Lovers Olena (Tetiana Malkova) and Andrii (Taras Tsymbaliuk) live, savoring every moment spent together. Their idyll is shattered by the invasion of Russian troops. While trying to escape the war zone, the couple encounters Russian soldiers. Andrii dies in Olena’s arms. Olena’s fury and desire for revenge turn into an unstoppable force. Long ago, she gave up her witchcraft powers for her love for Andrii. Now, nothing can stop the powerful witch. To take the lives of those who killed her beloved, she won’t spare her strength or hesitate to devise ever more brutal vengeance. The horror film THE WITCH OF KONOTOP is a Ukrainian production. The script was written by Yaroslav Voytsishek ("Zakhar Berkut," "The Stronghold," "Mavka: The Forest Song"). He, along with some of the film's actors, is currently serving in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The director's chair was taken by debutant Andrii Kolesnyk. Real, captured Russian military equipment and uniforms were used for the filming. It is expected that the film will be the first in a series of horrors produced by Film UA Group. Presented in Ukrainian with English subtitles. Фільм українською мовою з англійськими субтитрами. Wednesday, September 18 Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Advance tickets $25+ s/c Конотопська відьма / THE WITCH OF KONOTOP (Andrey Kolesnick, 2024 / 140 mins / 18A / Ukrainian w/EST) In the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, a witch from Konotop seeks revenge on the Russian soldiers who killed her fiancé. Закохані Олена (Тетяна Малкова) та Андрій (Тарас Цимбалюк) живуть, насолоджуючись кожною миттю, проведеною разом. Ідилію порушує вторгнення російських військ. Намагаючись виїхати із зони бойових дій, пара натрапляє на росіян. Андрій гине на руках у своєї коханої. Лють Олени та її бажання помститися перетворюються на неспинну силу. Колись давно вона відмовилась від свого відьомського дару заради кохання до Андрія. Нині ж ніщо не зможе спинити могутню відьму. Аби позбавити життя тих, хто вбив її коханого, вона не шкодуватиме сил та не полінується вигадати щоразу жорстокішу розправу. Жахи «Конотопська відьма» – це фільм українського виробництва. Сценарій написав Ярослав Войцишек («Захар Беркут», «Сторожова застава», «Мавка. Лісова пісня»). Нині він, як і частина акторів стрічки, проходить службу у ЗСУ. Режисерське крісло посів дебютант Андрій Колесник. Для зйомок використали справжню трофейну російську техніку та форму. Передбачається, що фільм буде першим у лінійці жахів, які зніматиме Film.UA Group. [more]

Anime Expo Cinema Nights Presents the classic anime Ninja Scroll’s 30th Anniversary with an all-new exclusive interview with director Yoshiaki Kawajiri. A mysterious vagabond sets out on a journey to confront his past. Little does he know he is up against a demonic force of killers, with a ghost from his past as the leader. Starring Wendee Lee, Stephen Apostolina, Dean Wein, Richard Epcar, Richard Cansino, Milton James. In this anime film, Jubei, a highly skilled ninja, is coerced into slaying his own clan of warriors. After begrudgingly killing his fellow swordsmen, he becomes a roving hired assassin. During his travels, he must face off against an organization of demonic ninjas known as the Devils of Kimon, who are plotting to take power of Japan's government. The Devils will stop at nothing, and have the power to annihilate entire villages. Now, only Jubei and a shogun spy named Dakuan can stop them. ""Ninja Scroll" is a true anime/cult classic, which separates itself from the mass of similar titles due to its elaborate script, interesting though perverse characters, astonishing battles, and very graphic depiction of violence" (Asian Movie Pulse) "For fans of Japanese animation at its most colorful, stylized, and ultraviolent, the film delivers the goods." (TV Guide) "No-nonsense quest movie is chock-full of bloody slice-and-dice action, suitably grotesque villains and life-and-death confrontations." (Radio Times) Wednesday, September 18 Doors 8:30 pm | Movie 9:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Advance tickets $18 NINJA SCROLL (Yoshiaki Kawajiri | 1993 | 94 mins | Japanese w/ EST) Jubei is a masterless ninja who travels the land alone, lending his services to those with gold—or a worthy cause. His fearsome abilities have served him well, but a plot to overthrow the government threatens to end his wandering ways—and possibly his life. [more]

Following the huge success of its 2023 Canadian national tour, Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic is RETURNING IN 2024 by popular demand! See the rock spectacular that everyone RAVED about, bringing their big sound, big screens, crazy lighting and outlandish costumes back for a night of non-stop rock anthems, including Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, We Are the Champions, Radio GaGa, I Want to Break Free, Somebody to Love, Don’t Stop Me Now, Another One Bites the Dust and so many more. Featuring Dominic Warren reprising his role as ‘Freddie Mercury’ and performing vocals, piano and guitar all LIVE ON STAGE and in original key. Don’t miss the REAL ROCK EXPERIENCE, direct from Australia! Thursday, September 19 Doors 7:15 pm | Show 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. EARLYBIRD (Until July 21) Main Floor Assigned $59 + s/c Main Floor Assigned $69 + s/c Children under 13 years $40 + s/c Group of 6 $54 + s/c per ticket About Dominic Warren Born on the Eastern Cape of South Africa in 1992, Dominic Warren has spent his young life gathering musical experiences most young South Africans only dream of, commencing his vocal training as Head Chorister at Drakensberg Boys Choir, before continuing his training at Kearsney College and joining the prestigious South African Youth Choir. This culminated in Warren’s acute sense of musicality and a voice so warm, clear and mesmerizing that it was once described as “annoyingly good”. Career highlights include sharing stages with Luciano Pavarotti, Joshua Bell and the Soweto String Quartet, performing for Bishop Desmond TuTu, Bono and Saul Kerzner and touring to every corner of the globe from China, Japan and Taiwan to Germany, USA, Australia and New Zealand.  As of 2018, Warren now puts his extraordinary voice to epic use, singing some of the hardest vocal parts ever written, in his starring role as Freddie Mercury in Showtime Australia’s long-running hit stage show Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic. [more]

