Filmmaker Sean Baker's Palme d'Or winner ANORA is an audacious, thrilling, and comedic variation on a modern day Cinderella story. Mikey Madison (ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD, FX's "Better Things") captivates in a star-making turn as Ani, a young sex worker from Brooklyn whose life takes an unexpected turn when she meets and impulsively marries Vanya, the impetuous son of a Russian billionaire. However, when Vanya's parents catch wind of the union, they send their henchmen to annul the marriage, setting off a wild chase through the streets of New York.

ANORA is one of the most acclaimed films of 2024, and took home a whopping five (!) Oscars including Best Picture, Best Editing, Best Original Screenplay, Best Director (Sean Baker - who did triple duty writing, directing, and editing!), Actress (Mikey Madison).

"At once a frenzied fairy tale and a tender-hearted character study, 'Anora' is an intoxicating pairing of director and star. [Director] Sean Baker’s unique, humanistic approach to filmmaking is as riveting and rewarding as ever." (Empire Magazine)

"Sometimes a movie actually earns the old cliché of a “star-making turn,” and I’m here to say that Sean Baker’s 'Anora' is this year’s star maker." (New York Times)

Sunday, March 23
Doors 6:30 pm | Movie 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

ANORA (Sean Baker, 2023 / 139 mins / 18A) A young escort from Brooklyn meets and impulsively marries the son of a Russian oligarch. Once the news reaches Russia, her fairy tale is threatened as his parents set out for New York to get the marriage annulled.

BECOMING LED ZEPPELIN explores the origins of this iconic group and their meteoric rise in just one year against all the odds. Powered by awe-inspiring, psychedelic, never-before-seen footage, performances, and music, Bernard MacMahon’s experiential cinematic odyssey explores Led Zeppelin’s creative, musical, and personal origin story. The film is told in Led Zeppelin’s own words, diving deep into the rise of the epochal rock group, is the first (and only) documentary of its kind that the band themselves have participated in.
The documentary includes new interviews with Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones, as well as rare archival interviews with the band's late drummer John Bonham.

"A rich vein of anecdotes is found in Page and Jones's busy history as session players, with Jones particularly emerging as an affable raconteur with a juicy portfolio of anecdotes." (Uncut Magazine)

"A hagiographic look at the group’s beginnings, the movie is as straightforward as it is headbangingly diverting." (New York Times)

"The main attraction is finally the music, of which there is plenty." (RogerEBert.com)

Monday, March 24
Doors 5:30 pm | Movie 6:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

BECOMING LED ZEPPELIN (Bernard MacMahon, 2025 / 122 mins / PG) The film traces the journeys of the four members of the Stairway To Heaven rockers through the music scene of the 1960s and their meeting in the summer of 1968, culminating in 1970.

Filmmaker Sean Baker's Palme d'Or winner ANORA is an audacious, thrilling, and comedic variation on a modern day Cinderella story. Mikey Madison (ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD, FX's "Better Things") captivates in a star-making turn as Ani, a young sex worker from Brooklyn whose life takes an unexpected turn when she meets and impulsively marries Vanya, the impetuous son of a Russian billionaire. However, when Vanya's parents catch wind of the union, they send their henchmen to annul the marriage, setting off a wild chase through the streets of New York.

ANORA is one of the most acclaimed films of 2024, and took home a whopping five (!) Oscars including Best Picture, Best Editing, Best Original Screenplay, Best Director (Sean Baker - who did triple duty writing, directing, and editing!), Actress (Mikey Madison).

"At once a frenzied fairy tale and a tender-hearted character study, 'Anora' is an intoxicating pairing of director and star. [Director] Sean Baker’s unique, humanistic approach to filmmaking is as riveting and rewarding as ever." (Empire Magazine)

"Sometimes a movie actually earns the old cliché of a “star-making turn,” and I’m here to say that Sean Baker’s 'Anora' is this year’s star maker." (New York Times)

Sunday, March 23
Doors 3:00 pm | Movie 3:20 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

ANORA (Sean Baker, 2023 / 139 mins / 18A) A young escort from Brooklyn meets and impulsively marries the son of a Russian oligarch. Once the news reaches Russia, her fairy tale is threatened as his parents set out for New York to get the marriage annulled.

A wondrous journey, through realms natural and mystical, the Latvian animated adventure FLOW follows a courageous cat after his home is devastated by a great flood. Teaming up with a capybara, a lemur, a bird, and a dog to navigate a boat in search of dry land, they must rely on trust, courage, and wits to survive the perils of a newly aquatic planet. From the boundless imagination of the award-winning filmmaker Gints Zilbalodis (AWAY) comes a thrilling animated spectacle as well as a profound meditation on the fragility of the environment and the spirit of friendship and community. Steeped in the soaring possibilities of visual storytelling, FLOW is a feast for the senses and a treasure for the heart.

Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes with a score of 98%, FLOW is the best-reviewed animated film of the year. Following a world premiere in Cannes, the film then screened in Annecy where it won three juried prizes as well as the Audience Award, before going onto a North American premiere at TIFF. FLOW was also selected as the Latvian entry for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards.

FLOW was Latvia's first film to ever be nominated for an Oscar, receiving nominations for both Best Animated Feature Film and Best International Film categories. It took home Oscar gold for Best Animated Feature Film.

"Critic's Pick! Zilbalodis largely avoids the sort of whimsy and sentimentality that might plague, say, a Disney movie with the same premise. The animals act like real animals, not like cartoons or humans, and that restraint gives their adventure an authenticity that, in moments of both delight and peril, makes the emotion that much more powerful."
(The New York Times)

""One of the year’s richest discoveries, 'Flow' belongs as much to a timeline of animal-centric masterpieces ('Au hasard Balthazar,' 'Gunda,' 'EO') as it does the history of animated indies. And in its simple, generous spirit of giving these creatures palpable narrative power, there’s a profundity: 'Flow' might only be imagining their coping skills without us, but it’s a charming, poignant vision of community and perseverance we could stand to be inspired by." (Los Angeles Times)

Tuesday, March 25
Doors 3:30 pm | Movie 4:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Spring Break Pricing! All tickets to this screening are $10.

FLOW (Gints Zilbalodis, 2024 / 85 mins / PG) The world seems to be coming to an end, teeming with the vestiges of a human presence. Cat is a solitary animal, but as its home is devastated by a great flood, he finds refuge on a boat populated by various species, and will have to team up with them despite their differences. In the lonesome boat sailing through mystical overflowed landscapes, they navigate the challenges and dangers of adapting to this new world.

One afternoon in 1971, Rubens Paiva, a former congressman and outspoken critic of Brazil's newly instituted military dictatorship, was taken from his home in Rio de Janeiro by government officials, told nothing more than that he must give a "deposition" to authorities, and disappeared.

Adapted from his son Marcelo Rubens Paiva's memoir, this overwhelming, richly realized political drama from Walter Salles (THE MOTORCYCLE DIARIES) stays tightly wedded to the perspective of Rubens's wife, Eunice (a shattering Fernanda Torres, in a Golden Globe-winning performance), whose indefatigable search for the truth about her husband would stretch out for decades.

A devastating true story, I'M STILL HERE is exhilarating in its portrayal of human tenacity in the face of injustice. Featuring a deeply affecting appearance from Fernanda Montenegro (Fernanda Torres' real-life mother), Oscar nominee for Salles's CENTRAL STATION.

I'M STILL HERE is currently nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best International Picture, Best Actress (Fernanda Torres), and Best Picture.

"It's one measure of Latin America's arduous history that it has spawned so many books and movies about dictatorship... What they share is the awareness that history hurts. Few films have shown this with more delicate intelligence than I'm Still Here." (NPR)

"Torres's deeply internalized performance exerts a magnetic appeal, pulling us into her character's unimaginable grief and loss as she fights to remain strong for her family." (Toronto Star)

"How often do we get to watch a movie and recognize the unmistakable geniality that adorns a mother’s love? Rarely do we witness a performance that’s so unembellished and yet so memorable and moving." (Salon.com)

"Torres’s performance here is a marvel of expressive restraint, every glance merging horrified disbelief and meticulous self-control." (The New Yorker)

Tuesday, March 25
Doors 5:45 pm | Movie 6:15 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

I'M STILL HERE "Ainda Estou Aqui" (Walter Salles, 2024 / 137 mins / PG / Portuguese with English subtitles) BRAZIL, 1971 - Brazil faces the tightening grip of a military dictatorship. Eunice Paiva, a mother of five children, is forced to reinvent herself after her family suffers a violent and arbitrary act by the government. Based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva's biographical book, the film tells the true story that helped reconstruct an important part of Brazil’s hidden history.

New Zealand writer-director James Ashcroft's deliciously creepy THE RULE OF JENNY PEN is a psychological horror with dashes of demented satire that feeds off our collective fear of aging, in this very capable two-hander that offers pitch-perfect turns from John Lithgow and Geoffrey Rush.

Rush stars as arrogant Judge Stefan Mortensen, who suffers a near-fatal stroke that has left him partially paralyzed and confined to a retirement home. Resistant to the staff and distant from his friendly roommate, Mortensen soon clashes with seemingly gentle resident Dave Crealy (Lithgow) who secretly terrorizes the home with a sadistic game called “The Rule of Jenny Pen” while wielding his dementia doll as an instrument of cruelty. What begins as childish torment quickly escalates into far more sinister and disturbing incidents. When Mortensen’s pleas to the staff go unanswered, he takes it upon himself to put an end to Crealy’s reign of terror.

Official Selection Fantastic Fest 2024, Sitges Film Festival 2024 (Winner - Best Actor John Lithgow & Geoffrey Rush)

"The director remains near-merciless in his approach, never shying away from showing his vulnerable characters (and the tormentor played with twisted relish by Lithgow is, ultimately, as unprotected as any of the others) in states of utter abjection." (New York Times)

"The Rule of Jenny Pen (much admired by Stephen King, incidentally) is unlike other horrors or thrillers in the way it confronts the realistic, even humdrum, fears of ageing." (New Statesman)

"Satisfyingly sinister and shockingly comedic blitzing of dark humor and palpable dread." (Film Threat)

"This independently made film from New Zealand is the kind of thing a Hollywood studio wouldn’t go near these days, and it may not be for everyone, but with actors on the level of Lithgow and Rush it is something to behold if not always easy to watch." (Deadline Hollywood Daily)

"May very well be [John Lithgow's] creepiest performance since Brian De Palma’s 'Raising Cain' — and that’s saying something." (TheWrap)

Tuesday, March 25
Doors 8:45 pm | Movie 9:15 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

THE RULE OF JENNY PEN (James Ashcroft, 2025 / 103 mins / 14A) Confined to a secluded rest home and trapped within his stroke-ridden body, a former Judge must stop an elderly psychopath who employs a child's puppet to abuse the home's residents with deadly consequences.

Basel Adra, a young Palestinian activist from Masafer Yatta, has been fighting his community's mass expulsion by the Israeli occupation since childhood. Basel documents the gradual erasure of Masafer Yatta, as soldiers destroy the homes of families -the largest single act of forced transfer ever carried out in the occupied West Bank. He crosses paths with Yuval, an Israeli journalist who joins his struggle, and for over half adecade they fight against the expulsion while growing closer. Their complex bond is haunted by the extreme inequality between them: Basel, living under a brutal military occupation, and Yuval, unrestricted and free. This film, by a Palestinian-Israeli collective of four young activists, was c0- created during the darkest, most terrifying times in the region, as an act of creative resistance and a search for a path towards equality and justice.

NO OTHER LAND is currently nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Feature Documentary category.

"A vital and wrenching documentary." (indieWire)

"What goes unsaid in this movie is sometimes even more powerful than what is spoken.” (Vulture)

"Along with the documentation of material destruction and displacement, the movie is a record of psychological warfare, of the effort to demolish morale, suppress energy, break will. This, as much as the physical violence that it documents, gives the movie immense moral authority.” (The New Yorker)

"If anything can be described as essential viewing, it’s this stark and unflinching account of life on the ground in a contested region of the West Bank." (Observer)

Wednesday, March 26
Doors 2:50 pm | Movie 3:20 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

NO OTHER LAND (Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, 2025 / 95 mins / NR) For half a decade, Basel Adra, a Palestinian activist, films his community of Masafer Yatta being destroyed by Israel’s occupation, as he builds an unlikely alliance with a journalist from the other side who joins his fight.

It’s 2007 in Pfresno, Texas. Raphael is in county jail following an arrest for graffiti. He’s a good kid. It’s just graffiti. So you can’t blame Raphael for the events that unfold after his arrest. He’s not responsible for the sting operation, the suicide, Pflophaus’s new mix-tape, Officer Williams and her delusional suspicions, the meth pipes, the FBI, the rich kids with nothing to lose, Mateo, Larry the pig, all the knives, the local aspiring TV newswoman, the plutonium deal gone wrong, or anyone who may or may not die due to that deal turning sour. None of it is Raphael’s fault, but it is his problem. The moment Raphael walks out of that cell, he’ll be stuck on this turbulent roller coaster of misguided chaos.

An amusement ride that’s a joy to watch in motion, as long as you’re not the one on it. With Danielle Evon Ploeger, Luke Wilcox, Darius Autry, Khali Sykes, Ariel Ash, Jacob Wysocki, John Ennis.

Official Selection Fantasia International Film Festival (Bronze Winner Audience Award- Best International Feature), Cucalorus Festival, Knoxville Film Festival (Winner - Best Script, Special Jury Prize) Seattle International Film Festival, Florida Film Festival, Calgary Underground Film Festival, Fantaspoa, Houston Cinema Arts Festival.

"Bizarre digressions...will leave you slack jawed, whether you vibe with the film’s particularly obscene style of deadpan absurdism or not. If anything, the onslaught of weirdness is hypnotizing." (New York Times)

"Embracing a kind of absurdist reality that would make John Waters proud, Fry and Nalevansky swing for the fences with every single scene, creating a wall to wall laugh riot." (ScreenAnarchy)

"'Rats!' is chicken soup for the twisted soul: comforting, silly, and perfect for the inner dirtbag that lives in all of us." (Dread Central)

"What it would look like if early Wes Anderson and good Warner Bros. cartoons mated in some unholy act of comedy. Everyone in the movie is some level of insane. Everything is stretched to the most extreme level." (Horror Buzz)

Wednesday, March 26
Doors 9:10 pm | Movie 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

RATS! (Carl Fry and Maxwell Nalevansky, 2025 / 89 mins / NR) In Fresno, Texas, graffiti artist Raphael's arrest leads to his involvement in a chain of events involving a sting operation, suicide, drug deals, criminal suspicions, weapons, a newswoman, and a plutonium deal gone wrong, creating chaos.

Join East Vancouver’s queen comedy chanteuse Shirley Gnome as she celebrates her sixth full length album "Live, Bare and Natural", courtesy of Comedy Here Often? Records. Known for her unique blend of country, rock, pop and folk with witty, subversive lyrics, her comedy songwriting prowess has had audiences in stitches since 2009. She shamelessly lays the truth bare with her disarmingly gorgeous vocal stylings. Sexuality, religion, rage and the human body - just a few topics she’ll tackle this time around in her playful and biting style.

With special guest bands Parlour Panther and Kitty & The Rooster backing her up, it will be a night of exquisite musicality mixed with irreverent comedy from her latest release. Ms. Gnome will also circle back to some of her classic cult hits, perfect for die hard fans and new Gnomies alike. Say you were there - and regret nothing.

Thursday, March 27
Doors 7:00 pm | Event 7:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Featuring:
Parlour Panther and Kitty & The Rooster

Hosted by
Michaela Chung

About Shirley:

Since 2009, Shirley Gnome has been an enduring force in East Vancouver’s artistic community. Her career launched after winning Patrick Maliha’s The People’s Champ of Comedy competition at the iconic Rio Theatre, a victory that marked the beginning of a surprisingly successful career considering what she says and does.

She has garnered an international following, earning rave reviews and accolades in five countries. She’s performed at major festivals like The Melbourne International Comedy Festival, The Philadelphia Folk Festival, JFL Vancouver, and more. She has also been featured on CBC Radio’s The Debaters and Sirius XM. In 2021, her album Decoxification earned a Juno Award nomination for Comedy Album of the Year. In 2024, she made her television debut at the Winnipeg Comedy Festival’s TV galas on CBC Gem.

★★★★★

"Think Sarah McLachlan meets Ryan Reynolds, a true Canadian double threat." -Edmonton Journal

“a joyful rebellion against rigid femininity, constrictive sexuality and what it means to be a “lady.”” - She Does The City, Toronto

“hilarious… Gnome is a disarmingly likeable performer” -Chortle (UK)

“magnificent” -Dan Savage (US)

★★★★

“Her songs are like nothing else you will hear…It is a glorious experience and, absolutely not to be missed’” -The Scotsman, Edinburgh

★★★★★

"simply brilliant... equipped with the voice of a goddess." -Three Weeks, Edinburgh

★★★★★

“… one of the best musical comedians I’ve seen.’” - The Australia Times (Melbourne)

WICKED, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (HARRIET, Broadway's 'The Color Purple') as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.

The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda's unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba's determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West. With Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Peter Dinklage.

"Cynthia Erivo has already established herself as a singer, a stage performer, and a screen presence extraordinaire, whether she’s a supporting-role dynamo or the best part of an otherwise so-so project. What she’s doing here with Elphaba is, quite simply, magical." (Rolling Stone Magazine)

"Indulgent and unwieldy as it is, 'Wicked' is a thrill, at times wildly funny, heart-soaring, and ultimately inspirational in spite of itself." (Mashable)

"What viewers want from 'Wicked' is not to "defy gravity," but to placate fans and entertain newcomers with a by-the-book silver screen adaptation. Because that’s exactly what 'Wicked' does so impeccably well, with style, grace and a sweeping vision." (Seattle Refined)

Friday, March 28
Doors 11:30 am | Movie 12:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Spring Break Pricing in Effect! All tickets $10!!/b>

WICKED (John M. Chu, 2024 / 160 mins / PG) Misunderstood because of her green skin, a young woman named Elphaba forges an unlikely but profound friendship with Glinda, a student with an unflinching desire for popularity. Following an encounter with the Wizard of Oz, their relationship soon reaches a crossroad as their lives begin to take very different paths.

Filmmaker Sean Baker's Palme d'Or winner ANORA is an audacious, thrilling, and comedic variation on a modern day Cinderella story. Mikey Madison (ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD, FX's "Better Things") captivates in a star-making turn as Ani, a young sex worker from Brooklyn whose life takes an unexpected turn when she meets and impulsively marries Vanya, the impetuous son of a Russian billionaire. However, when Vanya's parents catch wind of the union, they send their henchmen to annul the marriage, setting off a wild chase through the streets of New York.

ANORA is one of the most acclaimed films of 2024, and took home a whopping five (!) Oscars including Best Picture, Best Editing, Best Original Screenplay, Best Director (Sean Baker - who did triple duty writing, directing, and editing!), Actress (Mikey Madison).

"At once a frenzied fairy tale and a tender-hearted character study, 'Anora' is an intoxicating pairing of director and star. [Director] Sean Baker’s unique, humanistic approach to filmmaking is as riveting and rewarding as ever." (Empire Magazine)

"Sometimes a movie actually earns the old cliché of a “star-making turn,” and I’m here to say that Sean Baker’s 'Anora' is this year’s star maker." (New York Times)

Sunday, March 23
Doors 3:00 pm | Movie 3:20 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Spring Break Pricing in Effect! All tickets $10.

ANORA (Sean Baker, 2023 / 139 mins / 18A) A young escort from Brooklyn meets and impulsively marries the son of a Russian oligarch. Once the news reaches Russia, her fairy tale is threatened as his parents set out for New York to get the marriage annulled.

From the filmmaker whom the Vatican once called, “the most dangerous director in the world." Jess Franco's 1971 retelling of the "Dracula's Guest" story, VAMPYROS LESBOS, has gained a following over the decades via its erotic flights of surreal imagery, a memorable psychedelic soundtrack, and iconic performance by his muse, Soledad Miranda.

Ewa Stoemberg (SHE KILLED IN ECSTASY) stars as Linda, a woman with recurring dreams about a woman seducing her. When Linda’s sent to an island off the coast of Istanbul, she meets the very Countess (Miranda) of those dreams. After quickly falling under the woman’s spell, Linda finds she’s not the only one with an obsession for the Countess. With a thin plot to roll with, Franco creates dazzling scenes of arty softcore bliss infused with psycho-sexadelic tunes.

“The most prolific of Euro-Cult directors, Jess Franco wrote and directed at least 200 films in a career that spanned 57 years: 1955-2013. Franco was a compulsive filmmaker with a scattered filmography that presents a daunting challenge to scholars trying to impose some semblance of order on the director’s protean output.” (Diabolique Magazine)

"[In 'Vampyros Lesbos'] Franco brings it across with a bright yet minimalist color scheme, scene-setting shots of Istanbul's spires and glimmering seas, and more zooms than a Formula One car on race day." (The Dissolve)

"A pyscho-sexadelic celebration of soft-core lesbianism and vampire lore." (Slant Magazine)

Friday, March 28
Doors 11:00 pm | Movie 11:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Late Night Date Night! Bring a friend or date and get 2-for-1 entry!

VAMPYROS LESBOS "Las Vampiras" (Jesús Franco, 1971 / 90 mins . NR / Spanish & German with EST) Linda Westinghouseis an American living in Istanbul. After having a recurring dream in which she is seduced by a gorgeous vampire, Linda is sent to a small island for her work. There, she meets and is actually seduced by Countess Nadine , a dark, beautiful nightclub owner whom she immediately recognizes as the seductress from her dreams. When the conniving Dr. Seward learns of this, he contacts Linda, hoping to use her to become undead himself.

BECOMING LED ZEPPELIN explores the origins of this iconic group and their meteoric rise in just one year against all the odds. Powered by awe-inspiring, psychedelic, never-before-seen footage, performances, and music, Bernard MacMahon’s experiential cinematic odyssey explores Led Zeppelin’s creative, musical, and personal origin story. The film is told in Led Zeppelin’s own words, diving deep into the rise of the epochal rock group, is the first (and only) documentary of its kind that the band themselves have participated in.
The documentary includes new interviews with Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones, as well as rare archival interviews with the band's late drummer John Bonham.

"A rich vein of anecdotes is found in Page and Jones's busy history as session players, with Jones particularly emerging as an affable raconteur with a juicy portfolio of anecdotes." (Uncut Magazine)

"A hagiographic look at the group’s beginnings, the movie is as straightforward as it is headbangingly diverting." (New York Times)

"The main attraction is finally the music, of which there is plenty." (RogerEBert.com)

Saturday, March 29
Doors 3:15 pm | Movie 3:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

BECOMING LED ZEPPELIN (Bernard MacMahon, 2025 / 122 mins / PG) The film traces the journeys of the four members of the Stairway To Heaven rockers through the music scene of the 1960s and their meeting in the summer of 1968, culminating in 1970.

