The pending global water crisis takes center stage as the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center hosts a 2:45 p.m., July 29 movie talk on the documentary “Last Call of the Oasis.” The talk, which follows the 1 p.m. screening of the film, will be led by John Gates, assistant professor of earth and atmospheric sciences.
Gates’ movie talk is free and open to the public. Admission to the 1 p.m. screening is at regular Ross prices.
Both “Last Call of the Oasis” and 2012 Sundance Film Festival award-winning “Beasts of the Southern Wild” open July 27 at the Ross. “Last Call of the Oasis,” rated PG-13 for some disturbing content and brief strong language, shows through Aug. 2. “Beasts of the Southern Wild,” rated PG-13 for thematic material including child imperilment, disturbing images, language and brief sensuality, shows through Aug. 9.
Directed by Jessica Yu, “Last Call at the Oasis” offers a powerful argument for why the global water crisis will be the central issue the world faces this century. The documentary showcases the vital role water plays daily, exposing defects in the current system and depicting communities already struggling with water issues. The film features activist Erin Brockovich and experts including Peter Gleick, Alex Prud’homme, Jay Famiglietti and Robert Glennon.
Gates is a specialist in water quality and underground water resources. He teaches UNL classes on environmental geology and geochemistry. He received a doctorate from Oxford University in 2007 and has taught at UNL since 2009.
Directed by Benh Zeitlin, “Beasts of the Southern Wild” earned the Grand Jury Prize and Excellence in Cinematography Award at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival.
The film tells the story of Hushpuppy, an intrepid 6-year-old girl who, when her father gets sick and the environment goes crazy, leaves in search of her lost mother.
For more information on movies at the Ross, go to http://www.theross.org or call 402-472-5353.