The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center is opening the new year with two new films and free screenings of short Native American productions.

New films opening Jan. 5 are “Fallen Leaves” and “Orlando, My Political Biography.” Both show through Jan. 18.

"Fallen Leaves" trailer

Directed by Aki Kaurismäki, “Fallen Leaves” is a quirky tale of star-crossed lovers set in Helsinki. The duo meets by chance in a karaoke bar and their path to ultimate love is hindered by obstacles ranging from lost numbers and mistaken addresses to alcoholism and a stray dog.

The gentle tragicomedy is the fourth part of Kaurismäki’s working-class series, which includes “Shadows in Paradise,” “Ariel” and “The Match Factory Girl.” The film is not rated, with a run time of 91 minutes.

“Orlando, My Political Biography” trailer

“Orlando, My Political Biography” is a documentary that tells stories of transition through unique reenactments of Virginia Woolf’s “Orlando: A Biography.”

Directed by Paul B. Preciado, the film is not rated, with a run time of 98 minutes.

Beginning Jan. 8, the Ross will start a series of free screenings of short Native American films and TV programs that are part of Vision Maker Media’s public broadcasting collection. Spanning nearly 50 years of programming, the Native American Film Series will feature artist profiles, musical performances, family stories, historical figures and traditions.

The screenings will be offered on the second Monday of each month in 2024. Admission is free and open to the public. The series opens with two films, “Medicine Flower and Lonewolf” (1976) and “Jaune Quick-To-See Smith” (1982), both of which aired on Arizona Public Television. A talk by Francene Blythe-Lewis, Vision Maker director, will follow the Jan. 8 screening.

For more information on the Vision Maker Media series and other films at the Ross, click here.