The Vancouver Burlesque Co. is kicking off their new season and welcoming Fall. Join us as we celebrate our students and alumni while they present amazing group acts and some stunning soloists. These shows are magic and we can't wait to share the evening with friends, family and fans. For September, we're also blessed with a headliner for this season's kick off: it's Ruby Mimosa, the blonde bombshell from Seattle! Friday, September 20 Doors 7:00 pm | Show 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Advance tickets $25+ s/c | $30 at the door Hosted by Miss Kiss [more]

Here it comes kids, the first day of fall and one of the final days of the Rio Theatre's SUMMER MOVIE BATTLE: 80's vs. Y2K, and team Y2K's final FRIDAY LATE NIGHT movie. Better put down a towel first because you're about to 'pee--your--pants'... from laughter at Keenen Ivory Wayan's original classic cult parody, SCARY MOVIE. (Please don't bring a towel and please don't pee on our seats. Thank you. --Management) Defying the very notion of good taste, Scary Movie out-parodies the pop culture parodies with a no-holds barred assault on the most popular images and talked-about moments from recent films, television and commercials. The film boldly fires barbs at the classic scenes from "Scream," "The Sixth Sense," "The Matrix," "I Know What You Did Last Summer" and "The Blair Witch Project," then goes on to mock a whole myriad of teen movie clichés, no matter the genre. Six friends - Cindy Campbell (Anna Faris), Bobby Prinze (Jon Abrahams), Buffy Gilmore (Shannon Elizabeth), Greg Phillipe (Lochlyn Monroe), Ray Wilkins (Shawn Wayans), and Brenda Meeks (Regina Hall) - are being stalked by a serial killer. A serial killer that is after them because of an accident that they caused last Halloween. A serial killer that seems to have come out of every other scary movie. The body count has already started with Drew Decker (Carmen Electra), the local town slut, and it's starting to build up. The friends are going to have to escape from both the killer's clutches and annoying news reporter Gail Hailstorm (Chery Oteri) if they plan on living to the sequel. "Is it funny? Yes, it is." (Roger Ebert) "The whole thing wobbles, like the garish, trashy, sexy shoes the young folks are wearing this summer on their way (in droves) to movie theaters, intent on abandoning themselves to pleasurable mindlessness." (Entertainment Weekly) Friday, September 20 Doors 11:00 PM | Film 11:30 PM *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Late Night Date Night tickets available. Bring your favorite clueless victim or parody pal and enjoy 2 for 1 admission. But if you're bringing your friends Mary and Jane, please ask them to wait outside. SCARY MOVIE (Keenen Ivory Wayans | 2000 | 88 mins | 18A) A familiar-looking group of teenagers find themselves being stalked by a more-than-vaguely recognizable masked killer! As the victims begin to pile up and the laughs pile on, none of your favorite scary movies escape the razor-sharp satire of this outrageously funny parody! [more]

Three years ago, Will Ferrell was filming a movie when he received a most surprising email: his dear friend of nearly 30 years was coming out to him as a trans woman. That friend was Harper Steele, a writer he met on his first day at Saturday Night Live back in 1995. From that fateful first meeting in the halls of 30 Rock, Will knew he had found a match made in comedy, and their friendship and creative partnership would only continue to grow over the next three decades. In this intimate, honest, and heartfelt documentary, Will and Harper hit the open road together to process this new stage of their friendship and reintroduce Harper to the country that she loves – this time, as herself. Over 16 days, the two drive from New York to LA, visiting stops that are meaningful to them, to their friendship, and to America. Through laughter, tears, and many cans of Pringles, they push past their comfort zones as they re-examine their relationships to these spaces, and to each other, in this new light. "Will & Harper is a resoundingly joyful and moving documentary, resplendent in its openness. It's their love story, and it's glorious." (Mashable) "The film’s greatest strength is the way it grants access to a topic many are deliberately ignorant about. Ideally, Will & Harper will invite in the people who most need to hear Steele’s testimony." (Vanity Fair) "The world needs more cowbell, but more than that, it needs more acceptance, more friendship, more Wills, and more Harpers." (Collider) Saturday, September 21 Doors 11:30 am | Movie 12:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. WILL & HARPER (Josh Greenbaum, 2024 / NR / 114 mins) When Will Ferrell finds out his close friend of 30 years is coming out as a trans woman, the two decide to embark on a cross-country road trip to process this new stage of their relationship in an intimate portrait of friendship and transition. WILL & HARPER () When Will Ferrell finds out his close friend of 30 years is coming out as a trans woman, the two decide to embark on a cross-country road trip to process this new stage of their relationship in an intimate portrait of friendship and transition. [more]

Wim Wenders' Palme d'Or-winning PARIS, TEXAS. has beeabn Written by the late, great Sam Shepard, this sweetly desolate road movie takes place in a mythologized Reagan-era America, and follows a disheveled man named Travis Henderson who wanders out of the desert, seemingly with no idea of who he is. When a stranger manages to contact his brother, Walt, Travis is awkwardly reunited with his sibling. Travis has been missing for years, and his presence unsettles Walt and his family, which also includes Travis's own son, Hunter. Soon Travis must confront his wife, Jane , and try to put his life back together. With Harry Dean Stanton, Dean Stockwell, Nastassja Kinski and Hunter Carson. "The movie lacks any of the gimmicks used to pump up emotion and add story interest, because it doesn't need them: It is fascinated by the sadness of its own truth." (Roger Ebert) "... A film that remains, for this critic, the crowning achievement of Wenders’ speckled, frequently brilliant career: the one in which his dual inclinations toward aesthetic grandeur and emotional intimacy find their most serene meeting point, outclassing even such subsequent masterclasses as WINGS OF DESIRE and PINA." (The Guardian) "A quiet yet deeply moving kind of Western, PARIS, TEXAS captures a place and people like never before (or after)." (Rotten Tomatoes) Saturday, September 21 Doors 2:05 pm | Movie 2:35 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. PARIS, TEXAS (Wim Wenders, 1984 / 145 mins / PG) A man wanders out of the desert not knowing who he is. His brother finds him, and helps to pull his memory back of the life he led before he walked out on his family and disappeared four years earlier. [more]

Being a teenager is tough! In 2008, during the last month of summer before high school begins, an impressionable 13-year-old Taiwanese American boy learns what his family can’t teach him: how to skate, how to flirt, and how to love your mom. With Izaac Wang, Joan Chen, Shirley Chen, Chang Li Hua. Winner, Sundance 2024 Audience Award & Ensemble Cast "Set in the early days of social media's takeover, Sean Wang's debut feature about a Taiwanese American kid growing up in the East Bay perfectly captures the emotional jumble of boyhood." (Observer) "It's such a tender, funny, and honest portrait of being that most awkward of ages: thirteen." (NPR FilmWeek) "It recreates the sensation of drowning in your own hormone-churned emotions so vividly that the film would be difficult to watch if its very existence didn’t serve as a kind of pressure valve." (Vulture) "A wonderfully uncomfortable, deeply hilarious coming-of-age movie, the new film Didi plays like an extended and surprisingly welcome visit to the filmmaker’s childhood bedroom." (Globe and Mail) Saturday, September 21 Doors 5:15 pm | Movie 5:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. DIDI (Sean Wang, 2024 / 94 mins / 14A ) Set in 2008, Sean Wang's gentle comedy about an awkward Taiwanese American teen brings a fresh take to the coming-of-age genre. [more]

Reluctantly, 17-year-old Gretchen leaves her American home to live with her father, who has just moved into a resort in the German Alps with his new family. Arriving at their future residence, they are greeted by Mr. König, her father's boss, who takes an inexplicable interest in Gretchen's mute half-sister Alma. Something doesn't seem right in this tranquil vacation paradise. Gretchen is plagued by strange noises and bloody visions until she discovers a shocking secret that also concerns her own family. Starring Hunter Schafer (HBO's 'Euphoria'), Dan Stevens. "[Writer-director Tilman] Singer shoots it all with a puppet master’s tightness of control, never pushing a single sequence too far, and leaving room for the monstrous chill of suggestion." (Independent) “Cuckoo' is cuckoo and batty and a whole lot of scary fun.” (Boston Movie News) "Amid unsettling sound design and plotting that is in every sense loopy, questions are raised about nature and nurture, and about human bonds that go beyond the conventional norms of genetics and biology." (Sight & Sound) Saturday, September 21 Doors 7:30 pm | Movie 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. CUCKOO (Tilman Singer, 2024 / 104 mins / 14A ) Amid unsettling sound design and plotting that is in every sense loopy, questions are raised about nature and nurture, and about human bonds that go beyond the conventional norms of genetics and biology. [more]

A relentless predator tracks an injured woman through the Oregon wilderness. The woman does her best to outsmart her attacker, but with each tense moment she grows weaker and less able. He’s a man on a mission, and it’s only a matter of time before he captures his prey. With Willa Fitzgerald, Kyle Gallner, Giovanni Ribisi, Barbara Hershey, Ed Begley, Jr. "Electric and unforgettable, Strange Darling lives up to its maddening moniker. In a summer movie season that’s been middling at best, this is a must-see -- a feat of filmmaking so extraordinary you’ll wonder if it could ever truly be spoiled." (indieWire) "An electric thriller with blood on its hands, flesh in its mouth, and deviance on its mind." (The Daily Beast) "Summer just saved its thrillingest thriller for last. Starring a wow Kyle Gallner and Willa Fitzgerald, this gut punch from JT Mollner brings a day in the romantic twisted love life of a serial killer to vivid life on screen. You won’t know what hit you." (ABC News) "Both Z Berg’s haunting, otherworldly pop songs and Giovanni Ribisi’s eloquent photography (it’s the actor’s first stint as a feature cinematographer) bathe the film’s violence in an unexpected dreaminess." (New York Times) Saturday, September 21 Doors 10:00 pm | Movie 10:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. STRANGE DARLING (JT Mollner, 2024 / 97 mins / 14A) Nothing is what it seems when a twisted one-night stand spirals into a serial killer's vicious murder spree. [more]

Join us on Sunday, September 22 for a good old-fashioned (short) movie marathon. From comedies to horror, we are celebrating what the Vancouver short film scene has to offer. Sunday, September 22 Doors 12:30 pm |Event 1:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Early Bird Tickets $10 until September 12 at 9:00 am! Presented in partnership with DreamBoard Production House. [more]

The Empire scrambles to maintain control in the galaxy after the destruction of Death Star 2. Imperial soldiers flee their posts at an exhaustive rate, and squads that remain loyal are punished for every deserter among their ranks by the new Supreme Leader Gallius Rax. Nova Squad, led by the ever loyal Torin Sereta is tasked with capturing the Empire's most wanted fugitive, former Grand Admiral Rae Sloane, by infiltrating the Rebels. When Torin discovers that the Rebel leader is a revenant of his past, his loyalties are challenged and a sinister conspiracy to destroy the Empire from within boils over. Sunday, September 22 Doors 3:00 pm | Event 3:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Advance tickets $12+ s/c | $15 at the door [more]

Join us at the Rio Theatre on September 22 as we dim the lights and fire up the projector in tribute to one of cinema's most revered actresses, Gena Rowlands, with a screening of her legendary performance in John Cassavetes' iconic drama A WOMAN UNDER THE INFLUENCE. Nominated for multiple Oscars, Emmys, and Golden Globes (and taking home her share of wins), Rowlands is a legend forever. Charting Rowlands’ transformation as “Mabel” from endearingly kooky to bleakly incoherent (and back again), Cassavetes' drama, A WOMAN UNDER THE INFLUENCE is perhaps the most important examination of mental health ever captured onscreen. Cassavetes observes the ricochets between Mabel’s health and her in-laws’s “influence." But at the heart of this film is her relationship with her conservative husband (an equally amazing Peter Falk), who struggles in vain to pull Mabel out of her decline. Both tough-as-bricks and delicate, A WOMAN UNDER THE INFLUENCE goes straight for the throat. "The primal violence that binds men and woman has rarely been evoked as plausibly or intensely as in this 1974 drama." (New Yorker) "Not a scene is wasted in 2 hours and 30 minutes of drama, and it is pure joy to watch such accomplished actors work with all the time they need for fully fleshed performances." (Montreal Gazette) "Falk and Rowlands -- in performances of almost indescribable intensity -- detail a marriage anchored by love, but tossed by the expectations of others and the unpredictable swell of madness." (AV Club) Sunday, September 22 Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 6:20 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. A WOMAN UNDER THE INFLUENCE (John Cassavetes, 1974 / 155 mins / PG) Although wife and mother Mabel is loved by her husband Nick, her mental illness places a strain on the marriage. [more]

In an ordinary suburban house, on a lovely tree-lined street, in the middle of 1970s America, lived the five beautiful, dreamy Lisbon sisters, whose doomed fates indelibly marked the neighborhood boys who to this day continue to obsess over them. A story of love and repression, fantasy and terror, sex and death, memory and longing. It is at its core a mystery story: a heart-rending investigation into the impenetrable, life-altering secrets of American adolescence. Featuring an epic soundtrack from the French electronic band AIR and memorable performances from Kirsten Dunst, Josh Hartnett, James Woods, Kathleen Turner, Scott Glenn, Danny DeVito. "Sofia Coppola's visually arresting adaptation of Jeffrey Eugenides' cocktail-talk novel is pure aesthetic candy; her saturated colors, pitch-perfect '70s sensibility, and snapshot editing produce an unsettling modern fairy tale." (Time Out) "A surprisingly intricate struggle with absence, grief, and memory." (New Yorker) "Tender and devastating." (Slant Magazine) "A disarmingly poetic - and specifically female - vision of adolescence that it belongs in a category of its own." (Seattle Times) Sunday, September 22 Doors 9:10 | Movie 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. THE VIRGIN SUICIDES (Sofia Coppola, 1999 / 97 mins / 14A) A group of male friends become obsessed with five mysterious sisters who are sheltered by their strict, religious parents in suburban Detroit in the mid 1970s. [more]

It’s Mushroom Monday at the Rio! In collaboration with the Rio Theatre, Stephanie Dacre presents to you a premiere screening of two episodes from The Shroom Boom docuseries. The Shroom Boom series dives into fungi's impact in British Columbia, showcasing the local people driving the growth. The evening will include a premiere screening of: Episode 1 of The Shroom Boom: Wild Mushrooms and Foraging in B.C Episode 4 of The Shroom Boom: Psilocybin and Psychedelic Therapy in B.C. A Q&A Panel with the film maker and special guests. Monday, September 23 Doors 6:00 pm | Event 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Advance tickets $15+s/c | $17 at the door 6:30 - 7:00 Episode 1: Wild Mushrooms & Foraging in B.C. 7:00 - 7:15 Break 7:15 - 7:45 Episode 4: Psilocybin and Psychedelic Therapy in B.C. 7:45 - 8:10 Q&A Panel Filmmakers and local mycologists in attendance for a special Q&A panel. THE SHROOM BOOM: EPISODE 1 - WILD MUSHROOMS AND FORAGING (Stephanie Dacre, 2024 / 25 mins / 14A) In Episode 1, Stephanie Dacre explores wild mushrooms and foraging in B.C. She interviews commercial and professional foragers, attends Sicamous Mushroom Festival, and joins Vancouver chefs on a Masutake mushroom hunt. Featuring: • David Xiao, Oyster and King • Abbey Ruscica, Foragers Finest • Gus Stieffenhofer-Brandson, Published on Main • Phil Scarfone, Banda Volpi THE SHROOM BOOM: EPISODE 4 - PSILOCYBIN AND PSYCHEDELIC THERAPY IN B.C. (Stephanie Dacre, 2024 / 27 mins / 14A) In Episode 4 of The Shroom Boom, Stephanie explores psilocybin mushroom access in B.C. She interviews local leaders in the space and dives into psychedelic therapy, accessibility, community and harm reduction. Featuring: • Dr. Devon Christie, MD, Psychedelic Therapist, Researcher & Teacher • Dana Larsen, The Medicinal Mushroom Dispensary • Mia Cara Cosco, Show&Tell Agency • Kiah Ellis-Durity, Get Sensible • Luc Briedé-Cooper, MAPS Canada Youtube Committee Lead. The full series of The Shroom Boom will release on September 24 on TELUS Optik TV channel 9 and STORYHIVE’s YouTube Channel. The 6 part series explores wild foraging, innovative farming, mycelium meat, psilocybin therapy, mushroom music, and much more. Season 1 of The Shroom Boom was produced with the support of TELUS STORYHIVE. [more]

A relentless predator tracks an injured woman through the Oregon wilderness. The woman does her best to outsmart her attacker, but with each tense moment she grows weaker and less able. He’s a man on a mission, and it’s only a matter of time before he captures his prey. With Willa Fitzgerald, Kyle Gallner, Giovanni Ribisi, Barbara Hershey, Ed Begley, Jr. "Electric and unforgettable, Strange Darling lives up to its maddening moniker. In a summer movie season that’s been middling at best, this is a must-see -- a feat of filmmaking so extraordinary you’ll wonder if it could ever truly be spoiled." (indieWire) "An electric thriller with blood on its hands, flesh in its mouth, and deviance on its mind." (The Daily Beast) "Summer just saved its thrillingest thriller for last. Starring a wow Kyle Gallner and Willa Fitzgerald, this gut punch from JT Mollner brings a day in the romantic twisted love life of a serial killer to vivid life on screen. You won’t know what hit you." (ABC News) "Both Z Berg’s haunting, otherworldly pop songs and Giovanni Ribisi’s eloquent photography (it’s the actor’s first stint as a feature cinematographer) bathe the film’s violence in an unexpected dreaminess." (New York Times) Monday, September 23 Doors 9:00 pm | Movie 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. STRANGE DARLING (JT Mollner, 2024 / 97 mins / 14A) Nothing is what it seems when a twisted one-night stand spirals into a serial killer's vicious murder spree. [more]

In the engrossing dramatic parable THE INVISIBLES, Charlie has become so disengaged from his job and his marriage that he becomes invisible – at first metaphorically and then literally – to those around him. Charlie is finding this disturbing enough, but then he happens on an entire community of invisible people like him in a parallel dimension. Can they return to the world of the visible? And do they want to? THE INVISIBLES  is a Canadian science fiction film, written and directed by Andrew Currie. The film stars Tim Blake Nelson as Charlie, a man who is navigating the end of his relationship with Hanna (Gretchen Mol) when he begins to physically disappear, discovering a hidden world of other people who have become invisible. Vancouver Premiere! Post-show Q&A with the director Andrew Currie. "Tim Blake Nelson is an acting treasure, and he’s at the top of his game here. Mol and Greenwood are excellent, too, as is Nathan Alexis as one of the invisibles." (themoviegourmet.com) Tuesday. September 24 Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. THE INVISIBLES (Andrew Currie, 2024 / 121 mins / NR) A couple is facing the end of marriage, when the husband begins to disappear. As he fades from existence he discovers a new world of people who have disappeared just like him. [more]

Go behind the curtain with Stormy Daniels as she shares her story. The film follows her reinventing herself while grappling with events from 5 years earlier that made her an unlikely American icon. "It’s a successful attempt to strip away the political issues and present its subject as a flesh-and-blood human being, someone with feelings, anxieties, and a great deal of courage." (RogerEbert.com) "Fortuitously timed, providing an insider’s view of this most tabloid-y of political tales and the woman at the center of it all." (The Daily Beast) Tuesday, September 24 Doors 9:00 pm | Movie 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. STORMY (Sarah Gibson, 2023 / 109 mins / NR) From reporters to lawyers to politicians, many have attempted to define Stormy Daniels. Stormy tells the unvarnished truth about an unlikely American icon -- this time, in her own words. [more]

Wim Wenders' Palme d'Or-winning PARIS, TEXAS. has beeabn Written by the late, great Sam Shepard, this sweetly desolate road movie takes place in a mythologized Reagan-era America, and follows a disheveled man named Travis Henderson who wanders out of the desert, seemingly with no idea of who he is. When a stranger manages to contact his brother, Walt, Travis is awkwardly reunited with his sibling. Travis has been missing for years, and his presence unsettles Walt and his family, which also includes Travis's own son, Hunter. Soon Travis must confront his wife, Jane , and try to put his life back together. With Harry Dean Stanton, Dean Stockwell, Nastassja Kinski and Hunter Carson. "The movie lacks any of the gimmicks used to pump up emotion and add story interest, because it doesn't need them: It is fascinated by the sadness of its own truth." (Roger Ebert) "... A film that remains, for this critic, the crowning achievement of Wenders’ speckled, frequently brilliant career: the one in which his dual inclinations toward aesthetic grandeur and emotional intimacy find their most serene meeting point, outclassing even such subsequent masterclasses as WINGS OF DESIRE and PINA." (The Guardian) "A quiet yet deeply moving kind of Western, PARIS, TEXAS captures a place and people like never before (or after)." (Rotten Tomatoes) Wednesday, September 25 Doors 5:30 pm | Movie 6:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. PARIS, TEXAS (Wim Wenders, 1984 / 145 mins / PG) A man wanders out of the desert not knowing who he is. His brother finds him, and helps to pull his memory back of the life he led before he walked out on his family and disappeared four years earlier. [more]

When fate brings Belfast schoolteacher JJ into the orbit of self-confessed ‘low life scum’ Naoise & Liam Og, the needle drops on a hip hop act like no other. Rapping in their native Irish language, KNEECAP fast become the unlikely figureheads of a Civil Rights movement to save their mother tongue. In this fiercely original sex, drugs and hip-hop biopic KNEECAP play themselves, laying down a global rallying cry for the defense of native cultures. With Naoise Ó Cairealláin “Móglaí Bap”, Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh “Mo Chara”, JJ Ó Dochartaigh “Dj Provaí”, and Michael Fassbender. KNEECAP is Ireland's submission for Best Interational Feature to the 2025 Academy Awards. "Bold, entertaining and boisterous – both as a cinematic piece and as a statement. It is also genuinely hilarious. ... What is pretty rare, though, is that a crowd-pleaser would also happen to be political and unapologetic about it." (ScreenAnarchy) "Can a movie leave you with a comedown? If it’s as raucous and unruly as Kneecap, a nonstop blizzard of beats, bumps of white powder and punky defiance of the British and Belfast’s sectarian past, the answer’s a firm "yes."" (Time Out) "Music-filled and spikily edited, “Kneecap” finds rude wit and edge to underscore its needle-drop righteousness; that it sustains its level so exuberantly is remarkable, especially considering how hit-and-miss these self-mythologizing projects often are." (Los Angeles Times) "A meta-contextual music-world biopic whose success relies upon one giant bet paying off big, the new comedy Kneecap is a riotous delight that will have even the most staid audiences ready to flip the bird." (Globe and Mail) Wednesday, September 25 Doors 8:45 pm | Movie 9:15 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. KNEECAP (Rich Peppiatt, 2024 / 105 mins / 14A / Gaelic and English w/ EST) When fate brings Belfast teacher JJ into the orbit of self-confessed 'low life scum' Naoise and Liam Og, the needle drops on a hip hop act like no other. Rapping in their native Irish, they lead a movement to save their mother tongue. [more]

STUPID CO presents the first annual OFF-VIFF - a platform for the underground. Featuring the North American Premiere of KING BABY, the celebrated film by Kit & Arran. OFF-VIFF is OFF-CAPITALISM! (Sort of.) Also premiering is the festival favourite HI! YOU ARE CURRENTLY BEING RECORDED, and the premiere of B.I.I.R.D. W.A.T.C.H.E.R.S (Keeping Communities Focused on the Future). With live music! Booze! Popcorn! Grilled cheese sandwiches! Come early to meet and mingle!! “An astute reflection on the decline of male power.” (Cineuropa) “A brilliant, insightful and hilarious fable.” (Panorama Cinema) “King Baby is a Royal Triumph.” (Screen Anarchy) Monday, October 7 Doors 8:15 pm | Event 8:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Filmmakers Arran Shearing and Kit Redstone in attendance. [more]

Writer-director Osgoode Perkins' LONGLEGS has easily emerged as "the" horror movie of 2024; in addition to thrilling audiences thanks to the filmmaker's commitment to the genre and bravura performances from Maika Monore and Nicolas Cage, the Vancouver-shot film has become the highest grossing independent film of the year. The film follows an FBI agent (Monroe) in pursuit of a serial killer (Cage), who uncovers a series of occult clues that she must solve to end his terrifying killing spree. With Alicia Witt, Kiernan Shipka, Blair Underwood. "Longlegs isn’t breaking new ground. It is, however, intent on tilling that cursed earth in the name of its own rotten harvest." (Rolling Stone) "It’s a true sight to behold, but take care to not look too long. No matter how tightly you try to cling to sanity, one truth remains in “Longlegs”: We all go a little mad sometimes." (Seattle Times) "Part of what makes the film so effective is that it doesn’t really depend on secrets or surprises. The writer and director Osgood Perkins summons an atmosphere of dread so intense, it’s practically spoiler-proof." (NPR) "The entire addictive film, written and directed by Oz Perkins, is one of the best horror movies of the past several years." (New York Post) "Connecting all the dots has never been Perkins’ aim as a filmmaker. He wants to create dark worlds that swallow viewers whole and make them feel they’ve been infected by something horrible, unknowable and unstoppable. Longlegs wickedly achieves that goal." (Toronto Star) Tuesday, October 8 Doors 8:30 pm | Movie 9:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. LONGLEGS (Osgoode Perkins, 2024 / 100 mins / 14A) FBI Agent Lee Harker is assigned to an unsolved serial killer case that takes an unexpected turn, revealing evidence of the occult. Harker discovers a personal connection to the killer and must stop him before he strikes again. [more]

Get ready for an unforgettable night of social stoke and adrenaline-pumping action as Teton Gravity Research (TGR) brings its latest ski and snowboard film, “Beyond the Fantasy,” to Vancouver! Don't miss your chance to be a part of this epic event - buy your tickets now and immerse yourself in the whimsical imagination of our athletes as they push the boundaries of what's possible on snow. As TGR celebrates its 29th annual film, we invite you to join us for a night of awe-dropping cinematography, mind-blowing lines, and the infectious energy of the skiing and snowboarding community. Come early for athlete poster signings and our legendary prize giveaway, with prizes from partners like Atomic, Volkl, K2, YETI, Mammut, GoPro, Nissan and more. Plus, all attendees will have a shot at our tour grand prize, where our partners at Nissan could be flying you and your crew to film your very own segment with TGR. Additional grand prizes include a trip to our hometown Jackson Hole Mountain Resort along with epic prize packs from our partners. “Beyond the Fantasy” is more than just a film; it's a testament to the power of turning dreams into reality. Witness our athletes as they transform improbable mental images into breathtaking feats of athleticism and creativity. From the world's most stunning mountain landscapes to the joyous absurdities that make riding on snow a way of life, this film is a celebration of the unbreakable bond that unites our community. Thursday. October 10 Early Show Doors 5:30 pm | Show 6:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Youth 16 and under $12+ s/c Adult $20+ s/c [more]

