François Girard’s “The Song of Names” and Oscar-nominated short films will open Jan. 31 at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center.

“The Song of Names” tells the story of a man searching for his childhood best friend — a violin prodigy orphaned in the Holocaust — who vanished on the night of his first public performance.

As Europe erupts into World War II, 9-year-old Martin comes to love his new brother Dovidl, a highly gifted violin prodigy of the same age and recent Polish-Jewish refugee to London. But hours before Dovidl’s debut concert performance at the age of 21, he vanishes without a trace, causing shame and ruin for their family.

A lifetime later, a young violinist shows a 56-year-old Martin a stylistic flourish that could only have been taught by Dovidl. This triggers Martin’s odyssey overseas in search of his lost brother, one that will lead to surprising revelations for both men and for Helen, the woman who stood between them.

“The Song of Names,” which is rated PG-13 for language, sexual material, thematic elements and smoking, will show through Feb. 6.

Trailer: "The Song of Names"

Oscar-nominated short films will also come to the Ross Jan. 31, with each nominee released in one of three distinct feature-length compilations according to their category of nomination: live action, animation or documentary.

The films will run through Feb. 13.

Trailer: Oscars Short Film Nominees

For more information, including show times, call 402-472-5353 or visit the Ross website.