The Allies and Advocates for GLBT Equality student organization at the College of Law, with support from UNL’s LGBTQA Resource Center, have organized the first Prairie Pride Film Festival. The festival, which started Feb. 23, continues through Feb. 26 at the Joyo Theatre, 6102 Havelock Ave.

Highlighting the festival are two films that will make their Midwestern premieres Feb. 26 after success at festivals on both coasts.

“A Marine Story” addresses the military ban on gays through the story of one woman. The film has been honored at numerous festivals, most notably winning Grand Jury and Audience Awards at Outfest in Los Angeles.

“Undertow (Contracorriente)” is a ghost story set on the Peruvian seaside. This tale of a married fisherman struggling to reconcile his devotion to his male lover within his town’s rigid traditions has been honored with 39 film festival awards including a World Cinema Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival. It is also Peru’s official entry for the 2011 Academy Awards.

A collection of short films will be screened together Feb. 24. The short program includes, “El Abuelo,” “Out in the Heartland,” “Just Me,” “Southern Family,” “The Manual,” “Changing House” and “Boy Meets Boy.”

“The Believers,” screening Feb. 25, is a story of determination and perseverance and a look at the intricacy and diversity of spirituality and the LGBT community. Built around the world’s first transgender gospel choir, the film portrays the choir’s dilemma — how to reconcile their gender identity with the widespread belief that changing one’s gender goes against the word of God.

The festival closes Feb. 26 with the screenings of “A Marine Story” and “Undertow,” followed by the Prairie Pride Gala reception at ClubBlue, 317 S. 11th St. Appetizers will be provided by a variety of great local restaurants and admission is free with a ticket stub from any festival screening.

Tickets for the festival are $5 per screening and may be purchased on the day of the show at the Joyo Theatre or at the LGBTQA Resource Center, 345 Nebraska Union (cash or check only).