Happy Lunar New Year! We are kicking off the Year of the Horse with one of the most iconic films in  newly restored "Golden Princess" films in the Hong Kong Cinema Classics series that were restored and remastered in 2025, John Woo's iconic HARD BOILED.

Legendary Hong Kong director Woo's kinetic extravaganza HARD BOILED thrilled critics and audiences around the world with its over-the-top, highly stylized action sequences and choreographed gunplay when it was released in 1992, and it is even more stunning over 30 years later thanks to the gorgeous restopration treatment it has received as part of GKIDS new series celebrating classic Hong Kong cinema. (Fun fact: Back in the day, the Rio Theatre was itself a Golden Princess venue - look up at our neon facade next time you come by!)

Mobsters are smuggling guns into Hong Kong. The police orchestrate a raid at a teahouse where an ace detective loses his partner. Meanwhile, the two main gun smugglers are having a war over territory, and a young new gun is enlisted to wipe out informants and overcome barriers to growth. The detective, acting from inside sources, gets closer to the ring leaders and eventually must work with the inside man directly. With Chow Yun-fat, Bowie Lam, Chiu-wai, Tony Leung, Teresa Mo, Philip Chan, Phillip Chung-Fung Kwok

"A supercharged thriller." (Time Out)

Tuesday, February 17 
Doors 9:00 pm | Movie 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

HARD BOILED 'Lat sau san taam' (John Woo, 1992 / 126 mins / 18A / In Cantonese with English subtitles) A cop who loses his partner in a shoot-out with gun smugglers goes on a mission to catch them. In order to get closer to the leaders of the ring he joins forces with an undercover cop who's working as a gangster hitman. They use all means of excessive force to find them.

From visionary Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker Mamoru Hosoda (MIRAI, SUMMER WARS, WOLF CHILDREN) comes a powerful, time-bending animated adventure about SCARLET, a medieval-era, sword-fighting princess on a dangerous quest to avenge the death of her father. After failing at her mission and finding herself gravely injured in the “Otherworld,” she encounters an idealistic young man from our present day who not only helps her to heal but shows her the possibility of a future free of bitterness and rage. When confronted again by her father's killer, Scarlet faces her most daunting battle: Can she break the cycle of hatred and find meaning in life beyond revenge?

Loosely based on William Shakesepeare's "Hamlet," SCARLET features the voices of Mana Ashida, Masaki Okada, Koji Yakusho, Yutaka Matsushige, Kotaro Yoshida and Masachika Ichimura.

"'Scarlet' might be [Mamoru Hosoda]'s most narratively ambitious work to date, adapting and warping one of the most famous tales ever told, adding new layers of complexity, and centuries of new, invaluable context." (The Wrap)

"What makes this adult animation so affecting is the writer-director’s commitment to fortifying his spectacle with a deep emotional undercurrent." (Screen International)

"In an animated and loose adaption of Hamlet, Mamoru Hosoda gives us a female protagonist whose quest for vengeance takes her to the afterlife. Not as strong as the original, but beautifully animated in a style all its own.
" (Original Cin)

Wednesday, February 18
Doors 9:00 pm | Movie 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

SCARLET "Hateshinaki Sukâretto" (Mamoru Hosoda, 2025 / 118 mins / 14A / Japanese w. EST) A sword-wielding princess embarks on a dangerous quest to avenge the death of her father. She soon meets an idealistic young man who shows her the possibility of a future free of bitterness and rage.

Mark Fischbach (aka YouTube creator and influencer Markiplier to his legions of fans) is unleashing his highly-anticipated debut feature horror film, IRON LUNG, into the cinematic sphere on January 30. In a post-apocalyptic future after "The Quiet Rapture" event, a convict explores a blood ocean on a desolate moon using a submarine called the "Iron Lung" to search for missing stars/planets.

Thursday, February 19
Doors 9:00 pm | Movie 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

IRON LUNG (Mark Fischback, 2026 / 125 mins / 18A) Survivors of the apocalypse launch an expedition to a barren moon with an ocean of blood.

"Assume the position."

Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader smoulder as an unlikely couple whose workplace relationship unexpectedly blossoms into something... Beyond the professional. SECRETARY is an all-time Rio Theatre audience fan-favourite, and one of our most requested romances - a perfect fit for our Friday Late Night Movie series in February.

Sexy, sweet, hilarious and shocking, SECRETARY was a bonafide indie hit when it was released in 2002 and has since achieved total cult-status thanks to the incendiary chemistry between Gyllenhaal (in her breakout performance) and Spader (who's never been better - this is peak Spader territory). Also starring Jeremy Davies, Lesley Anne Warren, and Stephen McHattie.

"A feel-good movie about sadomasochism, the seriocomic SECRETARY manages to be simultaneously subversive and sweet...In the wrong hands, the conceit could have turned ugly and offensive. But Spader and Gyllenhaal have a hushed, hilarious chemistry." (Newsweek)

"Remarkably, the film is less an S&M wallow than a love story between two consenting adults with complimentary sexual psychoses. Spader and Gyllenhaal are electric, bringing SECRETARY all the power and compassion it needs." (Rolling Stone)]

Friday, February 20
Doors 9:30 pm | Movie 10:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Late Night Date Night! Bring your best friend, pal, or maybe your boss and get 2-for-1 entry!

SECRETARY (Steven Shainberg, 2002 / 104 mins / 18A) Lee Holloway is a smart, quirky woman in her twenties who returns to her hometown in Florida after a brief stay in a mental hospital. In search of relief from herself and her oppressive childhood environment, she starts to date a nerdy friend from high school and takes a job as a secretary in a local law firm, soon developing an obsessive crush on her older boss, Mr. Grey. Through their increasingly bizarre relationship, Lee follows her deepest longings to the heights of masochism and, finally, to a place of self-affirmation.

Join us at the Rio Theatre Friday, February 20 as we roll out the (short) red carpet for the 2026 Oscar Nominated Short Film awards ceremonies. Showcasing the best short films from around the world, the 2026 Oscar-Nominated Shorts presents feature-length programs dedicated to each Academy Award Short Film category: Animated, Documentary and Live Action. With 5 featured shorts per category from all over the globe, you'll have a tough time choosing just one winner!

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PASS HOLDERS GAIN ACCESS TO ANY 3 SCREENINGS
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ANIMATED SHORTS
Saturday, February 21
Doors 12:15 pm | Screening 12:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Papillon (Butterfly) by Florence Miailhe
Forevergreen by Nathan Engelhardt & Jeremy Spears
La jeune fille qui pleurait des perles (The Girl Who Cried Pearls) by Chris Lavis & Maciek Szczerbowski
Retirement Plan by John Kelly
The Three Sisters by Timur Kognov

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DOCUMENTARY SHORTS
Sunday, February 22
Doors 10:30 am | Screening 11:00 am *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Thursday, February 26
Doors 5:30 pm | Screening 6:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

All the Empty Rooms by Joshua Seftel
Armed Only with a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud by Craig Renaud & Brent Renaud
Children No More: “Were and Are Gone” by Hilla Medalia
The Devil Is Busy by Geeta Gandbhir & Christalyn Hampton
Perfectly a Strangeness by Alison McAlpine

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LIVE ACTION SHORTS
Sunday, February 22
Doors 1:45 pm | Screening 2:15 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Wednesday, February 25
Doors 3:30 pm | Screening 4:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Butcher’s Stain by Meyer Levinson-Blount
A Friend of Dorothy by Lee Knight
Jane Austen’s Period Drama by Steve Pinder & Julia Aks
The Singers by Sam Davis
Two People Exchanging Saliva by Alexandre Singh & Natalie Musteata

Join us at the Rio Theatre Friday, February 20 as we roll out the (short) red carpet for the 2026 Oscar Nominated Short Film awards ceremonies. Showcasing the best short films from around the world, the 2026 Oscar-Nominated Shorts presents feature-length programs dedicated to each Academy Award Short Film category: Animated, Documentary and Live Action. With 5 featured shorts per category from all over the globe, you'll have a tough time choosing just one winner!