Get ready for an unforgettable night of social stoke and adrenaline-pumping action as Teton Gravity Research (TGR) brings its latest ski and snowboard film, “Beyond the Fantasy,” to Vancouver! Don't miss your chance to be a part of this epic event - buy your tickets now and immerse yourself in the whimsical imagination of our athletes as they push the boundaries of what's possible on snow. As TGR celebrates its 29th annual film, we invite you to join us for a night of awe-dropping cinematography, mind-blowing lines, and the infectious energy of the skiing and snowboarding community. Come early for athlete poster signings and our legendary prize giveaway, with prizes from partners like Atomic, Volkl, K2, YETI, Mammut, GoPro, Nissan and more. Plus, all attendees will have a shot at our tour grand prize, where our partners at Nissan could be flying you and your crew to film your very own segment with TGR. Additional grand prizes include a trip to our hometown Jackson Hole Mountain Resort along with epic prize packs from our partners. “Beyond the Fantasy” is more than just a film; it's a testament to the power of turning dreams into reality. Witness our athletes as they transform improbable mental images into breathtaking feats of athleticism and creativity. From the world's most stunning mountain landscapes to the joyous absurdities that make riding on snow a way of life, this film is a celebration of the unbreakable bond that unites our community. Thursday. October 10 Later Sjow Doors 8:00 pm | Show 8:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Adult $20+ s/c [more]

Happy Birthday, Leatherface! The Rio Theatre's Friday Late Night Movie series continues on October 11 with a 50th Anniversary screening of one of our all-time favourite late-night, scary cinematic offerings: Tobe Hooper's iconic 1974 slasher masterpiece, THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE (gore-geously remastered in 2014!). Just as Alfred Hitchcock's PSYCHO was based on the life of deeply disturbed farmer Ed Gein, so is this little story of depravity and dementia. When a sister and her brother take a group of friends to visit the farmhouse of their deceased grandfather, they discover that just next door lives a whole family of repugnant psycho killers. Most noteworthy is "Leatherface" (Gunnar Hansen), the chainsaw-wielding fellow who has something of a penchant for human flesh. Though the film did not enjoy immediate success at the box office, it has since gathered a hefty cult following, and is considered by many to be groundbreaking work in the genre of horror. More than just a mere slasher or exploitation film, THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE works almost entirely because of the absolute commitment from its principle cast; there are very few instances of a character in a film (horror or otherwise) whose silent, wordless presence is capable of delivering the tremendous balance of sheer terror and pathos that Gunnar Hansen convey as Leatherface, whose performance as the chainsaw-wielding cannibal who terrorizes a young woman (another of the film's phenomenal performances from scream queen Marilyn Burns) and her friends is as tense and frightening today as it was in 1974. "Thanks to a smart script and documentary-style camerawork, THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE achieves start-to-finish suspense, making it a classic in low-budget exploitation cinema." (Rotten Tomatoes) Friday, October 11 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 chainsaw-wielding pal and get TWO-FOR-ONE entry! THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE (Tobe Hooper, 1974 / 83 mins / 18A) When Sally (Marilyn Burns) hears that her grandfather's grave may have been vandalized, she and her paraplegic brother, Franklin (Paul A. Partain), set out with their friends to investigate. After a detour to their family's old farmhouse, they discover a group of crazed, murderous outcasts living next door. As the group is attacked one by one by the chainsaw-wielding Leatherface (Gunnar Hansen), who wears a mask of human skin, the survivors must do everything they can to escape. [more]

A copious cavalcade of top notch talent and captivating cabaret await at The Rio Theatre Burlesque and Variety Show on Saturday, October 12! Local luminary April O’Peel has curated a show full of wonder sure to dazzle and delight our fun loving audience! The theme is... NO THEME. That’s right! These talented performers will each be performing one act of their choosing. What act will they decide to bring to The Rio Theatre Burlesque and Variety Show!? Find out on October 12, as these stars align for one night only. Saturday, October 12 Doors at 8:00 pm | Show at 9:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Early Bird Tickets (Until September 23) $20+ s/c Regular Tickets $30+ s/c | $35+ s/c at the door VIP Tickets (Rows 1-3, centre section) $40+ s/c | $45+ s/c at the door Squad Pass (Minimum of Four - Online Only $100+ s/c Featuring performances from: Ava Hart April O'Peel Backdoor Breena Dare Deville Disco Squad Dolly Dynamite Draco & Ginger Femmecat Heavy Duty Dance Collective Hot Girl Conspiracy Little Brit Naughty Madelynne Summers Manda Stroyer Numi & Sugar L'estrange Veil Fan Phantoms Violet Fiori Vivian Brass Hosted by Sparkle Plenty [more]

Pritish Narula, the internet sensation behind "Pichhe Ki Vajda Hai," is bringing his hilarious brand of comedy to Canada! From banker to entrepreneur to stand-up star, Pritish's unique blend of wit and charm will leave you rolling on the floor. Experience an unforgettable night of laughter as he takes you on a hilarious journey through Punjabi culture, family life, and everything in between. This is your chance to witness the magic live – don't miss it! An Initiative by EYP Creations Sunday, October 13 Doors 7:15 pm | Show 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Early Bird Pricing in Effect! Grab tickets at this price while supplies last! Balcony Seating (GA) $29 + s/c Main Floor (Assigned) $39+ s/c VIP (Rows 1-5, Priority Seating) $49+ s/c [more]

