The film "The Sessions" and documentary "Bel Borba Aqui" open today at the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center. "The Sessions" (rated R) shows through Dec. 6. "Bel Borba Aqui" is not rated and shows to Nov. 22.
Based on the poignantly optimistic autobiographical writings of California-based journalist and poet Mark O'Brien, "The Sessions" tells the story of a man (John Hawkes) confined to an iron lung who is determined, at age 38, to lose his virginity. With the help of his therapists and the guidance of his priest (William H. Macy), he sets out to make his dream a reality with the help of a sex surrogate (Helen Hunt).
"Bel Borba Aqui" is a documentary on Brazilian artist Bel Borba. For the past 35 years Bel Borba has been transforming his hometown of Salvador, Brazil, with an array of public works of art. Bel Borba makes the art from anything he finds, paint, sand, tiles, clay, metal and wood. His works include remaking an abandoned building by using its steel beams to fashion a façade of faces, and painting an airplane to look like a giant fish.
For more information, including show times and ticket prices, go to http://www.theross.org.