Saturday, February 21
Doors 12:15 pm | Screening 12:45 pm

Animated Shorts (Top 5 out of 113 qualifies short films):

Papillon (Butterfly) by Florence Miailhe
Forevergreen by Nathan Engelhardt & Jeremy Spears
La jeune fille qui pleurait des perles (The Girl Who Cried Pearls) by Chris Lavis & Maciek Szczerbowski
Retirement Plan by John Kelly
The Three Sisters by Timur Kognov

See all three screenings and ceremonies for one low price of $43
https://riotheatretickets.ca/events/40163-2026-oscar-nominated-short-films-all-access-pass

Poznati hrvatski privrednik na svoj rođendan saznaje da je pred bankrotom. U kancelariju mu ulazi porodica sa tortom i tamburašima, a u isto vreme zove ga ćerka koja studira u Londonu i uz čestitku mu saopšti da je trudna. Otac deteta je sin srpskog ministra spoljnih poslova. U stilu punokvrnog balkanskog anti-rom-coma, ispreplićući humor, toplinu i napetost, „Svadba“ prati priču o dve porodice čiji odnos stalno pleše između tople porodične priče i međunarodnog incidenta.

A well-known Croatian businessman learns on his birthday that he is facing bankruptcy. A family enters his office with a cake and tambourine players, and at the same time his daughter, who is studying in London, calls him and informs him that she is pregnant with a congratulatory message. The child's father is the son of the Serbian Minister of Foreign Affairs. In the style of a full-fledged Balkan anti-rom-com, intertwining humor, warmth and tension, "The Wedding" follows the story of two families whose relationship constantly dances between a warm family story and an international incident.

Saturday, February 21
Doors: 2:30 pm | Film: 3:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

General Admission - $25.50 + s/c

Režija: Igor Šeregi

U glavnim ulogama: Rene Bitorajac, Dragan Bjelogrlić, Linda Begonja, Vesna Trivalić, Roko Sikavica, Anđelka Stević Žugić, Nika Grbelja, Marko Grabež, Dejan Aćimović, Srđan Žika Todorović, Denis Murić, Marko Miljković, Nevena Nerandžić, Snježana Sinovčić-Šiškov, Jelisaveta Seka Sablić.

Žanr: komedija
Trajanje: 97 min
Scenario: Igor Šeregi, Koscenaristi: Marko Backović, Marko Jocić
Direktor fotografije: Tomislav Sutlar
Producent: Ivan Kelava, Marko Jocić
Producentska kuća: Eclectica, Viktorija Film
Kompozitor: Dubravko Robić

Join us at the Rio Theatre Friday, February 20 as we roll out the (short) red carpet for the 2026 Oscar Nominated Short Film awards ceremonies. Showcasing the best short films from around the world, the 2026 Oscar-Nominated Shorts presents feature-length programs dedicated to each Academy Award Short Film category: Animated, Documentary and Live Action. With 5 featured shorts per category from all over the globe, you'll have a tough time choosing just one winner!

Sunday, February 22
Doors 10:30 am | Screening 11:00 am *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Documentary Shorts (Top 5 out of 173 qualified short films):

All the Empty Rooms by Joshua Seftel
Armed Only with a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud by Craig Renaud & Brent Renaud
Children No More: “Were and Are Gone” by Hilla Medalia
The Devil Is Busy by Geeta Gandbhir & Christalyn Hampton
Perfectly a Strangeness by Alison McAlpine

See all three screenings and ceremonies for one low price of $43 (solo screenings $16).
https://riotheatretickets.ca/events/40163-2026-oscar-nominated-short-films-all-access-pass

Join us at the Rio Theatre Friday, February 20 as we roll out the (short) red carpet for the 2026 Oscar Nominated Short Film awards ceremonies. Showcasing the best short films from around the world, the 2026 Oscar-Nominated Shorts presents feature-length programs dedicated to each Academy Award Short Film category: Animated, Documentary and Live Action. With 5 featured shorts per category from all over the globe, you'll have a tough time choosing just one winner!

Sunday, February 22
Doors 1:45 pm | Screening 2:15 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Live Action Shorts (Top 5 out of 207 qualified short films):

Butcher’s Stain by Meyer Levinson-Blount
A Friend of Dorothy by Lee Knight
Jane Austen’s Period Drama by Steve Pinder & Julia Aks
The Singers by Sam Davis
Two People Exchanging Saliva by Alexandre Singh & Natalie Musteata

See all three screenings and ceremonies for one low price of $43 (solo screenings $16).
https://riotheatretickets.ca/events/40163-2026-oscar-nominated-short-films-all-access-pass

Directed with pristine precision by Park Chan-wook, No Other Choice is a wickedly clever takedown of the corporate rat race that finds a perfect avatar in Lee Byung-Hun's skillfully hapless performance.

Man-soo (Lee) had it all: a loving wife, two talented children, two happy dogs. He even bought the beautiful forest-enclosed house where he grew up. Then, after 25 years of dedicated work for Solar Paper — where he was awarded Pulp Man of the Year in 2019 — Man-soo is suddenly given the axe.

"Brilliantly scripted by Park Chan-wook, Lee Kyoung-mi, Jahye Lee, and Toronto’s own Don McKellar, No Other Choice is a chilling satire on workplace politics and ruthless status-seeking." (TIFF)

Sunday, February 22
Doors 4:30 pm | Film 5:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

NO OTHER CHOICE (Park Chan-wook | 2025 | 135 mins) After being laid off and humiliated by a ruthless job market, a veteran paper mill manager descends into violence in a desperate bid to reclaim his dignity.

In one of the most lauded performances of 2025, Timothée Chalamet stars in writer-director Josh Safdie's (UNCUT GEMS, GOOD TIME) MARTY SUPREME as Marty Mauser, a charismatic yet deeply flawed reluctant who harbours a singular, dream no one respects - to become the world's greatest tennis table champion. In his obsessive pursuit of greatness, Marty goes to hell and back and falls into frantic hustles, an affair with a movie star, and countless schemes to fund his ambition. MARTY SUPREME ably showcases Safdie's trademark, hyper-kinetic and at times rapid fire style of story-telling. With Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin O'Leary, Tyler the Creator, Odessa A'zion, Fran Drescher and Sandra Bernhard.

"The movies can be a wonderfully amoral medium, and I found myself liking Marty Mauser -- and not just liking him, but actually rooting for him to succeed. It takes more than a good actor to pull that off. It takes one of the greats." (NPR)

"Certain to be rated the greatest 2.5-hour ping-pong movie ever, Marty Supreme takes a tired formula only to pull it apart and reassemble it with wicked intent, like a psychotic toddler experimenting on his sister’s hapless doll." (Wall Street Journal)

Sunday, February 22
Doors 7:30 pm | Movie 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

MARTY SUPREME (Josh Safdie, 2025 / 149 mins / 14A) In the 1950s, young Marty Mauser pursues his dream of becoming a champion table-tennis player.

Directed with pristine precision by Park Chan-wook, No Other Choice is a wickedly clever takedown of the corporate rat race that finds a perfect avatar in Lee Byung-Hun's skillfully hapless performance.

Man-soo (Lee) had it all: a loving wife, two talented children, two happy dogs. He even bought the beautiful forest-enclosed house where he grew up. Then, after 25 years of dedicated work for Solar Paper — where he was awarded Pulp Man of the Year in 2019 — Man-soo is suddenly given the axe.

"Brilliantly scripted by Park Chan-wook, Lee Kyoung-mi, Jahye Lee, and Toronto’s own Don McKellar, No Other Choice is a chilling satire on workplace politics and ruthless status-seeking." (TIFF)

Monday, February 23
Doors 5:50 pm | Film 6:20 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

NO OTHER CHOICE (Park Chan-wook | 2025 | 135 mins) After being laid off and humiliated by a ruthless job market, a veteran paper mill manager descends into violence in a desperate bid to reclaim his dignity.

In one of the most lauded performances of 2025, Timothée Chalamet stars in writer-director Josh Safdie's (UNCUT GEMS, GOOD TIME) MARTY SUPREME as Marty Mauser, a charismatic yet deeply flawed reluctant who harbours a singular, dream no one respects - to become the world's greatest tennis table champion. In his obsessive pursuit of greatness, Marty goes to hell and back and falls into frantic hustles, an affair with a movie star, and countless schemes to fund his ambition. MARTY SUPREME ably showcases Safdie's trademark, hyper-kinetic and at times rapid fire style of story-telling. With Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin O'Leary, Tyler the Creator, Odessa A'zion, Fran Drescher and Sandra Bernhard.

"The movies can be a wonderfully amoral medium, and I found myself liking Marty Mauser -- and not just liking him, but actually rooting for him to succeed. It takes more than a good actor to pull that off. It takes one of the greats." (NPR)

"Certain to be rated the greatest 2.5-hour ping-pong movie ever, Marty Supreme takes a tired formula only to pull it apart and reassemble it with wicked intent, like a psychotic toddler experimenting on his sister’s hapless doll." (Wall Street Journal)

Monday, February 23
Doors 9:00 pm | Movie 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

MARTY SUPREME (Josh Safdie, 2025 / 149 mins / 14A) In the 1950s, young Marty Mauser pursues his dream of becoming a champion table-tennis player.

Join Reel Causes for A Night of Obsidian in honour of Black History Month.

A Night of Obsidian is an evening to come together as a community to watch a powerfully relevant film and then engage in deep, rich conversation with freedom fighters who document social movements through film, writing, and lived experience. This is not just a screening. It is a shared space to breathe, reflect, and be nourished by stories that remind us who we are and what we are capable of together.

Our Curator, Natasha Tony, is hosting. As a cultural producer, community builder, and host of the Narrative Shift podcast, her work centers identity, belonging, and healing—and this night lives at that intersection.

We are joined by an extraordinary panel of guests whose lives embody the impact of documenting truth.

Lillian E. Benson, ACE, is a legendary film and television editor whose work includes Eyes On the Prize II, Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise, and Get In The Way – The Journey of John Lewis. Her storytelling has shaped how generations understand civil rights, legacy, and resistance.

Elmer Dixon is a lifelong activist whose journey spans from marching with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to co-founding the Seattle Chapter of the Black Panther Party. His work organizing Police Alert Patrols, Free Breakfast Programs, medical clinics, and food programs reflects a living legacy of community care and liberation in action.

Tuesday, February 24
Doors 6:30 pm | Event 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Tickets $10 + s/c | $15 + s/c at the door

Optional Membership: $25
(Please note: Ticket is required for entry.)

SHOOT THE PEOPLE (93 mins | PG) is a documentary capturing photographer and activist Misan Harriman’s journey documenting global protest movements that drive social change. Renowned for his wide-ranging work — including powerful breakthrough images from the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests and capturing the Palestinian liberation movement on film — Harriman also made history as the first Black man to photograph a British Vogue cover.

The film follows Harriman as he highlights the resilience of grassroots activists fighting for equality, civil rights, and social justice, the film showcases the intersectionality of these movements and their collective power. With historical context, interviews with activists, and explorations of digital activism, the documentary reveals how Harriman's lens brings the world's activism to light, inspiring viewers to recognize their own power in shaping a more just society.

Additional information available on Reel Causes’ website: https://reelcauses.org/a-night-of-obsidian-2026/

Join us at the Rio Theatre Friday, February 20 as we roll out the (short) red carpet for the 2026 Oscar Nominated Short Film awards ceremonies. Showcasing the best short films from around the world, the 2026 Oscar-Nominated Shorts presents feature-length programs dedicated to each Academy Award Short Film category: Animated, Documentary and Live Action. With 5 featured shorts per category from all over the globe, you'll have a tough time choosing just one winner!

Wednesday, February 25
Doors 3:30 pm | Screening 4:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Animated Shorts (Top 5 out of 113 qualifies short films):

Papillon (Butterfly) by Florence Miailhe
Forevergreen by Nathan Engelhardt & Jeremy Spears
La jeune fille qui pleurait des perles (The Girl Who Cried Pearls) by Chris Lavis & Maciek Szczerbowski
Retirement Plan by John Kelly
The Three Sisters by Timur Kognov

See all three screenings and ceremonies for one low price of $43
https://riotheatretickets.ca/events/40163-2026-oscar-nominated-short-films-all-access-pass

Pavel "Pasha" (33) is a teacher and event organizer at a small primary school in a Russian town with a population of 10,000. In ordinary times, he is a beloved mentor, prankster, and nonconformist, known for hanging up democracy posters and offering a safe haven in his office for students who feel out of place.

However, after the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, Pasha took on the role of an international whistleblower, exposing the devastating effects of Russia's aggressive militarization within its own schools. Haunted by his painful years as a student at the same school, Pasha remains a lighthearted and mischievous presence on campus. Yet his mission as a teacher is challenged when a new patriotic education policy is introduced during the early weeks of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Pasha is shocked to learn that his responsibilities now include facilitating daily state-sanctioned propaganda events. To cope with his guilt and feelings of powerlessness, he decides to document how the war is transforming his school. Under the guise of his actual role as the school's videographer, he records hundreds of hours of footage inside classrooms and on school grounds.

