"A humble marvel, OMAHA introduces a filmmaker with a privileged sensibility to translate these opposing forces into a tapestry of scenes imbued with loving compassion for the characters experiencing them." - Carlos Aguilar, Variety
"It takes a special screen actor to play a character who appears in almost every scene of a movie; is anxious, sad, or irritable in most of them; never talks about his feelings; and makes choices so upsetting that certain viewers might want to quit watching, but somehow leaves you thinking he’s not that bad of a guy. John Magaro is such an actor." - Matt Zoller Seitz, RogerEbert.com
Opens May 29 | Set against the backdrop of the 2008 economic crisis, OMAHA follows a struggling father (John Magaro) who embarks on a road trip across the American West with his two children, Ella and Charlie, in search of hope and a better life. What begins as a seemingly spontaneous family journey gradually reveals deeper layers of both grief and resilience, as Ella starts to sense that her father’s intentions may be masking a more profound truth. At its heart, the film is a story about fatherhood. Director Cole Webley, in his feature directorial debut, captures the universal journey of a father who deeply loves his children but is uncertain about the best way to navigate the challenges they face. Through the family’s road trip across the American West, the film explores the complexities of love, responsibility, and the search for meaning in the face of hardship. With its quiet, stripped-down storytelling, OMAHA resonates emotionally, capturing the deep, unspoken bond between a father and his children while reflecting on the resilience required to keep a family intact during uncertain times. Siskel Film Center exclusive.
Awards & Nominations
2025 Sundance Film Festival - Official Selection
The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu