A dark European fable centered on romance and betrayal is given a modern twist in “Undine,” a film opening June 4 at Nebraska’s Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center. Continuing to show is “Quo Vadis, Aida.”
In the myth, Undine (also spelled Ondine) is a water nymph who becomes human when she falls in love with a man. However, the transformation comes with a cost, as Undine will die if her beau is unfaithful.
Directed by Germany’s Christian Petzold, “Undine” features Paula Beer as the title character. She is a historian, happily focused on Berlin’s urban development. As in the fable, Undine’s fate pivots when the man she loves departs. She then faces a decision — kill her former lover and return to the water or defy fate and pursue new love in a diver recently met.
“Undine,” which is not rated, plays at the Ross through June 17.
Also showing at the Ross is “Quo Vadis, Aida,” a film focused on a woman’s heartbreaking conflict that offers a searing account of the devastation of war.
Sent in Bosnia in the summer of 1955, “Quo Vadis, Aida” follows Aida (played by Jasna Đuričić), a translator for the United Nations in the small town of Srebrenica. When the Serbian army storms the town, Aida’s family is among the thousands of citizens seeking shelter in the UN camp.
As an insider to the ongoing negotiations, Aida has access to crucial details that she needs to interpret. Knowing what is approaching places Aida in the difficult position of having to decide what direction to take in order to best protect her family and people.
“Quo Vadus, Aida,” which is not rated, shows at the Ross through June 10.
For more information about films playing at the Ross, including show times and ticket pricing, click here or call 402-472-5353.
