The Sedona International Film Festival joins theatres around the country to present the premiere of “My Omaha” on Sunday, Oct. 12 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre.
Tickets are only $5 for this special screening, presented by the IRL (In Real Life) Movie Club — a nonprofit organization on a mission to strengthen democracy through the power of shared experience and dialogue.
“My Omaha” follows filmmaker Nick Beaulieu as he returns to his hometown amid the rising tensions of Donald Trump's presidency and the Black Lives Matter movement.
Fresh out of college, he meets Leo Louis II, an independent activist, who introduces him to Omaha's activism roots, including the birthplace of Malcolm X in North Omaha. Simultaneously, Nick grapples with the strained relationship he has with his pro-Trump father, Randy, who is suddenly diagnosed with stage-4 cancer.
With a newfound sense of urgency, Nick strives to reconcile with Randy through a series of difficult conversations. As the city faces crisis after the death of a protestor, we see Leo’s efforts to unite Omaha. And as national politics further divide Americans, we see Nick and Randy’s ability to bridge their differences.
“My Omaha” paints the portrait of a city grappling with family conflict, political and racial discord, and the difficult search for common ground. The film encourages viewers to consider how these challenges register in their own life, providing an example for how embracing conversation with one another can heal divisions and create a better world.
“This is a staggering work that truly gives us an insight into the seeming chasms in America, that are actually bridged by love and emotion. Don't expect answers, but expect to be moved. Highly recommended.” — Steve Kopian, Unseen Films