What emerges is the story of an institution abruptly transformed: propaganda, repressive new laws, militarized children's organizations, and the eventual recruitment of graduating students to fight in Ukraine. Pasha reaches his emotional breaking point as he films farewell parties for cherished students being sent to the frontlines in Ukraine. As the body bags return, Pasha and the rest of the school community grapple with the twin traumas of violence and repression. When Pasha learns his own life may be in danger, he is forced to plan a daring escape from Russia.

MR. NOBODY AGAINST PUTIN is Denmark's official submission for 'Best International Feature Film' category of the 98th Academy Awards in 2026, and is currently nominated for an Oscar in the Best Documentary Feature category.

"A touching, intimate chronicle." (The Hollywood Reporter)

"His principled resistance by filming, joking and refusing to teach lies makes for a riveting, courageous portrait of dissent in a place where truth can land you in jail -- or a cemetery." (Toronto Star)

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

MR. NOBODY AGAINST PUTIN (David Borenstein & Pavel Talankin, 2025  / 90 mins / NR / Russian w.EST) A Russian teacher secretly documents his small town school's transformation into a war recruitment center during the Ukraine invasion, revealing the ethical dilemmas educators face amid propaganda and militarization.

Emily is the root cause of two devastating tragedies very early in her life. She feels the weight of these accidents like a curse has been placed upon her. Her dad suggests she go to a Camp for troubled youth to ease her guilt; she can be a counsellor there. When Emily arrives, she is taken in by the other counselors, they accept her as she is and wrap her in a veil of peace & forgiveness. Emily stands at the forefront of a new kind of life, but there’s a voice out there in the woods she can’t quite seem to ignore. The voice is whispering, she’s telling Emily to go home.

Director Avalon Fast will be live at the Rio to intro the film and for a post-screening Q&A!

Wednesday, February 25
Doors 8:30 pm | Film 9:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

CAMP (Avalon Fast | 2026 | 111 mins) Haunted by a traumatic past, Emily finds solace as a camp counselor while navigating grief, witchcraft and the power of female friendship.

Join us at the Rio Theatre Friday, February 20 as we roll out the (short) red carpet for the 2026 Oscar Nominated Short Film awards ceremonies. Showcasing the best short films from around the world, the 2026 Oscar-Nominated Shorts presents feature-length programs dedicated to each Academy Award Short Film category: Animated, Documentary and Live Action. With 5 featured shorts per category from all over the globe, you'll have a tough time choosing just one winner!

Thursday, February 26
Doors 5:30 pm | Screening 6:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Documentary Shorts (Top 5 out of 173 qualified short films):

All the Empty Rooms by Joshua Seftel
Armed Only with a Camera: The Life and Death of Brent Renaud by Craig Renaud & Brent Renaud
Children No More: “Were and Are Gone” by Hilla Medalia
The Devil Is Busy by Geeta Gandbhir & Christalyn Hampton
Perfectly a Strangeness by Alison McAlpine

See all three screenings and ceremonies for one low price of $43 (solo screenings $16).
https://riotheatretickets.ca/events/40163-2026-oscar-nominated-short-films-all-access-pass

Dearly beloved
We are gathered here today
To get through this thing called "life"

Electric word, life
It means forever and that's a mighty long time
But I'm here to tell you
There's something else
The afterworld...

The Rio Theatre's patented Friday Late Night Movie series continues on February 27 with a screening of The Purple One's cinematic and musical triumph, PURPLE RAIN. Gorgeously remastered and restored for its 40th Anniversary in 2024, this is the singular, indelible rock musical for which Prince took home both Oscar and Grammy gold.

We're turning the volume up for this one, children. (Get ready to go crazy with the beautiful ones in the Rio Theatre audience - 80's-inspired attire is very welcome, and oh-so-very encouraged. You best be wearing purple, people!)

Based loosely on his own life story, Prince's film debut in PURPLE RAIN cast him as "The Kid," the talented but troubled musician in Minneapolis struggling to make it big with his band, The Revolution. The film was a box office hit, and possessed a fantastic soundtrack (including Oscar-winner 'When Doves Cry') that forever altered the course of his career. Many fans and critics consider the music of PURPLE RAIN signature work, spawning numerous hit singles that would dominate airwaves for years to come.

"'Purple Rain' became a generational manifesto, while providing the largest megaphone yet for one of the greatest geniuses in pop music." (NPR)

Friday, February 27
Doors 10:30 pm | Movie 11:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

PURPLE RAIN (Albert Magnoli, 1984 / 111 mins / 18A) | A talented young musician in Minneapolis, tormented by an abusive, bold father and a mother who is never satisfied, must contend with a rival singer, a darling romance, and his own dissatisfied bandmates - while his own star (and baby, he is one) begins to rise.

Present by www.bookafilm.com 

It’s a story about the fastest street racer of Mt Akina.  Takumi, a delivery boy; Ryousuke, an engineer of speed; and Kyouichi, a professional racer: the three of them become duelists of drifts.

For five years, 18-year-old Takumi has been delivering tofu in his father’s obsolescent Toyota AE86 every morning. Not only has he become a good racer, but he has also unwittingly perfected the art of drifting.

He was never an aficionado of hill racing until he is asked by his father to drive his AE86 in a David and Goliath race against Night Kids’ EVO. A glorious but unexpected victory awakens the competitive genes in his blood, while his overnight fame inevitably leads to hellraising races one after another, each one more perilous and exciting than the previous one.

Starring Asia’s hottest heartthrobs, Jay Chou and Edison Chen, Initial D (2005) is adapted from one of the most popular eponymous manga and anime series in Japan. This is the first live-action feature based on the series to ever grace the silver screen in the world.

Saturday, February 28
Doors: 12:00 pm | Film: 12:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Tickets $17 + s/c

THE ART OF DRIFTING: The D of the title stands for drifting, a racing technique of braking the rear tires loose in a controlled manner right before an uncontrolled skid. Drifting is the fastest way through a corner. A car is considered to be drifting when all of its wheels are slipping, but the front wheels are still pointed in the direction of the corner, or at least straight.

TOYOTA AE86 LEVIN/TRUENO: Although out of the market 16 years ago, Toyota AE86 has become ever so popular in the used car market in Japan these days, thanks to the immense success of the manga and anime series Initial D. So many young buyers are lining up to buy used AE86 that Toyota is said to consider reviving this classic model.

INITIAL D (Andrew Lau Wai-Leung & Alan Mak Siu-Fai | 2005 | 1h 47mins | NR | Cantonese w. English Subtitles) After winning his first competition, Takumi focuses his attention on drift racing, a sport he has unknowingly perfected while delivering tofu in his father's Toyota AE86.

Raise your library voice! Celebrate Freedom to Read by joining your local libraries for a screening of the 2025 documentary The Librarians.

The screening will be accompanied by a short discussion with local librarians and academics on book bans and challenges here in Canada, including libraries’ roles in protecting freedom to read and how we can all defend our right to intellectual freedom.

THE LIBRARIANS offers a rattling look at coordinated efforts to ban books. More importantly, it introduces viewers to the everyday and increasingly vital heroes pushing back: the librarians who sound the alarm to both legislative and grassroots attempts to pull books from school and public libraries.

