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   from the issue of March 9, 2006

     
 
'La Petite Jérusalem,' 'The White Countess' open on March 17

A pair of international films - one exploring the life of a teen in Paris, the other delving into Shanghai in 1936 - open March 17 at the Mary Riepma Ross Mediar Arts Center.

In her debut film, "La Petite Jérusalem," writer-director Karin Alboy opens the heart and mind of a smart, serious teenage girl.

Opening March 17 at the Ross, "La Petite Jérusalem" centers on Laura, an 18-year-old student living with her extended family in the Paris suburb of Sarcelles, also known as "Little Jerusalem" due to a large Jewish population. In the film, Laura attempts to reconcile conflicting influences and feelings introduced to her by study and experience.

Living with her widowed mother, sister and brother-in-law, the teen is unable to escape an Orthodox upbringing, although her own immersion in Western philosophy has helped her form a strong personal view of the world.

Also opening March 17 is "The White Countess."

Shanghai in 1936 was a crossroads for political intrigue, refugees, military forces, international business and underworld culture.

In the midst of that maelstrom, showcased in the film "The White Countess," two people forge a bond on the brink of the Japanese invasion.

Those two people are a beautiful Russian countess, reduced to supporting her family as a bar girl and taxi driver; and a blind former diplomat devastated by the loss of his family in political violence and disillusioned by the world's inability to make peace.

The story revolves around, "The White Countess," a nightclub created by the diplomat to shut out the chaos and tragedy that surround him.

"La Petite Jérusalem," (not rated) and "The White Countess," (rated PG-13) are showing at the Ross through March 30. For more information, go online to www.theross.org or call 472-5353.


GO TO: ISSUE OF MARCH 9

ARTS HEADLINES FOR MARCH 9

MFA exhibition opens March 20
American Life in Poetry
AWARD WINNER
Book jacket, journal designs on display
Celtic musicians to treat Lied audience March 17
Classical guitarist to perform March 13
Family day at Sheldon March 26
'Human Aspect of Design' opens March 20 at Kruger
'La Petite Jérusalem,' 'The White Countess' open on March 17
Lecture to examine Underground Railroad quilting
Lux center designs new exhibition format
Student quilt art exhibit seeks entries
UNL's Haar to entertain at Free at 6 March 27

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