Like so many movie-lovers around the world, we were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of filmmaker David Lynch, whose contribution to arts and culture is immeasurable. His monumentally beloved catalogue is its own impressive, cinematic legacy rich with old friends and oddball characters who make regular visits upon our silver screen. In the wake of his passing, there is no better way for us to pay tribute to his enigmatic career than by raising a glass, dimming the lights, and firing up the projector in his honour with a selection of some of his best loved works on the big screen, as he undoubtedly intended.

A dream of dark and troubling things . . .

David Lynch's debut feature, ERASERHEAD is a strange surreal examination of male paranoia with a serious underlying "creep factor."

While Lynch famously refuses to overly deconstruct his films, "stubbornly" insisting instead that all interpretations are subjective and therefor equally valid, it i widely appreciated that ERASERHEAD is a nightmarish analogy for the discomforts and fears of a new father accepting the role of fatherhood. Our hero and title character, Henry, faces a number of horrifying obstacles in meeting someone of the opposite sex, meeting her parents, and procreating. Produced during a one-and-a-half-year period while director Lynch was a student at the American Film Institute, the film launched him as a major new talent admired by cinephiles and filmmakers all over the world. It stands today as a milestone in personal, independent filmmaking.

Henry (John Nance) resides alone in a bleak apartment surrounded by industrial gloom. When he discovers that an earlier fling with Mary X (Charlotte Stewart) left her pregnant, he marries the expectant mother and has her move in with him. Things take a decidedly strange turn when the couple's baby turns out to be a bizarre lizard-like creature that won't stop wailing. Other characters, including a disfigured lady who lives inside a radiator, inhabit the building and add to Henry's troubles.

"Despite constant ambiguity within it, a key part of 'Eraserhead's' meaning relates to the fear of fatherhood. It depicts the anxiety of becoming a parent and taking on the responsibilities involved. It's not a passive fear either, but rather a full-blown terror about the entire process from start to finish. After the baby comes into his life, Henry's world becomes a rolling nightmare." (ScreenRant)

"David Lynch's surreal ERASERHEAD uses detailed visuals and a creepy score to create a bizarre and disturbing look into a man's fear of parenthood." (Rotten Tomatoes)

"What makes EREASERHEAD great -- and still, perhaps the best of all Lynch's films? Intensity. Nightmare clarity. And perhaps also it's the single-mindedness of its vision." (Chicago Tribune)

"What a masterpiece of texture, a feat of artisanal attention, an ingenious assemblage of damp, dust, rock, wood, hair, flesh, metal, ooze." (Village Voice)

Saturday, March 29
Doors 11:00 pm | Movie 11:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
All Tickets Just $10!!

ERASERHEAD (David Lynch, 1977 / 89 mins / NR) Henry Spencer tries to survive his industrial environment, his angry girlfriend, and the unbearable screams of his newly born mutant child.

One afternoon in 1971, Rubens Paiva, a former congressman and outspoken critic of Brazil's newly instituted military dictatorship, was taken from his home in Rio de Janeiro by government officials, told nothing more than that he must give a "deposition" to authorities, and disappeared.

Adapted from his son Marcelo Rubens Paiva's memoir, this overwhelming, richly realized political drama from Walter Salles (THE MOTORCYCLE DIARIES) stays tightly wedded to the perspective of Rubens's wife, Eunice (a shattering Fernanda Torres, in a Golden Globe-winning performance), whose indefatigable search for the truth about her husband would stretch out for decades.

A devastating true story, I'M STILL HERE is exhilarating in its portrayal of human tenacity in the face of injustice. Featuring a deeply affecting appearance from Fernanda Montenegro (Fernanda Torres' real-life mother), Oscar nominee for Salles's CENTRAL STATION.

I'M STILL HERE is currently nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best International Picture, Best Actress (Fernanda Torres), and Best Picture.

"It's one measure of Latin America's arduous history that it has spawned so many books and movies about dictatorship... What they share is the awareness that history hurts. Few films have shown this with more delicate intelligence than I'm Still Here." (NPR)

"Torres's deeply internalized performance exerts a magnetic appeal, pulling us into her character's unimaginable grief and loss as she fights to remain strong for her family." (Toronto Star)

"How often do we get to watch a movie and recognize the unmistakable geniality that adorns a mother’s love? Rarely do we witness a performance that’s so unembellished and yet so memorable and moving." (Salon.com)

"Torres’s performance here is a marvel of expressive restraint, every glance merging horrified disbelief and meticulous self-control." (The New Yorker)

Sunday, March 30
Doors 3:00 pm | Movie 3:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

I'M STILL HERE "Ainda Estou Aqui" (Walter Salles, 2024 / 137 mins / PG / Portuguese with English subtitles) BRAZIL, 1971 - Brazil faces the tightening grip of a military dictatorship. Eunice Paiva, a mother of five children, is forced to reinvent herself after her family suffers a violent and arbitrary act by the government. Based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva's biographical book, the film tells the true story that helped reconstruct an important part of Brazil’s hidden history.

Community Trail Running presents:
The Trail Running Film Festival 2025

After a great debut in 2023, and an even better follow-up in 2024, the Trail Running Film Festival is back on tour in 2025 and coming to Vancouver once again! Expect another amazing evening of films, inspiration, and community.

Come and help us celebrate our incredible sport as we explore individual and collective potential. The festival will also have a 50/50 in support of BC AdventureSmart and include prizes and giveaways to add to our celebration!

We’re excited to bring you stories from around the world by filmmakers sharing their work of adventure, inclusivity, wilderness, art, and diversity across the trail and ultra community. Trail running is awesome and so is this film festival!

Thursday, April 3
Doors 6:00 pm | Event 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Early Bird Tickets (December 1-31) $25+ s/c
Tickets $30+ s/c | $35+ s/c at the door
Squad Pass Group Pricing (Group of Four) $100+ s/c (Available online only)

Tickets on sale December 1

Escaping post-war Europe, visionary architect László Toth arrives in America to rebuild his life, his work, and his marriage to his wife Erzsébet after being forced apart during wartime by shifting borders and regimes. On his own in a strange new country, László settles in Pennsylvania, where the wealthy and prominent industrialist Harrison Lee Van Buren recognizes his talent for building. But power and legacy come at a heavy cost... With Oscar and Golden Globe-winner Adrien Brody, Guy Pearce, Felicity Jones (in an Oscar-nominated performance), Joe Alwyn, Raffey Cassidy.

THE BRUTALIST is one of the most critically acclaimed films of the year, and was nominated for an incredible 10 Academy Awards, winning trophies in categories including Best Actor (Adrien Brody), Original Score (Daniel Blumberg), and Cinematography (Lol Crawford).

"It is so specific, lived-in and vibrant that you want to spend more time in this world even when it's harrowing." (Filmweek NPR)

"Brady Corbet’s seismic drama reaches for the sky as it surveys the soul of a man and a nation. There will be Oscars." (Empire Magazine)

"The magisterial (yet also often funny) performances from virtually every member of the cast... and the sheer painterly beauty of its compositions make this one of the few movies this year I almost immediately went back to see for a second time." (Slate)

"A harrowing 215-minute epic of perseverance, trauma, exploitation, and anti-Semitism, it’s a bracing examination of the scars of war, the difficulty of recovery, and the genius, madness, and self-destruction begat by calamity. " (The Daily Beast)

"Brady Corbet’s engulfing masterpiece about an immigrant architect (an Oscarbound Adrien Brody) is the best movie of the year, but it’s also way more than that— an unsentimental; uncompromising thunderbolt of pure cinema that Corbet has built to last." (ABC News)

Friday, April 4
Doors 6:45 pm | Movie 7:15 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

*Please note: This film screens with a brief intermission.

THE BRUTALIST (Brady Corbet, 2024 / 214 mins / 18A ) When a visionary architect and his wife flee post-war Europe in 1947 to rebuild their legacy and witness the birth of modern United States, their lives are changed forever by a mysterious, wealthy client.

"Dead or alive, you're coming with me!"

The Rio Theatre's Friday Late Night Movie series continues with Paul Verhoeven's 1987 sci-fi action juggernaut ROBOCOP, an action film that balances ultra-violence with black comedy and cutting social satire. Set in a violent, near-apocalyptic Detroit, evil corporation Omni Consumer Products wins a contract from the city government to privatize the police force. To test their crime-eradicating cyborgs, the company leads street cop Alex Murphy into an armed confrontation with crime lord Boddicker so they can use his body to support their untested RoboCop prototype. But when RoboCop learns of the company's nefarious plans, he turns on his masters. Starring Peter Weller, Nancy Allen, Dan O'Herlihy, Kurtwood Smith, Miguel Ferrer, and Ronny Cox.

"When the law-enforcing RoboCop cleans up corrupt Motown, his victory is satisfying because he's got machinery and morals on his side. RoboCop is where high-tech meets High Noon." (Philadelphia Enquirer)

Friday, April 4
Doors 11:30 pm | Movie 11:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Late Night Date Night! Bring a friend, date, or rehabilitated cyborg human and get 2-for-2 entry!

ROBOCOP (Paul Verhoeven, 1987 / 102 mins / 18A) In a dystopic and crime-infested Detroit, a terminally injured policeman returns to the force as a potent cyborg haunted by submerged memories.

Join us at the Rio Theatre as we dim the lights, raise a glass, and tip our collective cinematic hats to one of the all-time great actors of his generation, Gene Hackman, with a screening of one of his most indelible performances in one of the greatest action films ever made, William Friedkin's THE FRENCH CONNECTION.

"It moves at magnificent speed, and exhausts itself in movement." (New York Times)

"'The French Connection' is as amoral as its hero, as violent, as obsessed and as frightening." (Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times)

"Gritty, downbeat and, in Hackman’s “Popeye” Doyle, fronted by one of the most unlikely heroes that cinema had seen, this was one of the great films of Hollywood’s most creatively uncompromising period." (Times UK)

"If you want a dog-eared guide book, stuffed with authentic detail, to the work of the New York narcotics squad, this is your film. It certainly is mine. Every element coalesces into a hard bunch of excitement you can't imagine better done." (London Evening Standard)

"William Friedkin's symphony of long, sharp shocks is memorable for any number of sequences." (Time Out)

Saturday, April 5
Doors 7:30 pm | Movie 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

THE FRENCH CONNECTION (William Friedkin, 1971 / 104 mins / 18A) A pair of NYPD detectives in the Narcotics Bureau stumble onto a heroin smuggling ring based in Marseilles, but stopping them and capturing their leaders proves an elusive goal.

Given the success and popularity of the recent film adaptation of WICKED, we thought the time was right to "ease on down the road" and revisit Sidney Lumet's iconic, star-studded 1978 adaptation of the beloved Tony-award winning Broadway musical, THE WIZ, with a family-friendly screening on Sunday, April 6.

When Harlem schoolteacher Dorothy (Diana Ross) tries to save her dog from a storm, she's miraculously whisked away to an urban fantasy land called Oz. After accidentally killing the Wicked Witch of the East upon her arrival, Dorothy is told about the Wiz (Richard Pryor), a wizard who can help her get back to Manhattan. As Dorothy goes in search of the Wiz, she's joined by the Scarecrow (Michael Jackson), the Tin Man (Nipsey Russell) and the Cowardly Lion (Ted Ross). With Lena Horne

"Director Sidney Lumet has created what amounts to a love letter to the city of New York, which he equates with Oz." (Variety)

"Whether you love or hate this movie, there is no denying how memorable it truly is and how impactful it has been on the culture of Oz enthusiasts and Black cinema, alike." (ScreenAnarchy)

Sunday, April 6
Doors 10:30 am | Movie 11:00 am *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

THE WIZ (Sidney Lumet, 1978 / 145 mins / G) An adaptation of "The Wizard of Oz" that tries to capture the essence of the African-American experience.

Escaping post-war Europe, visionary architect László Toth arrives in America to rebuild his life, his work, and his marriage to his wife Erzsébet after being forced apart during wartime by shifting borders and regimes. On his own in a strange new country, László settles in Pennsylvania, where the wealthy and prominent industrialist Harrison Lee Van Buren recognizes his talent for building. But power and legacy come at a heavy cost... With Oscar and Golden Globe-winner Adrien Brody, Guy Pearce, Felicity Jones (in an Oscar-nominated performance), Joe Alwyn, Raffey Cassidy.

THE BRUTALIST is one of the most critically acclaimed films of the year, and was nominated for an incredible 10 Academy Awards, winning trophies in categories including Best Actor (Adrien Brody), Original Score (Daniel Blumberg), and Cinematography (Lol Crawford).

"It is so specific, lived-in and vibrant that you want to spend more time in this world even when it's harrowing." (Filmweek NPR)

"Brady Corbet’s seismic drama reaches for the sky as it surveys the soul of a man and a nation. There will be Oscars." (Empire Magazine)

"The magisterial (yet also often funny) performances from virtually every member of the cast... and the sheer painterly beauty of its compositions make this one of the few movies this year I almost immediately went back to see for a second time." (Slate)

"A harrowing 215-minute epic of perseverance, trauma, exploitation, and anti-Semitism, it’s a bracing examination of the scars of war, the difficulty of recovery, and the genius, madness, and self-destruction begat by calamity. " (The Daily Beast)

"Brady Corbet’s engulfing masterpiece about an immigrant architect (an Oscarbound Adrien Brody) is the best movie of the year, but it’s also way more than that— an unsentimental; uncompromising thunderbolt of pure cinema that Corbet has built to last." (ABC News)

Sunday, April 6
Doors 4:00 pm | Movie 4:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

*Please note: This film screens with a brief intermission.

THE BRUTALIST (Brady Corbet, 2024 / 214 mins / 18A ) When a visionary architect and his wife flee post-war Europe in 1947 to rebuild their legacy and witness the birth of modern United States, their lives are changed forever by a mysterious, wealthy client.

Like so many movie-lovers around the world, we were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of filmmaker David Lynch, whose contribution to arts and culture is immeasurable. His monumentally beloved catalogue is its own impressive, cinematic legacy rich with old friends and oddball characters who make regular visits upon our silver screen. In the wake of his passing, there is no better way for us to pay tribute to his enigmatic career than by raising a glass, dimming the lights, and firing up the projector in his honour with a selection of some of his best loved works on the big screen, as he undoubtedly intended.

Perhaps due to its relative narrative simplicity and conventional approach to humble storytelling, THE STRAIGHT STORY may be David Lynch's most overlooked film, despite its relative commercial success when it was released in 1999. The late, great Richard Farnsworth (beloved by Canadians for his performances in both THE GREY FOX and as Matthew Cuthbert in the iconic CBC series 'Anne of Green Gables') stars as a Alvin Straight, a retired farmer and widower in his 70s who learns one day that his distant brother Lyle has suffered a stroke and may not recover. Alvin is determined to make things right with Lyle while he still can, but his brother lives in Wisconsin, while Alvin is stuck in Iowa with no car and no driver's license. Then he hits on the idea of making the trip on his old lawnmower, thus beginning a picturesque and at times deeply spiritual odyssey. With Sissy Spacek, Harry Dean Stanton.

"It's intriguing to watch the Lynch of 'Blue Velvet' and 'Lost Highway' feel his way toward a less wounding surrealism -- into images that have power to hurt and will do none." (The New Yorker)

"When the movie’s end arrives, it’s a scene of cosmic beauty, accompanied by Angelo Badalamenti’s ethereal score—pure cinematic liftoff, a triumph of writing, direction, acting, casting, all the things that make a movie take flight." (Slate)

"... An elegiac portrait of a fading American heartland wrapped around a tear-jerking depiction of a man reflecting on his life losses with regret and resignation." (Times UK)

"With his sweet, lyrical masterpiece... David Lynch frees himself from the heavy irony and noir affectations of his last few films, discovering the pure, mythical slice of Americana previously confined to Agent Cooper's coffee and donuts in 'Twin Peaks.'" (AV Club)

"Richard Farnsworth's easy, twinkle eyed charm is a winner all the way, but it's finally the film's deceptive simplicity and unabashed warmth that make it one of Lynch's most artistically and emotionally satisfying movies." (Variety)

Wednesday, April 9
Doors 5:45 pm | Movie 6:15 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

THE STRAIGHT STORY (David Lynch, 1999 / 112 mins / G) Alvin Straight, a 73-year-old, learns that his estranged brother, Lyle is critically ill. Unable to drive, Alvin embarks on a journey from Iowa to Mt. Zion, by riding a lawn mower. Will he succeed?

Andy Kaufman's provocative comedy often outraged audiences, challenging them to confront their own presumptions. Through never-before-seen footage and intimate recollections, filmmaker Alex Braverman explores Kaufman’s brief but impactful life and career. As the lines between performance and reality blur in our present age, Kaufman’s genius resonates more than ever.

"Arguably the most transparent portrait of the comedian while still trying to perpetuate some of his mystery." (The Playlist)

"... by demystifying Kaufman, the more of a mystery his career becomes as he tested the limits of what the public would tolerate and still stick with him, becoming as much a film about us as much as him." (Movable Fest)

Thursday, April 10
Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 6:30 *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH (Alex Braverman, 2025 / 99 mins / NR) A look at the all-too-short life and career of enigmatic comedy legend Andy Kaufman, including never-before-seen footage and intimate interviews with friends, colleagues and family members.

You’ve watched his clips on Instagram, you’ve shared his standup with your friends and family on TikTok, now it’s time to see Jarlath Regan’s funny bits live - and in person. The brand new standup show from the man behind some of the most hilarious viral standup comedy clips is finally here! After selling out every single seat on his “Yer Man” tour in 2024, Jarlath is on the road again and travelling around the world with a completely fresh, never before seen standup comedy show guaranteed to have you “In Bits”.

Friday, April 11
Doors 6:00 pm | Show 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Advance tickets $42+ s/c

Artist Pre-Sale - Thursday, September 12 10:00 am
General On Sale - Friday, September 13 10:00 am

“The jewel in the Irish comedy crown.” (The Examiner)

“Universally enjoyable – 90 minutes of jaw-achingly funny anecdotes which spanned every topic
imaginable.” (The Post)

“A subtle yet sublime helping of observational wit” (The Herald ★★★★★)

“Downright hilarious…comedy genius” (The Irish Times ★★★★)

“Had the audience shaking so violently with laughter they probably could have charged their phones” (Edinburgh Festivals Magazine)

“Regan is an expert storyteller and this is a beautifully constructed show that I could have happily
listened to for twice its length.” (★★★★ The Arts Desk)

You’ve watched his clips on Instagram, you’ve shared his standup with your friends and family on TikTok, now it’s time to see Jarlath Regan’s funny bits live - and in person. The brand new standup show from the man behind some of the most hilarious viral standup comedy clips is finally here! After selling out every single seat on his “Yer Man” tour in 2024, Jarlath is on the road again and travelling around the world with a completely fresh, never before seen standup comedy show guaranteed to have you “In Bits”.

Friday, April 11
Second Show Added!>/i>
Doors 9:00 pm | Show 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Advance tickets $42+ s/c

“Regan is an expert storyteller and this is a beautifully constructed show that I could have happily
listened to for twice its length.” (★★★★ The Arts Desk)

Director Robert Harmon's criminally overlooked film THE HITCHER is a violent thrill-ride featuring strong performances from Rutger Hauer and C. Thomas Howell in a tense, cat-and-mouse gem that, "did for hitch-hiking what JAWS did for ocean swimmers." In other words, this newly restored slice of 80s-era "cinema obscura" is perfect for inclusion in the Rio Theatre's Friday Late Night Movies series.

While transporting a car from Chicago to San Diego, Jim Halsey (Thomas Howell) picks up a hitchhiker named John Ryder (Hauer), who claims to be a serial killer. After a daring escape, Jim hopes to never see Ryder again. But when he witnesses the hitchhiker murdering an entire family, Jim pursues Ryder with the help of truck-stop waitress Nash, pitting the rivals against each other in a deadly series of car chases and brutal murders. With Jennifer Jason Leigh.

"It's a highly competent sick-fright version of the evergreen chase formula." (Time Out)

"An odyssey of horror and suspense." (Newsweek)

Friday, April 11
Doors 11:15 pm | Movie 11:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Late Night Date Night! Tickets are two-for-one admission.

THE HITCHER (Robert Harmon, 1986 / 98 mins / 18A) A young man who escapes the clutches of a murderous hitchhiker is subsequently stalked by the hitcher and framed for his crimes.

The teasingly entwined ambiguities of love and death continue to fascinate Alain Guiraudie (STRANGER BY THE LAKE), who returns with a sharp, sinister, yet slyly funny thriller. Set in an autumnal, woodsy village in his native region of Occitanie, his latest follows the meandering exploits of Jérémie, an out-of-work baker who has drifted back to his hometown after the death of his beloved former boss, a bakery owner. Staying long after the funeral, the seemingly benign Jérémie begins to casually insinuate himself into his mentor’s family, including his kind-hearted widow and venomously angry son, while making an increasingly surprising—and ultimately beneficial—friendship with an oddly cheerful local priest.

In Guiraudie’s quietly carnal world, violence and eroticism explode with little anticipation, and criminal behavior can seem like a natural extension of physical desire. The French director is at the top of his game in MISERICORDIA, again upending all genre expectations.With Félix Kysyl, Catherine Frot, Jean-Baptiste Durand, Jacques Develay.

"While it may initially appear to be straightforward, nobody could ever accuse this increasingly twisted psychodrama of playing it straight." (Variety)

"'Misericordia' finds Alain Guiraudie revisiting old standbys under a relatively conventional set of aesthetic strategies. Fortunately, the ideas roiling under the former wildman’s newly placid surfaces are as potent as ever." (Slant Magazine)

"A fantastically tender, alluring, and peculiar small-town tale of murder, desire, and repression." (RogerEbert.com)

"Every once in a while, you go into a film like Misericordia (Miséricorde) where the ride is so wild, so unpredictable and so outrageous that good and bad seem far too binary of terms to dissect what just unfolded before you." (Loud and Clear)

Saturday, April 12
Doors 7:30 pm | Movie 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

MISERICORDIA "Miséricorde" (Alain Guiraudie, 2024 / 104 mins / NR / French with EST) Returning to Saint-Martial for his late boss's funeral, Jérémie's stay with widow Martine becomes entangled in a disappearance, a threatening neighbor, and an abbot's shady intentions.

Anime Expo Cinema Nights Presents a special 40th Anniversary screening of the cult-classic VAMPIRE HUNTER D. In the year 12,090 AD, technology and the supernatural have overtaken the world, leaving the land desolate and despotic. The remnants of humanity are scattered into small communities and live in fear of vampires who compose the ruling Nobility. When Count Magnus Lee tastes the blood of Doris Lang, she is forcibly chosen to be his next wife. In an effort to escape her ill-gotten fate, she hires a mysterious vampire hunter known only as D, who comes from a peculiar lineage.

VAMPIRE HUNTER D is a prime example of old-school cult-classic 80's Japanimation, and a title that has been requested by Rio Theatre fans for years. So get ready for it - beautifully restored for its 40th anniversary! This mythical anime is set in a post-nuclear holocaust dystopia, when the Earth is ruled by the supernatural and vampires, mutants and demons, "slither through a world of darkness" (in the words of the film's opening introduction). Starring Kaneto Shiozawa, Michie Tomizawa, Seizô Katô, Satoko Kifuji, Kazuyuki Sogabe, Motomu Kiyokawa.

"This is the D that your body craves. This is the D that takes place in a far-flung, post-nuclear hellscape where vampires, werewolves, and all manner of things that go bump in the night reign supreme." (Nerdist)

Saturday, April 12
Doors 10:00 pm | Movie 10:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

This screening includes bonus content, including a special introduction to the film by HIDIVE's Star Butler and Shudder's Head of Programming, Sam Zimmerman.

VAMPIRE HUNTER D (Toyoo Ashida, 1985 / 90 mins / 18A / Japanese with English subtitles) The film follows the story of a young lady after she is bitten by an evil vampire in medieval Romania, and asks for the help of a mysterious stranger known only as "D" to kill the vampire, thus sparing her a similar fate. Battling gothic creatures along the way, the mystery of who "D" really is soon becomes apparent, to himself and the viewer.

Join us at the Rio Theatre as we dim the lights, raise a glass, and tip our collective cinematic hats to one of the all-time great actors of his generation, Gene Hackman, with a screening of one of his most indelible performances in Francis Ford Coppola's THE CONVERSATION. In 2022, Coppola's 1974 masterpiece of societal paranoia in the guise of a techno-thriller was beautifully restored and remixed by legendary sound designer Walter Murch.

Sandwiched between the filmmaker's first two GODFATHER epics, THE CONVERSATION was a smaller, more personal exploration of humanity becoming enslaved and ultimately destroyed by the development of highly sophisticated surveillance technology. The film's timing couldn't have been more prescient, with the concurrent revelation during the Watergate hearings of a secret taping device in the Oval Office. Although the cutting-edge electronics of that time now look like Victrolas compared to the pocket-sized gadgetry of today, the themes of social alienation, ruthless corporate behavior, and a testing of one's faith resonate even deeper as we enter the second decade of the 21st century.

Winner of the 1974 Palme d'Or at Cannes, and nominated for three Oscars including Best Picture (losing out to Coppola's own THE GODFATHER: PART II ), THE CONVERSATION features a cast of future stars, including John Cazale, Robert Duvall, Harrison Ford, Teri Garr, Frederick Forsythe, and Cindy Williams. The minimalist piano music by David Shire is considered one of the great film scores of that era.

"AN IMMACULATE THRILLER, a study in paranoia and loneliness, partly inspired by Antonioni's 'Blow-Up,' and released as the Watergate scandal was unfolding, [with] one of Gene Hackman's greatest performances. (The Guardian)

"A BLEAK AND DEVASTATINGLY BRILLIANT FILM!" (Time Out)

"This tense, paranoid thriller presents Francis Ford Coppola at his finest -- and makes some remarkably advanced arguments about technology's role in society that still resonate today." (Rotten Tomatoes)

""The Conversation" truly feels both timeless and of the moment." (LA Times)

"Thanks to Walter Murch's keen, intuitive sound montage and Hackman's clammy, subtle performance, the movie captures [an] elusive and universal fear-that of losing the power to respond, emotionally and morally, to the evidence of one's own senses." (The New Yorker)

Sunday, April 13
Doors 1:00 pm | Movie 1:30 pm *Please arrive on time. Times subject to change.

THE CONVERSATION (Francis Ford Coppola, 1974 / 113 mins / 14A) Lonely wiretapping expert and devout Catholic Harry Caul is hired to record a seemingly innocuous conversation in San Francisco's Union Square between two lovers. Upon re-hearing the tapes, however, Caul believes he may be putting the couple in danger if he turns the material over to his client. But what one hears can ultimately turn out to be quite different from what was actually recorded.

MUR (You [Romance]) is Ukraine’s first original historical musical, offering a unique opportunity to witness past-century writers as living, breathing people. The story revolves around Slovo House in Kharkiv, a building where the Soviet regime executed hundreds of members of Ukraine’s early 20th-century creative elite.

Мюзикл «Ти [Романтика]» в кіно – це перший в Україні історичний оригінальний мюзикл, який дає можливість подивитися на живих письменників минулого сторіччя, на живих людей. Історія розповідає про Будинок Слово в Харкові, в якому було вбито радянською владою сотні представників української творчої еліти початку ХХ століття.

Monday, April 14
Doors open 6:00 pm | Film starts at 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Don't miss this unforgettable movie night, followed by an exclusive Q&A session with the cast!

Please note: This film screens in Ukrainian with English subtitles.

Ти [Романтика]» змітає пил часу з імен Хвильового, Курбаса, Сосюри, Семенка… Вперше покладені на музику історія зради поета Павла Тичини, служба у Третій Штурмовій Володимира Сосюри, розстріл кожного другого з українських письменників у Будинку Слово, самогубство Миколи Хвильового… Імена, що оживають на екрані, просто на ваших очах, – непередаваний словами досвід.

Режисер «Ти [Романтика]» Олександр Хоменко: «Це не вистава про трагедію Розстрільного відродження, бо скільки вже можна сумувати. Це не вистава з ключовою ідеєю, що «треба любити Україну і тоді все буде добре». Ні. Цього недостатньо. Це вікно у минуле, коли ти приходиш і розчиняєшся в Харківському Будинку Слова, в тій епосі, в діалогах Сосюри, Хвильового. Ось що таке романтика — це можливість подорожувати у часі.»

Проєкт МУР створений під час повномасштабної російсько-української війни українськими митцями з Києва та Донецька. До його складу входять: Олександр Хоменко (тексти, речитатив), Віктор Ткаченко (тексти, музика, саундпродакшн) і Микола Шмундир (речитатив), Марія ОʼРайлі (режисер монтажу), Соломія Козолуп (арт-директор, рісьорч), Олександр Заїка (обличчя проєкту, речетатив) . У соцмережах гурт зібрав навколо себе багатотисячну аудиторію. Документальні відео музикантів про історію Щедрика, Павла Тичину, Івана Багряного, Василя Стуса й Василя Симоненка стали найпопулярнішим освітнім контентом про українську літературу в Instagram. На рахунку гурту – три студійні релізи: «МУР Vol. 1», «Захалявна книжечка» та «Ти [Романтика]».

Двері відчиняються о 18:00 | Початок фільму о 18:30

Не пропустіть цей неповторний кіновечір із подальшою ексклюзивною розмовою з акторами у форматі Q&A!

This production sweeps away the dust of time from the names of Mykola Khvylovy, Les Kurbas, Volodymyr Sosiura, Mykhailo Semenko, and others. For the first time, events such as poet Pavlo Tychyna’s betrayal, Sosiura’s service in the Third Assault Brigade, the execution of every second Ukrainian writer at Slovo House, and Khvylovy’s tragic suicide are set to music. These figures come alive on screen right before your eyes—an experience beyond words.

Director Oleksandr Khomenko describes the musical as not just another play about the tragedy of the Executed Renaissance, questioning how much longer people can mourn. He emphasizes that it is not a simplistic call to "love Ukraine, and everything will be fine," as that alone is not enough. Instead, he sees it as a window into the past, a chance to step into Slovo House in Kharkiv, dissolve into that era, and experience the dialogues of Sosiura and Khvylovy. To him, this is what romance truly means—the ability to travel through time.

The MUR Project was created during the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war by artists from Kyiv and Donetsk. It was founded by Oleksandr Khomenko, who is responsible for the lyrics and recitative, Viktor Tkachenko, who handles the lyrics, music, and sound production, and Mykola Shmundyr, who also performs recitative. The team also includes Maria O’Reilly as the film editor, Solomiia Kozolup as the art director and researcher, and Oleksandr Zaika, who serves as the lead performer and recitative artist.

On social media, MUR has built a massive following. Their documentary-style videos on the history of Shchedryk, Pavlo Tychyna, Ivan Bahrianyi, Vasyl Stus, and Vasyl Symonenko have become the most popular educational content on Ukrainian literature on Instagram. The group has released three studio albums: MUR Vol. 1, Zakhaliavna Knyzhechka, and You [Romance].

Come see the Vancouver premiere of Titmouse’s one-of-a-kind annual animation showcase, featuring a unique, uncensored compilation of the latest short-form cartoons made by the studio’s animators and creative staff as part of its long-standing annual 5 Second Day tradition.

Titmouse artists and animators will be in attendance at the event.

A limited amount of seats are available to the public, so grab your tickets today! Don’t miss out on animation’s wildest, nuttiest, most unpredictable, most unforgettable night of the year.

Tuesday, April 15
Early Show
Doors 6:00 pm | Event 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

For more information about Titmouse and its recent projects, visit www.titmouse.net.

Come see the Vancouver premiere of Titmouse’s one-of-a-kind annual animation showcase, featuring a unique, uncensored compilation of the latest short-form cartoons made by the studio’s animators and creative staff as part of its long-standing annual 5 Second Day tradition.

Titmouse artists and animators will be in attendance at the event.

A limited amount of seats are available to the public, so grab your tickets today! Don’t miss out on animation’s wildest, nuttiest, most unpredictable, most unforgettable night of the year.

Tuesday, April 15
Late Show
Doors 9:00 pm | Event 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

These screenings are intended for an adult audience and some films contain adult content. Viewer discretion advised. Must be 18+ w/ID for entry.

About 5 Second Day

Every year, Titmouse designates a day for the studio to “shut down” in order to give anyone who wants to participate an entire paid day off to focus on producing animated shorts. A tradition spanning over 15 years, 5 Second Day gives Titmouse animators and team members the ultimate playground for creativity and the chance to unleash all the quirky, beautiful, downright bizarre, and laugh-out-loud ideas that have been brewing in their minds.

About Titmouse

Titmouse is a full-service, award-winning animation studio and pop culture brand behind many of your favorite shows, such as Big Mouth, The Legend of Vox Machina, The Venture Bros., Star Trek: Lower Decks, and Beavis and Butt-Head. Founded in Los Angeles in 2000 by School of Visual Arts alumni Chris and Shannon Prynoski, the artist-run studio has since expanded to include locations in New York City, Vancouver, and Los Angeles, with facilities in both Hollywood and Burbank. This year marks Titmouse's 25th Anniversary—a testament to a quarter-century of creative innovation. Employing some of the most talented artists in the industry, Titmouse continues to push creative boundaries while delivering high-quality cartoons for audiences of all ages and interests.

For more information about Titmouse and its recent projects, visit www.titmouse.net.

Join award-winning host Dandy in the rebirth-day party of the century, THE THIRD ANNUAL FABERGÉ BALL. Join in at the bacchanal that folx are calling "a perfect celebration of spring solstice." Every year we offer the gods and goddesses a tribute serving of the hottest drag, burlesque & musical comedy that the iconic Rio Theatre can muster.  Unexpectedly, Mr. Fabergé, the show's billionaire sponsor, has requested to perform a ritual of his own, so 19+ recommended (and required).

Don't want to be crucified on the runway? Then come coutured out in your most pagan solstice symbols or renaissance Saint inspired bedsheets.

