A brilliant forum for Penélope Cruz’s talent, “Parallel Mothers,” opens at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center Jan. 28. Continuing is “The Velvet Queen.”

In “Parallel Mothers,” two women, Janis and Ana, end up in a hospital room where they are going to give birth. Both are single and became pregnant by accident. Janis, middle-aged, doesn’t regret it and she is exultant. The other, Ana, an adolescent, is scared, repentant and traumatized. Janis tries to encourage her while they move like sleepwalkers along the hospital corridors. The few words they exchange in these hours will create a very close link between the two, which by chance develops and complicates, and changes their lives in a decisive way.

The film, which is rated R by the Motion Picture Association, will show through Feb. 10.

Trailer for "Parallel Mothers"

“The Velvet Queen” follows two French adventurers traveling the Tibetan Highlands in search of the elusive snow leopard, but Marie Amiguet and Vincent Munier’s quietly spellbinding doc is more about the chase than the quarry. Multi-award-winning nature photographer Vincent Munier guides writer Sylvain Tesson on his quest to document a snow leopard. Munier introduces Tesson to the subtle art of waiting from a blind spot, tracking animals, and finding the patience to catch sight of the beasts. Through their journey in the Tibetan peaks, inhabited by invisible presences, the two men ponder humankind’s place amongst the magnificent creatures and glorious landscapes they encounter along the way.

“The Velvet Queen” is showing through Feb. 3.

Trailer for "The Velvet Queen"

Show times are available at the Ross’ website, by consulting your newspaper, or by calling the the Ross’ film information line at 402-472-5353.