In Texas, the Krause List targets 850 books focused on race and LGBTQIA+ stories – triggering sweeping book bans across the U.S. at an unprecedented rate. As tensions escalate, librarians connect the dots from heated school and library board meetings nationwide to lay bare the underpinnings of White Christian Nationalism fueling the censorship efforts. Despite facing harassment, threats, and laws aimed at criminalizing their work – the librarians’ rallying cry for freedom to read is a chilling cautionary tale.

"This movie reminds us there is just one way to separate truth from propaganda: learning." (RogerEbert.com)

"From its superb opening-credits sequence paying tribute to card catalogs of yore to its sharp selection of vintage clips and intimate reportage, “The Librarians” is as well-crafted as it is profoundly alarming." (New York Times)

Details on guests panelists and Q&A coming soon!

Saturday, February 28
Doors 3:00 pm | Movie 3:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

THE LIBRARIANS (Kim A. Snyder, 2025 / 92 mins / PG) Librarians unite to combat book banning, defending intellectual freedom on democracy's frontlines amid unprecedented censorship in Texas, Florida, and beyond.

Freedom to Read Week is an annual Canadian event that encourages us to think about and reaffirm our commitment to intellectual freedom, including the ability to find, access, and read banned and challenged books.

This event is presented in partnership with Rio Theatre, Simon Fraser University Library, and North Vancouver District Public Library, with event sponsorship from Vancouver Public Library.

Poznati hrvatski privrednik na svoj rođendan saznaje da je pred bankrotom. U kancelariju mu ulazi porodica sa tortom i tamburašima, a u isto vreme zove ga ćerka koja studira u Londonu i uz čestitku mu saopšti da je trudna. Otac deteta je sin srpskog ministra spoljnih poslova. U stilu punokvrnog balkanskog anti-rom-coma, ispreplićući humor, toplinu i napetost, „Svadba“ prati priču o dve porodice čiji odnos stalno pleše između tople porodične priče i međunarodnog incidenta.

A well-known Croatian businessman learns on his birthday that he is facing bankruptcy. A family enters his office with a cake and tambourine players, and at the same time his daughter, who is studying in London, calls him and informs him that she is pregnant with a congratulatory message. The child's father is the son of the Serbian Minister of Foreign Affairs. In the style of a full-fledged Balkan anti-rom-com, intertwining humor, warmth and tension, "The Wedding" follows the story of two families whose relationship constantly dances between a warm family story and an international incident.

Sunday, March 1
Doors: 12:30 pm | Film: 1:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

General Admission - $25.50 + s/c

Režija: Igor Šeregi

U glavnim ulogama: Rene Bitorajac, Dragan Bjelogrlić, Linda Begonja, Vesna Trivalić, Roko Sikavica, Anđelka Stević Žugić, Nika Grbelja, Marko Grabež, Dejan Aćimović, Srđan Žika Todorović, Denis Murić, Marko Miljković, Nevena Nerandžić, Snježana Sinovčić-Šiškov, Jelisaveta Seka Sablić.

Žanr: komedija
Trajanje: 97 min
Scenario: Igor Šeregi, Koscenaristi: Marko Backović, Marko Jocić
Direktor fotografije: Tomislav Sutlar
Producent: Ivan Kelava, Marko Jocić
Producentska kuća: Eclectica, Viktorija Film
Kompozitor: Dubravko Robić

"In the silence of history, someone must keep speaking." Taiwan Frogcast & Team Taiwan Club is proud to present a special screening of the critically acclaimed masterpiece, "A Foggy Tale" (⼤濛), at the historic Rio Theatre in Vancouver.

Directed by the award-winning Chen Yu-hsun, "A Foggy Tale" is a poignant exploration of resilience and humanity set during a dark chapter of Taiwan’s history. The film follows the journey of those lost in the "mist"—the state of fear and silence—as they seek truth and redemption amidst historical tragedy.

A massive critical and commercial success in Taiwan, the film has surpassed $100 million TWD at the box office, sparking a nationwide conversation on memory, healing, and the courage to look back at the
past.

Though we are thousands of miles away from Taiwan, our shared history remains a vital part of who we are. This screening is more than just a movie; it is a community gathering to ensure that these stories are never forgotten. By witnessing these narratives together, we honor the past and strengthen our commitment to a future of transparency and freedom.

Language: Taiwanese with English & Traditional Chinese Subtitles

Sunday, March 1
Doors: 3:10 pm | Film: 3:30 pm *Sharp!

General Admission - $25
Individual Support Ticket - $50 Includes seating in the VIP section plus any one of the 5 combos on the concession menu.
Group Pass - $22.50 (10% off) when purchasing 10 or more tickets.

A Foggy Tale (⼤濛) (Chen Yu-hsun | 2025 | 134 min | NR | Taiwanese with English & Traditional Chinese Subtitles) Yue's brother was executed by the government. Determined to bring his body back home, Yue goes to Taipei alone and is nearly sold by human traffickers. Luckily, she is saved by Chao Kung-tao, a discharged soldier. Seeing no prospects in his own life, he decides to help Yue. Two people with no relations become friends in need, embarking on a journey that could cost them their lives.

TEAM TAIWAN CLUB is an independent community established in September 2024, based in Vancouver, BC. Our goal is to gather small efforts and showcase the greatness of Taiwan. We support local communities, artists, schools, sports and cultural events.

Taiwan Frogcast is a Taiwan-centered, internationally-oriented non-profit media brand. By providing
verifiable, citable and shareable content, we serve as a trusted gateway for the world to understand Taiwan.

We help our audience navigate Taiwan’s status quo, values, and threats, while strengthening their resilience against information manipulation and cognitive warfare. Know more: https://portaly.cc/twfrogcast

Tickets are limited and tickets are all general admission, please try arrive on time for the best experience!

To mark International Cat Rescue Day, the Rio Theatre presents a special screening of FLOW, in partnership with the Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association (VOKRA).

A visually striking, wordless animated film, FLOW follows a solitary cat navigating a world reshaped by rising waters. Told entirely through movement, sound, and atmosphere, the film is both immersive and quietly powerful. It offers a rare big-screen experience that rewards attention and lingers long after the credits roll.

This screening is a fundraiser in support of VOKRA, a volunteer-driven organization that rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes more than 1,400 cats and kittens each year across the Lower Mainland. Proceeds from the event will support VOKRA’s core operations as the organization enters kitten season, its busiest and most resource-intensive time of year.

Join us for an evening of beautiful animation, community, and a chance to support local rescue work, all in one of Vancouver’s most beloved theatres.

"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)

"The real takeaway is that we have to rely on each other for salvation. And it’s here where this experiential experiment in empathy, eco-activism and elation over the creative possibilities of a medium too often hijacked to sell toys truly hits its marks." (Rolling Stone Magazine)

"The Latvian film is part brilliant experiment, part cutesy animal movie, but engrossing for all audiences—even if it might, like Fantasia, stick uncomfortably in the memories of the youngest in attendance." (AV Club)

""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)

Monday, March 2
Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 7:00 pm  *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

FLOW (Gints Zilbalodis, 2024 / 85 mins / G) 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.

"There's never been a film like ROAR - and there never will be again!"

