest for perfect love and lasting marriage set against a backdrop of historic events in Eastern Europe.
Told from a woman’s point of view, the film blends historical, biological, societal and emotional arcs with a lively sense of humor and musical numbers. The film is for adults and tackles issues of love, gender norms, domestic violence, fantasies and toxic relationships to propel a woman’s journey toward independence and liberation.
Baumane will join the audience for a question and answer session following the 7:30 p.m. April 19 screening of the film.
“My Love Affair With Marriage,” which is not rated, shows through April 25.
A gentle fable from Bhutan, “The Monk and the Gun” follows an American gun collector and a young monk as they match wits over what will happen to an antique rifle. The film is against the backdrop of the country’s first modernizing election in 2006.
“The Monk and the Gun” captures the wonder and disruption as Bhutan becomes one of the world’s youngest democracies. Known throughout the world for its extraordinary beauty and its emphasis on Gross National Happiness, the remote Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan was the last nation to connect to the internet and television. And if that were not enough change, the king announced shortly afterward that he would cede his power to the people via their vote and a new form of government.
An elderly lama (played by Kelsang Choejey), recognizing that extraordinary change is about to sweep through his country, is troubled by the possible outcomes. He instructs his young disciple, Tashi (Tandin Wangchuk), to set forth into the kingdom and bring him two guns before the full moon to “set it right.” The young monk is perplexed by his guru’s request, and his familiarity with guns is based solely on images from the only film available on television: James Bond. His quest brings him into contact with a scheming American gun collector, Ron (Harry Einhorn), leading to a most unexpected outcome.
“The Monk and the Gun” is rated PG-13 and shows through April 25.
Learn more about the films, including show times and ticket availability.
