Nebraska’s Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center opens the new year Jan. 5 with the films “Jane” and “The Square.”

Set to a rich orchestral score from legendary composer Philip Glass, “Jane” offers an unprecedented, intimate portrait of Jane Goodall, the world’s foremost expert on chimpanzees.

Directed by Brett Morgen, “Jane” draws from more than 100 hours of never-before-seen footage stored for 50 years in the National Geographic archives. The movie tells the story of Goodall’s early explorations, focusing on her groundbreaking fieldwork, her relationship with cameraman and husband Hugo va Lawick, and the chimpanzees she studied. Goodall’s chimpanzee research challenged the male-dominated scientific consensus of her time and revolutionized understanding of the natural world.

“Jane,” which is rated PG, shows through Jan. 18 at the Ross.

Trailer: "Jane"

In “The Square,” Christian (played by Claes Bang) is a respected curator of a contemporary museum and divorced but devoted father of two who supports good causes. His next show is “The Square,” an installation that invites viewers to altruism, reminding them to be good to fellow human beings. Unfortunately, it is difficult to live up to those ideals.

Christian’s foolish response to the theft of his phone drags him into a series of shameful situations. Meanwhile, the museum’s public relations agency has created an unexpected campaign for the exhibition, causing an overblown response that results in an existential crisis for all involved.

The comedy, by writer-director Ruben Östlund, is rated R for language, some strong sexual content and brief violence. It shows through Jan. 18.

Trailer: "The Square"

For more information, such as show times, click here or call 402-472-5353.