11 years, many millions and many real-life APOCALYPSE NOW-style tragedies in the making, this maniacal, well-meaning fever dream / career-derailing utopian social experiment / animal-attack crucible stars spouses Tippi Hedren (THE BIRDS) and Noel Marshall (Executive Producer of THE EXORCIST), their real children (including a 14-year-old Melanie Griffith!), and over 100 unpredictable lions, tigers, leopards and cheetahs from their own private collection in what’s justly been labeled “the most dangerous film ever made.”

An unprecedented -- and wholly unpredictable -- action-adventure, ROAR follows wildlife preservationist Hank (Marshall), who lives quasi-harmoniously alongside a menagerie of untamed animals on a preservation in the African plains. When his wife and children arrive for a visit, a long-brewing battle for dominance between the lions erupts and threatens their very lives.

ROAR’s loose “plot” is but a paper-thin excuse to shove rampaging beasts into the frame at all times; these cool cats are the guiding force of the film’s frequently shocking moments. Are the family’s performances staged, or is that true fear in their eyes? Either way, there has never been anything like ROAR, and there likely will never be again!

It's fair to say that ROAR has achieved a cult-status in the years since its initial release in 1981. Hedren once said of ROAR, "This was probably one of the most dangerous films that Hollywood has ever seen. It's amazing no one was killed."

No animals were hurt during the filming, but over 70 people were injured.

"It's like Walt Disney went insane and shot a snuff version of SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON." (Hitfix)

"100% insane, unbelievable." (Screen Crush)

"Just watching it feels dangerous." (Movies.com)

"Like watching a live-action 'Lion King' as Mufasa holds a switchblade to your throat." (Complex)

Monday, March 2
Doors 9:00 pm | Movie 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

ROAR (Noel Marshall, 1981 / 95 mins / NR) A naturalist living with big cats in East Africa expects a visit by his family of four from Chicago. A mix-up leaves him searching for his family.

Local Vancouver comedian and content creator Dangerbean and the filmmakers at GRIN are coming to VANCOUVER for a screening of 2 new short films - and some bonus never-before-seen content! From stories about a VR headset that lets you unalive your boss, to a portal that takes you to the place where lost socks go, Dangerbean and his team will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions - all in the comfort of your seat at the lovely Rio Theatre.

Immediately after the second screening there will be a Q&A with Dangerbean and the director. 

Following the screening, join us for an afterparty for anyone who wants to "go up on a Tuesday" (2014 reference) to meet and greet the team. LOCATION TBD.

Tuesday, March 3
Doors 6:00 pm | Screening 6:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Main Floor Assigned - $17 + s/c
General Admission Balcony - $17 + s/c

Our first film of the night was made possible thanks to a successful Kickstarter campaign, so to all of you that donated: thank you and we can't wait for you to see what your generosity has allowed us to accomplish. Our second film was created with support from Shibuya over the last year and is available now on their streaming platform. Thank you to everyone who helped bring these projects to life. We can’t wait for you to join us and experience them on the big screen.

When it’s after midnight in New York City, you don’t have to look for love, laughter and trouble. They’ll all find you!
Join us at the Rio Theatre as we dim the lights and fire up the projector in tribute to the late, great Catherine O’Hara with a 40th Anniversary Friday Late Night Movie screening of what may be Martin Scorsese‘s most under-appreciated (and certainly overlooked) surreal, Kafka-esque black comedy cult classic, AFTER HOURS. Fresh off her legendary stint as a player on SCTV, O’Hara delivers one of the most strangely memorable and “quirky” moments (a unique charm that would become something of a signature for the late actress) as Gail, an ice cream vendor.

What if that date you thought would never end didn’t? When an uptown New Yorker innocently meets a downtown girl, he’s uncontrollably drawn into a vortex of wild, malevolent and paranoid adventures After Hours. Paul Hackett’s terrible night happens in the SoHo area of downtown Manhattan when he goes to keep a date with Marcy. Nothing in his humdrum life as a word processor has prepared him for his surreal encounters with Marcy; her far-out artist roommate Kiki; cocktail waitress Julie; ice cream vendor Gail; June, who lives in the basement of a nightclub; and Mark who is ripe for his first gay experience. Now, Paul longs only for the safety of his upper-East Side apartment … but will he ever make it home? With Griffin Dunne, Rosanna Arquette, Linda Fiorentino, Teri Garr, Verna Bloom, Robert Plunket, John Heard, Cheech Marin, Tommy Chong, Bronson Pinchot, and Dick Miller.

“Martin Scorsese’s ‘After Hours’ mines urban anxiety to unsettling yet often hilarious effect.” (Slant Magazine)

“It’s not that they don’t make comedies like After Hours anymore. The fact is there’s never been a comedy quite like this one.” (People Magazine)

Friday, March 6
Doors 11:00 pm | Movie 11:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

LATE NIGHT DATE NIGHT! Bring a friend, date, or fellow movie-loving pal and get two-for-one entry!

AFTER HOURS (Martin Scorsese, 1985 / 97 mins / 14A) In a Manhattan cafe, word processor Paul Hackett meets and talks literature with Marcy. Later that night, Paul takes a cab to Marcy’s downtown apartment. His $20 bill flying out the window during the ride portends the unexpected night he has. He cannot pay for the ride and finds himself in a series of awkward, surreal and life-threatening situations with a colorful cast of characters. He spends the rest of the night trying to return uptown.

Presented by Pacific Canada Heritage Centre - Museum of Migration Society 

Directed by Robbie Hart, "Shining Light: A Vietnamese-Canadian Legacy" is an extraordinary documentary that chronicles the powerful mother-daughter story of Chieu-Anh Vu and her mother, Mui. The film follows their harrowing escape from war-torn Vietnam, Chieu-Anh’s birth aboard a sinking cargo ship, and their heroic rescue at sea before eventually finding a new life in Canada. Through personal narratives and historical context provided by diplomats and journalists, the documentary explores themes of courage, migration, and the resilience of the refugee experience.

In addition to the award-winning film, this event includes introductory speakers, a panel discussion, and an opportunity for questions from the audience.

At 12:30pm, Andy Pham, Lac Viet Host, will open this event.  Gary Smith, story consultant for the film and former Canadian Ambassador, will outline the historical context and the role of Canada’s diplomats in South-East Asia during and after the wars in Vietnam.

After the film screening, Kathryn Gretsinger, journalist and Associate Professor at UBC’s Grad School of Journalism, will moderate a panel discussion with Chieu-Anh Vu-Lieberman (e-entrepreneur and “the Baby Born at Sea”), Jessica Nguyen (CEO and co-Owner, Bak’d Cookies ), Chris Friesen (COO, Immigrant Services Society of BC), and Margaret Tebbutt (former Canadian Foreign Service Immigration Officer). Kathryn Gretsinger will then moderate a Q&A with audience members, panelists and speakers.

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

SHINING LIGHT (Robbie Hart, 2025 / 30 min / PG) An extraordinary mother–daughter documentary story, their escape from war-torn Vietnam, a birth on a sinking ship, a heroic rescue at sea, and a new life in Canada.

