“Holler,” an autobiographical work about what it takes to rise out of a marginalized life, opens June 25 at the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center. Continuing to show is “Hope.”

The directorial debut for Nicole Riegel, “Holler” follows Ruth Avery (played by Jessica Barden) as she joins a dangerous scrap metal crew to pay for her education and earn a chance of a better life.

Working with her brother, the duo works a brutal winter in the scrapyards during the day and stealing valuable metals from once-thriving southern Ohio factories at night. With the goal in sight, Avery begins to realize the ultimate cost of her education and is torn between a promising future and the family she would leave behind.

“Holler,” which is rated R for language and sexual references, shows at the Ross through July 8.

Trailer: "Holler"

Also showing is “Hope,” a story about a relationship between artist-partners put to the test after a life-threatening diagnosis.

The couple — Anja and Tomas — have a large family of biological children and stepchildren. Over the course of a number of years, the duo has grown independent of each other, each with a creative job in parallel worlds. When Anja gets a terminal cancer diagnosis, their modern life breaks down and exposes neglected love.

Alone with grief and fear, Anja realizes she needs Tomas’ help and support to help prepare the family for the loss. The journey sends the duo into a crash course in mutual trust. And, by getting to know each other anew, they unconsciously become the leads in a love story, finally learning how to truly care for each other after a long life spent together.

“Hope,” which is not rated, shows at the Ross through July 1.

Trailer: "Hope"

For more information about films playing at the Ross, including show times and ticket pricing, click here or call 402-472-5353.