Friday, April 18
Doors 7:00 pm | Event 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Main Floor Assigned $30 + s/c | $35+ s/c at the door
VIP – First 4 rows $40 + s/c | $45+ s/c at the door **VIP ticket holders also get an interactive prop bag to be used during the show!**

The Dandy's Disciples 4 Pack $100 + s/c (Available online only)

Early Bird Tickets Available Until Midnight, March 15

Featuring:

Jordy Matheson in the reprisal role of 'Mr. Fabergé'

and Introducing:

Angora Phobia as 'The Easter Bunny'
Gvil as 'Altar Boy'
Melrose Twist as 'Crocus Flower'
Cherry Ontop as 'Mrs. Faberge'
Malandro as 'Saint Deville'
Mx. Black Ice as 'Jesus'
Strawberry Short King as 'Judas'
and Phyllis Hull as 'Drag-Mother Superior'

About your Host:

Dandy (he/him) is the award-winning host made popular on TikTok for his viral videos promoting queer joy! Winner of Host of the Year 2024 for Vancouver International Burlesque Festival and awarded runner up in the Georgia Straight’s BEST OF VANCOUVER for his show Drag Attack! – you can catch him regularly on stage in his shows at the iconic Rio Theatre in Vancouver, or touring regularly this year between LA and New York City. His all new series Dandyland, which highlights businesses, organizations, and artists in the lower-mainland’s LGBT Community, premiered this Summer on Optik TV and is currently nominated by the Costume Designers Guild Awards for Excellence in Short Form Design thanks to already award winning, multi-talented Costume Designer, Rafaella Rabinovich

@dandyandfriends

The Rio Theatre is delighted to welcome Austin. Texas ensemble The Invincible Czars back to our stage for a double bill night featuring two classics from the silent era  - THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and THE CABINET OF DR CALIGARI - accompanied with a live, original score.

PHANTOM OF THE OPERA The iconic moment when Mary Philbin removed Lon Chaney's mask in The Phantom of the Opera (1925, dir. Rupert Julian) is one of cinema’s most enduring images. Now, The Invincible Czars will bring their signature blend of eclectic instrumentation, adventurous arrangements and sense of  emotional depth to this 100-year-old classic with their new, tastefully modern soundtrack, performing it live with the film in art house cinemas across the US and Canada in 2025.

The tour will celebrate the 100th anniversary of this early American horror film.  The band has been captivating both music and film enthusiasts across North America since 2015 when their soundtrack for Nosferatu earned them accolades in the art house community and made them staple of the silent film circuit.

The Czars’ Phantom of the Opera soundtrack is the culmination of nearly a year of meticulous composition, recording, and collaboration. The group drew inspiration from the film’s gothic visuals and haunting narrative to craft a score using their primary instruments: piano, violin, electric guitar/bass, organ, flute, drums and bass clarinet.  They create a live experience so immersive that it’s easy to forget the music is being played live at times!

THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI tells the story of a group of friends who encounter the mysterious Dr. Caligari and his scary, sleepwalking sidekick Cesare at a carnival.  When a series of murders brings the town to its knees, Franzis sets out to prove Caligari is responsible... But is he?

There is simply no better way to experience these icons of of the silent era than on the big screen, accompanied with a live score!

Saturday, April 19
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Centennial Tour Live
Doors 6:15 pm | Film 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI
Movie 9:15 pm *As this is screening as part of a double feature, the start time is subject to change.

PHANTOM OF THE OPERA & DR. CALIGARI Double Feature Pricing - See them BOTH for one incredible price!
Double Feature Kids (Under 12) $22 + s/c
Double Feature Early Bird Tickets $28 + s/c (Until March 24)
Double Feature Seniors & Students (Must provide ID) $30 + s/c | $35 at the door
Double Feature Adult Assigned (Main Floor) Tickets $35 + s/c | $40 at the door
Double Feature VIP Tickets (Priority Seating in the first 6 rows, centre section) $40 + s/c | $45 at the door

Sorry, single film tickets for 'Phantom' not available. But trust us, once you experience the first film, you won't want to miss the next!

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THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI

Single Feature tickets on sale here: https://riotheatretickets.ca/events/34882-the-cabinet-of-dr-caligari-w-the-invincible-czars-single-film-tickets

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Following the film(s) The Invincible Czars will participate in a brief talkback with the audience, meet and greet, and will also be selling their amazing, one-of-a-kind merch!

The iconic moment when Mary Philbin removed Lon Chaney's mask in The Phantom of the Opera (1925, dir. Rupert Julian) is one of cinema’s most enduring images. Now, The Invincible Czars will bring their signature blend of eclectic instrumentation, adventurous arrangements and sense of  emotional depth to this 100-year-old classic with their new, tastefully modern soundtrack, performing it live with the film in art house cinemas across the US and Canada in 2025.

The tour will celebrate the 100th anniversary of this early American horror film.  The band has been captivating both music and film enthusiasts across North America since 2015 when their soundtrack for Nosferatu earned them accolades in the art house community and made them staple of the silent film circuit.

The Czars’ Phantom of the Opera soundtrack is the culmination of nearly a year of meticulous composition, recording, and collaboration. The group drew inspiration from the film’s gothic visuals and haunting narrative to craft a score using their primary instruments: piano, violin, electric guitar/bass, organ, flute, drums and bass clarinet.  They create a live experience so immersive that it’s easy to forget the music is being played live at times!

Who are The Invincible Czars?

Phil Davidson (violin, keyboards, percussion)
Skunk Manhattan (piano, keyboards, bass)
Josh Robins (guitar, bass, samples, percussion)
Louis Landry (drums, percussion, keyboards)
Hampton Rattan (winds, keys)

Hailing from Austin, Texas, The Invincible Czars make cinematic, experimental "rock" for music nerds, horror fans, film lovers, followers of science fiction and fact, comics, cartoons & humor and anyone with a complicated relationship with heavy metal and classical music.

Do you like Primus, Tchaikovsky, Frank Zappa, Steve Martin, Louis Armstrong, Danny Elfman, Ween, Monty Python and Mr. Bungle? 

They do, too, and their revolving door of players keeps them sounding and looking different from project to project.

The Alamo Drafthouse called them, "one of the best silent film orchestras in the nation."

“(The Invincible Czars' soundtrack for Nosferatu is) a brilliantly realized wedding of contemporary musical sensibility and technology with early 20th century cinema.”
Chico News Review 

PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (Rupert Julian, 1925 / 107 mins) The deformed Phantom who haunts the Paris Opera House causes murder and mayhem in an attempt to make the woman he loves a star.

THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI "Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari" (Robert Wiene, 1920 / 67 mins) Hypnotist Dr. Caligari uses a somnambulist, Cesare, to commit murders.

The Rio Theatre is delighted to welcome Austin. Texas ensemble The Invincible Czars back to our stage for a double bill night featuring two classics from the silent era  - THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and THE CABINET OF DR CALIGARI - accompanied with a live, original score.

PHANTOM OF THE OPERA The iconic moment when Mary Philbin removed Lon Chaney's mask in The Phantom of the Opera (1925, dir. Rupert Julian) is one of cinema’s most enduring images. Now, The Invincible Czars will bring their signature blend of eclectic instrumentation, adventurous arrangements and sense of  emotional depth to this 100-year-old classic with their new, tastefully modern soundtrack, performing it live with the film in art house cinemas across the US and Canada in 2025.

The tour will celebrate the 100th anniversary of this early American horror film.  The band has been captivating both music and film enthusiasts across North America since 2015 when their soundtrack for Nosferatu earned them accolades in the art house community and made them staple of the silent film circuit.

The Czars’ Phantom of the Opera soundtrack is the culmination of nearly a year of meticulous composition, recording, and collaboration. The group drew inspiration from the film’s gothic visuals and haunting narrative to craft a score using their primary instruments: piano, violin, electric guitar/bass, organ, flute, drums and bass clarinet.  They create a live experience so immersive that it’s easy to forget the music is being played live at times!

THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI tells the story of a group of friends who encounter the mysterious Dr. Caligari and his scary, sleepwalking sidekick Cesare at a carnival.  When a series of murders brings the town to its knees, Franzis sets out to prove Caligari is responsible... But is he?

There is simply no better way to experience these icons of of the silent era than on the big screen, accompanied with a live score!

Saturday, April 19
PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Centennial Tour Live
Doors 6:15 pm | Film 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

brief intermission

THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI
Movie 9:15 pm *As this is screening as part of a double feature, the start time is subject to change.

Double Feature tickets on sale here: https://riotheatretickets.ca/events/34881-the-phantom-of-the-opera-100th-anniversary-silent-sinema-screening-with-the-invincible-czars-live

Sorry, single film tickets for 'Phantom' not available. But trust us, once you experience the first film, you won't want to miss the next!

---

THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI Single Film Tickets
Single Feature Kids (Under 12) $20 + s/c
Single Feature Early Bird Tickets $22 + s/c (Until March 24)
Single Feature Seniors & Students (Must provide ID) $25 + s/c | $30 at the door
Single Feature General Admission Tickets $30 + s/c | $35 at the door

---

Following the film(s) The Invincible Czars will participate in a brief talkback with the audience, meet and greet, and will also be selling their amazing, one-of-a-kind merch!

The iconic moment when Mary Philbin removed Lon Chaney's mask in The Phantom of the Opera (1925, dir. Rupert Julian) is one of cinema’s most enduring images. Now, The Invincible Czars will bring their signature blend of eclectic instrumentation, adventurous arrangements and sense of  emotional depth to this 100-year-old classic with their new, tastefully modern soundtrack, performing it live with the film in art house cinemas across the US and Canada in 2025.

The tour will celebrate the 100th anniversary of this early American horror film.  The band has been captivating both music and film enthusiasts across North America since 2015 when their soundtrack for Nosferatu earned them accolades in the art house community and made them staple of the silent film circuit.

The Czars’ Phantom of the Opera soundtrack is the culmination of nearly a year of meticulous composition, recording, and collaboration. The group drew inspiration from the film’s gothic visuals and haunting narrative to craft a score using their primary instruments: piano, violin, electric guitar/bass, organ, flute, drums and bass clarinet.  They create a live experience so immersive that it’s easy to forget the music is being played live at times!

Who are The Invincible Czars?

Phil Davidson (violin, keyboards, percussion)
Skunk Manhattan (piano, keyboards, bass)
Josh Robins (guitar, bass, samples, percussion)
Louis Landry (drums, percussion, keyboards)
Hampton Rattan (winds, keys)

Hailing from Austin, Texas, The Invincible Czars make cinematic, experimental "rock" for music nerds, horror fans, film lovers, followers of science fiction and fact, comics, cartoons & humor and anyone with a complicated relationship with heavy metal and classical music.

Do you like Primus, Tchaikovsky, Frank Zappa, Steve Martin, Louis Armstrong, Danny Elfman, Ween, Monty Python and Mr. Bungle? 

They do, too, and their revolving door of players keeps them sounding and looking different from project to project.

The Alamo Drafthouse called them, "one of the best silent film orchestras in the nation."

“(The Invincible Czars' soundtrack for Nosferatu is) a brilliantly realized wedding of contemporary musical sensibility and technology with early 20th century cinema.”
Chico News Review 

PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (Rupert Julian, 1925 / 107 mins) The deformed Phantom who haunts the Paris Opera House causes murder and mayhem in an attempt to make the woman he loves a star.

THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI "Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari" (Robert Wiene, 1920 / 67 mins) Hypnotist Dr. Caligari uses a somnambulist, Cesare, to commit murders.