Presented by Rendez-Vous French Film Festival

Hair of the Bear, which premiered at the Windsor International Film Festival, sees Malia Baker (Babysitter's Club, Are You Afraid of the Dark?, Descendants 4) play Tori, an anxious 16-year-old girl who, after self-harming and refusing to go to school, finds herself in a remote wintry cabin with her grandfather, Ben, played by Roy Dupuis (Le Femme Nikita, and, Shake Hands With The Devil).

The coming-of-age film, shot northeast of Winnipeg, Manitoba, in a frozen, wintry setting, marks the narrative feature debut of Alexandre Trudeau, brother of former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and fellow writer and director James McLellan.

Suffering from debilitating anxiety and refusing to go to school, 16 year old Tori is driven to stay with her grandfather in a remote frozen wilderness but unexpectedly finds herself caught up in a deadly game of cat and mouse.

Sunday, March 8
Doors 6:00 pm | Film 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

HAIR OF THE BEAR (Alexandre Trudeau & James McLellan | 2025 | 92mins | 14A) Refusing to go to school, anxious 16-year-old Tori is driven by her mother to her grandfather's rustic cabin in Eastern Manitoba on the remote American-Canadian border. As Tori struggles to adapt to the woodsman ways of her French Canadian grandfather, she ultimately must embrace the outdoors if she is to survive the deadly game of cat and mouse she is thrust into.

FRIDAY THE 13th on… Friday, the 13th….? (So meta!)

The Rio Theatre‘s Friday Late Night Movie series continues on March 13 with a 40th Anniversary screening of the sixth installment of the legendary franchise, JASON LIVES.

In this installment, Tommy Jarvis and a friend exhume Jason’s corpse in order to cremate homicidal maniac Jason Voorhees once and for all. In spite of their earnest attempts to finish off the infamous killer, things go awry when Jason is instead resurrected, sparking a new chain of ruthlessly brutal murders. Now it’s up to Tommy to stop the dark, devious and demented deaths that he unwittingly brought about. With Thom Mathews, C.J. Graham.

“The murderous Jason is back in the latest chapter of the most offensive series in film history, unless Burt Reynolds makes three more ‘Smokey and the Bandit’ pictures real quick.” (Gene Siskel)

“This movie has bigger action to go with its more humorous bent…and Tommy’s quest adds an urgency to the scenes between kills that’s lacking in many of the other Jason adventures. “ (Fangoria)

Friday, March 13
Doors 11:00 pm | Movie 11:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Late Night Date Night! Bring a friend, date, or your old bunkmate from summer camp and get 2-for-1 entry!

FRIDAY THE 13th PART VI: JASON LIVES (Tom McLoughlin, 1986 / 96 mins / R) Years ago, Tommy Jarvis killed infamous hockey-masked murderer Jason Voorhees, and the intensity of the experience has landed him in a mental institution. To end his torment and achieve a level of closure, Tommy escapes from the hospital and heads to the graveyard where Jason is buried, intending to dig up the body and cremate it. But, before this total annihilation can occur, a freak electrical accident resurrects Jason from the dead, and the terror begins anew.

The Saturday Morning All-You-Can-Eat Cereal Cartoon Party is returning to the Rio Theatre with a Spring Break event featuring an all-new lineup of retro TV goodness, covered in sugary cereal. It's Volume XII!

Kids today may not realize the significance of the Saturday morning ritual, but once upon a time, we had to wait a whole week to get our cartoon fix, and when we got it, we tended to binge. Well – welcome to The Saturday Morning All-You-Can-Eat Cereal Cartoon Party - that special time when kids and kids-at-heart get to relive the exciting Saturday Morning ritual of non-stop retro cartoons, and binge on the multi-colored sugary cereals that used to be a part of every “balanced” breakfast!

The cartoon lineup is always a mystery, but expect to see monsters, sci-fi, sleuths, superheroes and all kinds of 2D silliness, both faves and obscurities spanning the '30s through the '90s, all punctuated with vintage commercials, PSAs and station IDs for a 3-hour trip down memory lane! So get ready for a sugar rush and an explosion of nostalgia all wrapped up in one candy-coated package.

Curated by David Bertrand

Dairy-free and gluten-free options available! Compostable bowls and spoons will be provided, however we welcome and encourage guests to bring their own NON-BREAKABLE (ie, not ceramic) bowls and spoons.

Saturday, March 14
Doors 10:00 am | Event 10:30 am *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Adults $23
Kids Pricing (13 and under) $16

Get prepared to laugh your arse off! On Saturday March 14th, Clare Voyeur presents the 6th installment of WHAT’S THE CRAIC? - A Night of Irish Devilry.

This variety show is the precursor celebration to Paddy’s Day, packed with acts full of hilarity, sexiness and the spirit and lore of the Emerald Isle! With a rotating cast, the show features comedy, live music, burlesque, games and more! Ask your mammies to say a prayer for you, this show is about to get wild! Say another rosary, count your lucky shamrocks and wear your best greens in honor of the big man himself, St. Patrick!

Saturday, March 14
Doors 8:15 pm | Show 9:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Early bird tickets just $30 + s/c, available till midnight February 1!

General Admission $40 + s/c | $45+ s/c (At the door)
VIP $55+ s/c (Assigned seats in Rows A-E, centre section, and a themed goodie bag)

The Rio Theatre's annual Oscar party returns, featuring the live televised broadcast of the 98th Annual Academy Awards on Sunday, March 15. Conan O'Brien returns for his second time to host the annual event.

Get ready for the best buttery popcorn Vancouver has to offer, in-house trivia, our own Oscar contest, as well as prizes for Best Dressed, Best Acceptance Speech, and more! Come in your very finest attire (or maybe just recycle that bridesmaid's dress in the back of your closet...) for a chance to prance our red carpet and win a prize for your efforts. You bettah work!

As always, this is one seriously hot ticket... It sells out in advance every year! We strongly recommend making plans and buying tickets early in order to ensure entry, and avoid disappointment. All guests are encouraged to come early to ensure time to locate seats, get drinks and snacks at concession, and not miss any of the show's shenanigans!

Sunday, March 15
Doors & Red Carpet Coverage Begins at 3:00 pm
Ceremony 4:00 pm SHARP

Balcony Tickets (General Admission) $20 | $25 at the door
Main Floor (Assigned Seating) $20 | $25 at the door

Join us at the Rio Theatre on Friday, March 20 for the second annual H Cupcake Productions Foundation's THE COSPLAY SWIMSUIT CONTEST, a charity variety show mixing comedy and sex appeal - for a good cause!

H Cupcake Productions was founded with the goals of bringing laughter and smiles to adults, while supporting the needs of children. While the world hasn't been the kindest place these past few years, the organization's mission is event-driven, with the goal of bringing as much joy as possible to as many people as possible. The group has been the main event for adult entertainment at Anime Revolution since 2012, with an average current attendance of 3,400 people.

We have a fabulous lineup of performers to excite and entertain you! Many of your favorites from our annual show at Anime Revolution will be joining us: Cookie._.Rush, JMRohCreations, Vancity_Ranger, Gothish.Rain, Milkiway.Cosplay, BadSheepCosplay, Brystak, Kamistry, Gavin, Sharkiekitty, Angora.Phobia and Im.JuneMonsoon.

