Two documentaries — one exploring freedom of the press in Indian Country and another that follows a young man as he pursues his dreams — are opening April 12 at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center. The films, “Bad Press” and “Call Me Dancer,” share themes of perseverance and rebellion.
Continuing is “Wicked Little Letters.”
Imagine you lived in a world where your only reliable news source became government propaganda overnight. That’s exactly what happened to the citizens of the Muscogee Nation, the fourth largest Native American tribe, in 2018. Out of 574 federally recognized tribes, the Muscogee Nation was one of only five to establish a free and independent press — until the tribe’s legislative branch abruptly repealed the landmark Free Press Act in advance of an election. The tribe’s hard-hitting news outlet, Mvskoke Media, would now be subject to direct editorial oversight by the tribal government.
One defiant journalist refuses to accept this flagrant act of oppression. As brave as she is blunt, veracious muckraker Angel Ellis charges headfirst into battle against the corrupt faction of the Muscogee National Council. Angel and her allies rally for press freedoms by inciting a voter-supported constitutional amendment, just in time for the start of a new election cycle.
Tyler Graim, producer for “Bad Press,” will join the audience for a Q&A following the 7:30 p.m. screening on April 12. This Q&A is presented by Friends of The Ross and the Norman A. Geske Cinema Showcase.
The film is not rated and is showing through April 18.
In “Call Me Dancer,” Manish is an athletic street dancer from Mumbai, whose working-class parents depend on their only son’s support. When he accidentally walks into an inner-city dance school and encounters a curmudgeonly 70-year-old ballet master, a hunger develops within him. Ambitious and passionate, Manish is determined to make it as a professional dancer, but the odds are stacked against him. Call Me Dancer will take you on a magical journey…from the streets of Mumbai to the stages of New York. “Call Me Dancer” features music from legendary singer/songwriter Jay Sean and hip-hop artist/rapper Anik Khan, with a sublime score by Nainita Desai and Nina Humphreys.
The film is not rated and is showing through April 18.
Learn more about the films, including show times and ticket availability.
