“Merchants of Doubt” and “Güeros” are opening at the Mary Riepma Ross Media Art Center June 26. Both films play through July 2.
“Merchants of Doubt” is a thought-provoking documentary about the dangers of political propaganda. The Motion Picture Association of America rated the documentary PG-13 for brief strong language.
Inspired by the acclaimed book by Naomi Oreskes and Erik Conway, the documentary takes audiences on a satirically comedic, yet illuminating ride into the heart of conjuring American spin. Filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the curtain on a secretive group of highly charismatic, silver-tongued pundits-for-hire who present themselves in the media as scientific authorities - yet have the contrary aim of spreading maximum confusion about well-studied public threats ranging from toxic chemicals to pharmaceuticals to climate change.
“Güeros” is a black-and-white debut feature of Mexican director Alonso Ruizpalacios and is a playful new-wave homage that stars Tenoch Huerta, Sebastian Aguirre and Leonardo Ortizgris.
Ever since the National University strike broke out, Sombra and Santos have been living in angst-ridden limbo. Education-less, motionless, purposeless and unsure of what the strike will bring, they begin to look for strange ways to kill time. Their idiosyncratic routine is interrupted, however, by the unexpected arrival of Tomas, Sombra’s kid brother. Unable to fit in amongst these older slackers, Tomas discovers that unsung Mexican folk-rock hero Epigmenio Cruz has been hospitalized somewhere in the city. Tomas convinces Sombra and Santos they must track him down in order to pay their final respects on his deathbed. But what they thought would be a simple trip to find their childhood idol, soon becomes a voyage of self-discovery across Mexico City’s invisible frontiers.
These programs are being presented with the support of the Nebraska Arts Council and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment.
Show times are available at https://theross.org/ or by calling the MRRMAC film information line at 402-472-5353.