Friday, March 20
Doors 7:00 pm | Show 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Adult Entry $20+ s/c | $25 + s/c at the door
VIP (Rows A-C) $40+ s/c

This Cosplay Swimsuit Contest will benefit BC Children's Hospital, with proceeds going towards purchasing a soft stuffed animal for a child in need at BC Children's. (When else are you going to get to see Burlesque, Singing, Dancing, Feats of Athletics and get to feel good about funding a charity!)

Come view our past events at our website at: www.hcupcakeproductions.org

Community Trail Running presents:
The Trail Running Film Festival

After a great debut in 2023, and an even better follow-up in 2024-2025, the Trail Running Film Festival is back on tour in 2026 and coming to Vancouver once again! Expect another amazing evening of films, performance, inspiration, and community.

Our amazing sponsors will ensure you have an awesome evening. Big thanks to 5 Peaks, Odlum Brown, Sinister Sports, Coast Mountain Trail Running, RunGo and more!

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 2
Doors 6:00 pm | Event 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Tickets (Early Bird $30+ s/c until January 1) | $40 + s/c
Squad Pass Group Pricing (Group of Four $140+ s/c - Available online only)

Join award-winning host Dandy in the rebirth-day party of the century, THE FOURTH ANNUAL FABERGÉ BALL. Join the bacchanal that folx are calling “a perfect celebration of spring solstice.” Every year we offer the gods and godd-ESSES a tribute serving of the hottest DRAG, COMEDY & BURLESQUE in East Vancouver. From a troupe of sexy bunnies to burlesque jesus, you'll get everything a Good Friday has demands. As always, 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 sexiest bunny lewks because COSTUMES ARE ENCOURAGED and AWARDED!

Friday, April 3
Doors 7:00 pm | Event 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

EARLY BIRD - Just $20! Offer expires midnight, February 28.

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)

Featuring:

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

Full cast list coming soon!

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

Cameron Grant was a prominent Vancouver-based vocalist, bandleader, performer, loved and respected as one of Vancouver's exceptional talents.

Join us at the Rio Theatre on Thursday, April 23 for a very special legacy event featuring performances from VOC, Sacred Linoleum, Smokin' Section, Daddy and the Smokin Soul Experience (Belmont).

Featuring Bandmates and Special Guests including: 
Randal Stoll, Kris Joss, Mike Kenney, Kelly Brock, Tim Fuller, Russ Klyne, Rebecca Shoichet, Jamie Kaufmann, Tino Zolfo, Adam Stern, Dane Deviller, Krystle Dos Santos, Mark Olexson, Tim Proznick, Brad Turner.

Thursday, April 23
Doors 7:00 pm | Event 8:00 pm

GA Tickets $25+ s/c | $30 + s/c at the door

Cam’s life was filled with love, laughter, and moments of pure joy with his family, partner Caitlyn Regehr, and two beautiful daughters, Gwendolyn, and Avery who will be will receive the proceeds of the event.

Rogue Folk Club presents
Dervish

Music from the West of Ireland with passionate vocals and dazzling instrumentals.

Dervish have been bringing Irish traditional music to the world for more than 30 years, and received the prestigious BBC Radio 2 Lifetime Achievement Award. Described by the BBC as “an icon of Irish music”, the band have played festivals from Rock in Rio to Glastonbury, toured with the Irish President and struck up tunes on the Great Wall of China.

Dervish’s lineup features some of Ireland’s finest traditional musicians. Fronted by one of the country’s best-known singers, Cathy Jordan, joined by some of Ireland’s finest trad musicians - Shane Mitchell (accordion), Liam Kelly (flute/whistle), Brian McDonagh (mandola/mandolin), Michael Holmes (bouzouki) and Tom Morro (fiddle).

Exceptional musicianship, breath-taking vocals, vibrant sets of tunes and instantly compelling songs all come together to make Dervish as complete a band as are to be found anywhere in the tradition.

Sunday, April 26
Doors 6:30 pm | Show 7:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Early Bird Tickets $42+ s/c (Until January 1 )
Tickets $47+ s/c | $52+ s/c at the door

Tickets on sale November 28 10:00 am

Frank Zappa’s music – reimagined!

Zappostrophe’…dares to take on Zappa’s weird and wonderful world - recreating his tunes with jaw-dropping musicianship, and a wink to his irreverent humour (CHEK TV, Victoria, 2024)

Zappostrophe' is a Vancouver-based 8-piece band, playing favourites and lesser-known works from Frank Zappa's eclectic recordings.

Our shows include a variety of FZ’s music – from favourites like Don't Eat the Yellow Snow and Montana to complex compositions like Inca Roads, with some high energy instrumentals to keep things interesting. Expect virtuoso playing, tight vocals and humour!

Plus...

LUNATICS ON THE GRASS - TRIBUTE TO PINK FLOYD pays homage to the legendary Progressive Rock band Pink Floyd.

Get ready to immerse yourself in Pink Floyd’s mesmerizing music, and Lunatics on The Grass's visuals and mind-blowing original animations !

The band will perform The Dark Side Of The Moon in its entirety, as well as other iconic Pink Floyd classics.

The band will transport you to another dimension where the spirit of Pink Floyd lives on.

Don't miss out on this epic experience !

Saturday, May 16
Doors 8:00 pm | Show 9:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Early bird tickets just $45, available till midnight March 1!

Main Floor Assigned - $50
Seniors - $45
VIP Reserved (First 5 rows) - $55

Zappostrophe’ is:

Blair Fisher  - vocals / trumpet / flute / keys
Blair Lewis – guitar / synths / vocals / rubber chicken
LJ Mounteney – vocals / kazoo
Nick Apivor – percussion / vocals
Guenter Schulz – guitar
Cole Tinney– keyboards
Brent Gubbels – bass
Jason Overy - drums

Lunatics on the Grass is:

Larry Bloom - keyboards
Joady Bell - keyboards
Carol Mason - vocals
Mike Krawchuk - vocals and sax
Lisa Dunn - vocals
Victor Yong - lead guitar
Kyle Legionhq Haynes- rhythm guitar and lap steel guitar
Kerry Paulicelli- drums
Kevin Krick - bass

One of YouTube's most popular comics with over 225 million views and half a billion more on Facebook, Steve Hofstetter is also the host of Finding Babe Ruth on FS1. Hofstetter was the host and executive producer of Laughs (FOX) and he has been on CBS’ The Late Late Show, E! True Hollywood Story, Comics Unleashed, and more. He’s sold out shows in hundreds of cities and dozens of countries. Now is your chance to find out what the fuss is about during this no-holds-barred stand-up performance, featuring some of his unfiltered observations about life.

Wednesday, September 23
Doors 7:00 pm | Show 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Meet and Greet:  Row A, seats 5-17: $210 + GST + s/c
Gold (Centre Section / Main): $77 + GST + s/c
Silver (Side Sections / Main)  $49 + GST + s/c
Balcony (General Admission)  $42 + GST + s/c

This Rio Theatre gift certificate is good for entry to any single regular screening and includes two medium drinks, and one large popcorn. If you prefer a physical card, this gift certificate is also available for purchase from our conession stand during open business hours.

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. If you prefer a physical card, this gift certificate is also available for purchase from our conession stand during open business hours.