30 Years of Gut-Busting Laughs with Don Burnstick!

Burnstick Promotions and the Rio Theatre proudly present Don Burnstick live on stage on Monday, April 21. It’s time to celebrate 30 years of belly laughs, side-splitting humor, and the kind of comedy that makes your face hurt from grinning—and not your auntie bum flat from sitting to long.

After performing across North America, selling out thousands of shows, and spreading joy to countless people, Don Burnstick is bringing the funny to you. Expect an unforgettable night of raw, edgy comedy that’ll have you rolling in the aisles and begging for more. A proud Cree from Alexander First Nation, Don’s comedy transcends borders, blending cultural truths with universal laughs. It’s no wonder he’s a global sensation with a schedule so packed he probably tours more than Santa.

From relatable res stories to his razor-sharp satire, Burnstick’s unique brand of humor connects deeply with audiences all over the world. Whether you’ve followed him from his first joke to now, or you’re experiencing his comedy genius for the first time, one thing’s for sure—you’re in for a treat (or maybe a roast).

“Prepare for a night of storytelling so good, even your chattiest cousin will shut up and listen.”

Monday, April 21
Doors 4:00 pm | Show 5:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Balcony Tickets $30+ s/c (Perfect for those who laugh louder with a bird’s-eye view.)
Main Floor $50+ s/c (Front-row splash zone: Comedy tears and laughs guaranteed!)
VIP $80+ s/c (Includes a post show meet and greet, and exclusive merch. Selfies with Don are priceless!).

Warning: This show contains real comedy. May cause tears of joy, sore ribs, and dangerously funny memories you’ll repeat to your friends forever.

Buy your tickets now before they’re gone faster than a bag of bannock at a family gathering!

Mountains on Stage is back at the Rio Theatre for its Summer 2025 edition on Wednesday, April 23. This renowned international festival aims to bring the mountains to the city and to share all the beauty of mountain sports!

A selection of the best films related to mountain activities are presented. Details coming soon!

Wednesday, April 23
Doors 6:00 pm | Event 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Celebrating its 10th Anniversary!

An astounding collection of top notch Vancouver burlesque performers will take to the Rio Theatre‘s stage on Saturday April 26th for Burlesque Long Form. In an artistic challenge set by producer and noted performer April O’Peel, local luminaries will have one chance to perform a full ten minute act.

Will the performers be able to please, tease and captivate their audience for a full ten minutes? Expect outlandish props, projections, and over- the-top narratives as a stunning variety of unique and spectacular burlesque performers push the boundaries at Burlesque Long Form!

Saturday, April 26
Doors at 8:00 pm | Show at 9:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Tickets $30 + s/c in advance | $35 + s/c at the door
VIP Seating $40 + s/c

Featuring performances by

Scarlet Delerium
Portia Favro
Monday Blues
Jungle Kat
Cherry Ontop
April O'Peel

Hosted by Diva The Violet Femme

Bappa Mazumder & Elita Karem
Presented by Dhaka Club Vancouver

Bangladeshi stars Bappa Mazumder and Dilshad Karim Elita will be coming to perform with Bappa Mazumder’s band, Dalchhut, live onstage at the Rio Theatre on Sunday, April 27. Get ready, and let’s all make the lasting memories together.

Bappa Mazumder is a versatile Bangladeshi singer, lyricist and music composer who won the Bangladesh National Film Award for Best Music Composer for the song "Na Jani Kon Oporadhey" in the 2017 film, SWATTA.

Dilshad Karim Elita, better known as Elita Karim, is a Bangladeshi singer, versatile performer, anchor and voice artist.

Sunday, April 27
Doors 6:30 pm | Show 7:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Balcony (General Admission) $30+ s/c
Main Floor (Assigned) $45+ s/c

PINK FLOYD: LIVE AT POMPEII - MCMLXXII, the groundbreaking 1972 film directed by Adrian Maben, returns to cinemas this spring. Featuring iconic songs, stunning visuals, and behind-the-scenes moments, this beautifully restored create a timeless masterpiece of sight & sound. Digitally re-mastered in 4K from the original 35mm footage, with enhanced audio newly mixed by Steven Wilson, the upcoming theatrical release presents the definitive version of this
pioneering film.

Monday, April 28
Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

PINK FLOYD: LIVE AT POMPEII pre-dates the release of "The Dark Side of the Moon." The film documents what the band did before they became giants of the album charts on both sides of the Atlantic - where their music remains celebrated to this day. Set in the hauntingly beautiful ruins of the ancient Roman Amphitheatre in Pompeii, Italy, this unique and immersive film captures Pink Floyd performing an intimate concert without an audience. Filmed in October 1971, the performance marked the very first live concert to take place at Pompeii, and features the vital ‘Echoes,’ ‘A Saucerful of Secrets,’ and ‘One of These Days.’ The breathtaking visuals
of the amphitheatre, captured both day and night, amplify the magic of the performance. Additionally, the film includes rare behind-the-scenes footage of the band beginning work on The Dark Side of the Moon at Abbey Road Studios.

The film has been meticulously hand restored, frame-by-frame, from the original 35mm cut negative - discovered in five dubiously labelled cans within Pink Floyd's own archives. This momentous breakthrough unearthed the very film that rolled through the cameras during those sweltering days amidst the ruins of Pompeii over 50 years ago.

Led by Lana Topham, Director of Restoration for Pink Floyd, the team’s mission was to preserve the integrity and beauty of the original picture. The film was scanned in 4K using advanced techniques to ensure the finest, sharpest detail. Colors were enhanced, and every frame was meticulously reviewed and repaired, maintaining a natural and vivid appearance
with minimal grain adjustments.

“Since 1994, I have searched for the elusive film rushes of Pink Floyd At Pompeii, so the recent discovery of the 1972 original 35mm cut negative was a very special moment. The newly restored version presents the first full 90-minute cut, combining the 60-
minute source edit of the performance with the additional Abbey Road Studios documentary segments filmed shortly after,” said Topham. The film also features stunning sound quality with a new theatrical and home entertainment mix by Steven Wilson in 5.1 and Dolby Atmos that enhances the film's depth and clarity, preserving the authenticity and spirit of the original 1972 release. Wilson’s aim was to remain faithful to how the band would have sounded on those scorching hot days in 1971.

PINK FLOYD: LIVE AT POMPEII (Adrian Maben, 1971 / 92 mins / G) British progressive rock band Pink Floyd perform at the ancient Roman Amphitheater in the ruins of Pompeii, Italy in 1971. Although the band perform a typical live set from the era, there is no audience beyond the basic film crew.

Kyivska Perepichka
Presented by Ukraine Harmony Foundation

Tuesday, April 29
Doors 6:00 pm | Show 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Please note: This play is performed in the Ukrainian language)

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Про виставу:

«Київська перепічка» - щемка і провокативна моновистава-гойдалка Ірми Вітовської в якій через особистий досвід розповідається про життя і мрії українців після повномасштабного вторгнення.

Ця вистава – суміш протилежних емоцій і жанрів: від сліз до сміху, від лірики до помсти, від інтимної сповіді до радикальної фантасмагорії.

Про акторку Ірму Вітовську:

Заслужена артистка України Ірма Вітовська відома своїми численними ролями у театрі та кіно. Вона посідає особливе місце в серцях де-кількох поколінь українців у всьому світі. Оскільки крім своєї акторської діяльності, пані Ірма веде активну громадську та волонтерську діяльність. Вона є однією з провідних лідерок думок, яка надихає та своїм прикладом виховує в українцях глибокий патріотизм та любов до українського.

Про сценаристу вистави Наталку Ворожбит:

Сценаристка вистави «Київстка Перепічка» Наталка Ворожбит. Саме вона колись написала сценарій до популярного серіалу «Спіймати Кайдаша»

Пʼєса Наталки Ворожбит «Погані дороги» з 2017 року у постановці лондонського Crow’s Theatre успішно демонструється на Бродвеї, та проводить гастролі по всьому світі.

У 2020 році Наталка стала режисеркою та екранізувала пʼєсу. На екрани вийшов надпотужний фільм «Погані Дороги», який згодом боровся за Оскар як представник від України.

Ця сінергія двох жіночих талантів гарантувала, що їхня спільна робота відгукнеться в душі кожного українця. Так і сталось. Аншлаги в кожному місті і безперервний графік гастролів, запрошення та планування вистави в коженому куточоку світу. Черга Канади у квітні 2025 року. Приходьте і відчуйте потужну силу, яку можуть створити дві талановиті українські жінки.

ВХІД ВІДКРИТИЙ О 18:00 | ПОЧАТОК ВИСТУПУ: 19:00

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"Kyivska Perepichka" is a poignant and provocative solo show-swinger by Irma Vitovska, which tells about the life and dreams of Ukrainians after a full-scale invasion through personal experience.

This performance is a mixture of opposing emotions and genres: from tears to laughter, from lyrics to revenge, from intimate confession to radical phantasmagoria.

About actress Irma Vitovska:

Honored Artist of Ukraine Irma Vitovska is known for her numerous roles in theater and cinema. She holds a special place in the hearts of several generations of Ukrainians around the world. Because in addition to her acting career, Ms. Irma is actively involved in public and volunteer activities. She is one of the leading thought leaders who inspires and, by her example, cultivates deep patriotism and love for the Ukrainian language in Ukrainians.

About the play's scriptwriter Natalka Vorozhbyt:

The scriptwriter of the play "Kyivstka Perepichka" is Natalka Vorozhbyt. She once wrote the script for the popular TV series "Catch Kaidash"

Natalka Vorozhbyt's play "Bad Roads" has been successfully shown on Broadway since 2017, staged by London's Crow's Theatre, and has toured around the world.

In 2020, Natalka became a director and adapted the play into a film . The powerful film “Bad Roads” was released, which later competed for an Oscar as the representative of Ukraine.

This synergy of two female talents guaranteed that their joint work would resonate in the soul of every Ukrainian. And so it happened. Full houses in every city and a non-stop tour schedule, invitations and planning of performances in every corner of the world. Canada's turn in April 2025. Come and feel the powerful force that two talented Ukrainian women can create.

PINK FLOYD: LIVE AT POMPEII - MCMLXXII, the groundbreaking 1972 film directed by Adrian Maben, returns to cinemas this spring. Featuring iconic songs, stunning visuals, and behind-the-scenes moments, this beautifully restored create a timeless masterpiece of sight & sound. Digitally re-mastered in 4K from the original 35mm footage, with enhanced audio newly mixed by Steven Wilson, the upcoming theatrical release presents the definitive version of this
pioneering film.

Wednesday, April 30
Doors 9:00 pm | Movie 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

PINK FLOYD: LIVE AT POMPEII pre-dates the release of "The Dark Side of the Moon." The film documents what the band did before they became giants of the album charts on both sides of the Atlantic - where their music remains celebrated to this day. Set in the hauntingly beautiful ruins of the ancient Roman Amphitheatre in Pompeii, Italy, this unique and immersive film captures Pink Floyd performing an intimate concert without an audience. Filmed in October 1971, the performance marked the very first live concert to take place at Pompeii, and features the vital ‘Echoes,’ ‘A Saucerful of Secrets,’ and ‘One of These Days.’ The breathtaking visuals
of the amphitheatre, captured both day and night, amplify the magic of the performance. Additionally, the film includes rare behind-the-scenes footage of the band beginning work on The Dark Side of the Moon at Abbey Road Studios.

The film has been meticulously hand restored, frame-by-frame, from the original 35mm cut negative - discovered in five dubiously labelled cans within Pink Floyd's own archives. This momentous breakthrough unearthed the very film that rolled through the cameras during those sweltering days amidst the ruins of Pompeii over 50 years ago.

Led by Lana Topham, Director of Restoration for Pink Floyd, the team’s mission was to preserve the integrity and beauty of the original picture. The film was scanned in 4K using advanced techniques to ensure the finest, sharpest detail. Colors were enhanced, and every frame was meticulously reviewed and repaired, maintaining a natural and vivid appearance
with minimal grain adjustments.

“Since 1994, I have searched for the elusive film rushes of Pink Floyd At Pompeii, so the recent discovery of the 1972 original 35mm cut negative was a very special moment. The newly restored version presents the first full 90-minute cut, combining the 60-
minute source edit of the performance with the additional Abbey Road Studios documentary segments filmed shortly after,” said Topham. The film also features stunning sound quality with a new theatrical and home entertainment mix by Steven Wilson in 5.1 and Dolby Atmos that enhances the film's depth and clarity, preserving the authenticity and spirit of the original 1972 release. Wilson’s aim was to remain faithful to how the band would have sounded on those scorching hot days in 1971.

PINK FLOYD: LIVE AT POMPEII (Adrian Maben, 1971 / 92 mins / G) British progressive rock band Pink Floyd perform at the ancient Roman Amphitheater in the ruins of Pompeii, Italy in 1971. Although the band perform a typical live set from the era, there is no audience beyond the basic film crew.

You’ve watched his clips on Instagram, you’ve shared his standup with your friends and loved ones, now it’s time to see Manhar Seth’s poetic bits live and in-person.

Manhar Seth is one of the most viral and sensational figures on Instagram known for his unique fusion of poetry (shayari) and comedy. He has captivated audiences with his remarkable ability to blend heartfelt shayari with humor creating a refreshing and relatable experience for fans across the globe. Manhar doesn’t just perform on stage—he connects with his audience through interactive crowdwork making each show a dynamic and personal experience.

With a strong fanbase of 2 Million Followers that spans across India and internationally he has toured over 45 cities in his home country and garnered overwhelming responses during his recent tours in Dubai and the UK. His Canada tour is already generating huge excitement with pre-sale registrations amassing around 500 responses and early ticket sales estimated at 1500 tickets across multiple cities.

Presented by Reality Entertainment

Friday, May 2
Doors: 6:30 pm | Show: 7:30 pm
Language: English, Hindi | Age: 16+

Early Bird Ticket Pricing! (Limited Number Available)

First two rows: $60+Fees
Other Rows(Middle Section): $45+Fees
Other Rows(Left & Right Section): $35+Fees
Balcony(General Seating):$30+Fees

For Group Bookings & Sponsorships:
Reality Ent - (639) 999 0390
ContactRealityEntertainment@gmail.com

East Van Laugh RIOT
Presented by Charlie Demers and Friends

The Rio Theatre's comedy night featuring Vancouver’s top stand-up comedians from CBC, Netflix, Just For Laughs and more returns on Friday, May 16.

(Because we could all use a good laugh…)

Friday, May 16
Stay tuned for guest info and details!
Doors 7:15 pm | Show 8:00 pm *Please arrive on time. Start time subject to change.

BONUS! Health care workers get in free with valid ID.

Charlie Demers is a Juno-nominated stand-up comedian, a regular on CBC Radio's "The Debaters," and co-star of two Emmy-winning Netflix animated series, "Beat Bugs" and "The Last Kids on Earth." He lives four blocks from the Rio Theatre.

In the midst of darkness, we discover who we truly are.

THERE IS ANOTHER WAY (Stephen Apkon, 2025 / 67 mins / NR) A grassroots group of Palestinians and Israelis work together through non-violent means to build a social infrastructure to end conflict and occupation.

Hard Rubber Orchestra, Canada’s 18-piece jazz powerhouse, will reprise the music of the famed Mahavishnu Orchestra. In the early 70's, this five-piece unit, lead by guitarist John McLaughlin, blew minds and drew a cult following with their ground-breaking fusion of jazz, Indian ragas and high volume rock.

Hard Rubber will perform original arrangements by John Korsrud, Fred Stride, Bill Runge and others, with guests; drummer Randall Stoll, and Chris Gestrin on keyboards, along with the 18-piece orchestra. HRO last presented this popular tribute more than a decade ago, and is excited to once again give audiences a chance to see the Mahavishnu Orchestra re-visited and re-imagined by Vancouver's one and only Hard Rubber Orchestra. Special guests: The Fits (Veda Hille and Patsy Klein).

7:30 pm: Short music films
8:15 pm: The Fits
9 pm: Hard Rubber Orchestra
Schedule subject to change

“John Korsrud likes a good challenge. Last year, he and his Vancouver-based 18-piece Hard Rubber Orchestra performed two big-band concerts of songs by the Mahavishnu Orchestra, the 1970 jazz-rock quintet that favoured odd time signatures and high-octane delivery. To these ears, that second concert was the best show at last year’s jazz festival.” (Marke Andrews, Vancouver Sun)

Saturday, May 31
Doors 6:30 pm | Event 7:30pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Main Floor (Assigned Seating) - Sliding Scale $20+ s/c | $25+ s/c | $30+ s/c ('Sliding Scale' pricing = Pay what you can while supporting local, Canadian artists)
Balcony (General Admission) -  $15+ s/c

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Formed by artistic director John Korsrud in 1990, the Hard Rubber Orchestra has consistently been one of Canada's most active and unpredictable ensembles of creative music, presenting concerts of original music by some of Canada's most exciting composers, performed by Vancouver's finest musicians. The orchestra has recorded five albums, toured across Canada and to Europe. In 2005, they were the recipients of the Alcan Arts Award, the largest arts award in Canada for the creation of new work. They have produced several large theatrical works such as operas, avant ice shows, and arts raves and commissioned nearly 100 new works by composers such as Kenny Wheeler, John Hollenbeck, Darcy James Argue, Christine Jensen, Peggy Lee, Marianne Trudel, and Brad Turner. @hardrubberorchestra

Iron Dog Books and Black Bond Books/Book Warehouse proudly present An Evening With V.E. Schwab at the Rio Theatre, in celebration of "Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil." The evening promises a lively discussion, hosted by local author and podcaster Hannah McGregor, and an in-depth question period.

Ticket price includes a signed and specially embossed copy of "Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil." Additionally, autographed copies of V.E. Schwab's previous books will be available for purchase, while quantities last.

VICTORIA “V. E.” SCHWAB is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty books, including the acclaimed Shades universe, the Villains series, the City of Ghosts series, Gallant, and the international bestseller The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. Translated into over two dozen languages and optioned for television and film, V.E. Schwab’s work is widely loved and critically acclaimed.

Monday, June 16 - Over 75% sold!
Doors 6:00 pm | Event 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Ticket price includes one signed copy of Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil, admission to event, and all taxes and fees.

Ticket purchasers will be contacted ahead of the event for the opportunity to submit questions.

CJ The X: You're Not God, I Am!
The Case Study of the Century

Our taboo desire for social status, the anthropomorphization of God, and the most pivotal rap beef of our generation.

CJ The X is an independent interdisciplinary artist and an autodidactic philosopher. They have been making music since 2015, releasing videos since 2021, writing essays since 2023, and performing lectures since 2024. Their philosophy focuses on religion, art, technology, community, relationship and love.

CJ The X’s work is crowdfunded through Patreon, where they host a book club, powerpoint parties, and Q&As.

Friday, June 20
Doors: 7:00 pm | Event 7:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

For first access to tickets subscribe to their mailing list @ cjthex.com/subscribe
cjthex.com
youtube.com/cjthex
patreon.com/cjthex

KEVIN NEALON
Presented by Gotpop? Concerts

The Rio Theatre is pleased to welcome Kevin Nealon to the stage for a night of standup comedy on Sunday, March 24.

Sunday, August 24
Doors 6:00 pm | Show 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Main Floor (Assigned) $85+ s/c
Balcony (General Admission) $75+ s/c

Kevin Nealon is an Emmy and SAG-nominated actor and comedian who sets himself apart from other comedic performers with his unique sense of humor, dry wit and likable demeanor. Nealon is best known for his nine-year stint as a cast member of NBC’s Saturday Night Live, and received critical acclaim for his role in the hit Showtime series Weeds. Kevin currently produces and hosts his digital series Hiking with Kevin, and tours his stand-up globally. In 2022 he released his, I Exaggerate: My Brushes with Fame. Part art book, part memoir -- the book is full of original full-color caricatures Kevin has created along with funny, endearing personal essays about his famous friends.

Nealon’s extensive television credits include the CBS sitcom, Man With a Plan, in which he starred alongside Matt LeBlanc; Showtime’s Weeds, which ran for eight seasons. Additional television roles include two critically acclaimed stand-up
specials for Showtime and a number of appearances on Hot In Cleveland, Franklin & Bash, Monk, Curb Your Enthusiasm and Still Standing.

Kevin has also has found great comedic success in his extensive film career. In Anger Management, he played opposite Jack Nicholson and fellow SNL comedian, Adam Sandler. He and Sandler also teamed up in Eight Crazy Nights, The Wedding Singer, Happy Gilmore, Just Go With It, Blended, and You Don’t Mess with the Zohan, the latter of which grossed over $200 million worldwide. In Joe Dirt, Nealon joined another SNL alumnus David Spade. Additional film credits include Daddy Day Care with Eddie Murphy, Good Boy with Molly Shannon, Bucky Larsen: Born to be a Star with Nick Swardson, Roxanne with Steve Martin and the cult hit Grandma’s Boy, also with Nick Swardson and Jonah Hill.

As one of the longest running cast members on NBC’s Saturday Night Live (1986-1995), Nealon created some of the show’s most memorable characters, including ‘The Subliminal Man’ and ‘Hans and Franz.’ Nealon’s recurring role as an anchor on ‘Weekend Update’ helped make the sketch a show staple. In 1988, he earned an Emmy nomination as part of the SNL writing team. In 2008, Nealon released his first book, Yes, You’re Pregnant, But What About Me? - a comical look at the male perspective of pregnancy.

Currently, Kevin resides in Los Angeles with his wife and son.

Ashwyn Singh comes to the Rio Theatre's stage with his latest show on Thursday, September 18.

Thursday, September 18
Doors 6:00 pm | Show 6:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

VVIP (Front Row) $45 + s/c
VIP (Rows B-F) $35+ s/c
Main Floor $30+ s/c
Group Pass (4 Tickets) $108+ s/c

Ashwyn Singh is a standup comedian, musician, and writer whose work blends incisive humor with heartfelt social commentary. An Indian immigrant turned Canadian resident, Ashwyn draws on his unique perspective to explore themes of cultural identity, immigration, and family with wit and relatability.

His viral Desi Translations series, which has over 40 million views, celebrates the artistry of Hindi and Urdu lyrics by reinterpreting everyday English phrases. Beyond social media, Ashwyn’s standup comedy tackles social issues like immigration, religion, politics, mental health, and global conflicts, highlighting the hypocrisy in human behavior with sharp humor.

Featured on Canada’s Got Talent, CBC’s The Debaters, and major comedy festivals like Winnipeg and Halifax, Ashwyn has opened for acclaimed acts such as Mark Normand, Sammy Obeid, and Zarna Garg, establishing himself as a standout talent in comedy.

This Rio Theatre gift certificate is good for entry to any single regular screening and includes one medium popcorn, one medium fountain beverage, and one small candy.

This Rio Theatre gift certificate is good for entry to any single regular screening and includes two medium drinks, and one large popcorn.