Excited for the 30th anniversary of the iconic Canadian animated TV show "ReBoot" this year? Us too! Join us at the Rio Theatre on Monday, October 14 for another afternoon of bing-watching more episodes of "ReBoot ReWind" premiere screening of the first two episodes of "ReBoot ReWind." Following a sold out event in September, the team behind this must-see new docuseries is back to premiere more episodes of the show. This new documentary series will take you on a journey back to the 90’s to experience how "ReBoot" was made, the groundbreaking successes it had, and the impact it left behind. From the persistent, passionate co-creators, mind-boggling technology, impressive problem solving and everything in between, this is your chance to learn about the show that paved the road to the animation we know and love today. "ReBoot" is a special show, made, cared for and delivered by incredible people. As the show's 30th anniversary approaches this September, please join us as we deliver our most sincere love letter to the fans and everyone who made it exceptional. Monday, October 14 Doors 11:00 am | Event 11:30 am *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Tickets $17+ s/c Episodes 5 & 6 (Break) Episodes 7 & 8 This event will be followed by an Q&A featuring filmmakers. [more]

A troubled young man launches a bizarre crime spree against the citizens of Toronto in this thriller-comedy from director Braden Sitter Sr. starring Rishi Rodriguez, Spencer Rice (TV's Kenny vs Spenny), and Paul Bellini (TV's Kids in the Hall). This screening will feature a post-show Q&A with the director, Braden Sitter Sr. "A new cult classic" (Quinn Henderson, The Toronto Star) Tuesday, October 15 Doors 9:00 pm | Movie 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. THE PEE PEE POO POO MAN (Braden Sitter, Jr., 2024 / 79 mins / NR) A paranoid young man launches a bizarre crime spree against the citizens of Toronto. [more]

"Vancouver’s Most Innovative Comedy / Variety Show" is back with a Halloween special! Save the date! Thursday, October 17 Doors 7:15 pm | Show 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Tickets $22+ s/c | $25 at the door Details will be added as they are confirmed but so far you can expect... RARE PERFORMANCE FROM BLOODY BETTY!! One of the most inventive and scary artists in the city. She's rarely performing outside of music these days so were super lucky and excited to have her!REAL PARANORMAL INVESTIGATORS!! They were on the show many years ago where they told us that the Rio has active ghosts. To prove it, Paul and Ryan will sleepover at the theatre with the paranormal investigators and film the whole thing. We will present the video and have them on hand for follow up questions. Spooky!!! ROCK'N FAMILY REUNION!! Last year we forced a reunion show of this extraordinary band and now we are taking it one step further. Like many bands, they had lineup changes over the years. This show will feature every musician that was ever in the band, on stage playing together at once! 3 drummers (on 3 drum kits); 3 bassists, 2 singers (I stepped in on vocals for a couple shows - Paul) and Rick Rock'n on flying V guitar = The Rock'n Family Reunion! If you thought they were ridiculously fun before...you gotta see this! NARDWUAR called them “INCREDIBLE!” The Georgia Straight dubbed them “good-natured, loud, unpretentious. Stupid fun!” All of their songs are about ROCK’N. They received a slew of awards (mostly from a radio station in Prince George) including “Best Canadian Artist 2005” “Best Canadian album 2005” “Second best album worldwide 2005” “Best Live show 2005” and then never played again until last year on Talent Time. But wait... There's more! - Co-Host RYAN BEIL from The Sunday Service! - Video by Silas Egan & Owen Wong! - House band led by Kristy-Lee Audette! - Plus comedy, contests, more acts TBA and probably an on-site haunted house or some sort of spooky added experience. Stay tuned! “Like freebasing sheer fun!" (The Globe & Mail) “There is no funner night out... you have to experience it.” (The Georgia Straight) "Something of a phenomenon.” (Vancouver Sun) [more]

Enter all ye who dare! In this dragged out ghoulish night full of gutz and glam-horror, join social media sensation DANDY, the award winning host and drag superstar, as he guides you through his HAUNTED MANSION. An uproarious evening of horror drag, sinful, soul-stirring burlesque and hair-raising comedy that's sure to tickle your funny bone. Enter as one of the living, but we promise, YOU-WILL-BE-SLAYED! See why GEORGIA STRAIGHT readers placed him in BEST OF VANCOUVER 2023. Dressing up is highly encouraged! Get spooked and SNATCHED, Dahlings. Friday, October 18 Doors 7:00 pm | Show 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.  Early Bird discounted tickets can be dug up online! Main Floor Assigned $30 + s/c | $35 at the door VIP - First 4 rows $40 + s/c | $45 at the door **VIP ticket holders also get an interactive prop bag to be used during the show!** The 'Dandy Deadites' 4 Pack $25 a ticket + s/c (Available online only) Please note this show includes a brief intermission giving you plenty of time to trick 'r treat at concession for a Demonic Dandy inspired cocktail or mocktail, fill your sack full of fun and fright at the merch booth and immortalize yourself for all eternity at the spooky, scary photo booth. Featuring: Miss October Banana Delvey Peter Packer Bea Moan Vincent Rice Malandro Dare DeVille Melrose Twist Glimmer Rouge Jalebia Majora Gvil Burna Dart Mona Moore Phyllis Hull Jerriana Hosted by DANDY! 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, will be premiering this Summer on Optik TV, or why not join us at The Rio Theatre on September 17 and catch the premier hosted LIVE by Dandy and members of the cast and crew! Double down on your Dandy delight and pick up tickets to Dandyland at: https://riotheatretickets.ca/events/32450-dandyland @dandyandfriends [more]

How-dyyyyyyy! Join us at the Rio Theatre on Saturday, October 19 for one of our favourite annual events - The legendary East Van Opry! 2024 will mark the 11th anniversary of the legendary live music event that celebrates "country" music - with a decidedly East Van twist, featuring performances from a host of your favourite local artists and special guests. Saturday, October 21 Doors 7:00 pm | Show 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Early Bird & VIP Ticket packages available! Early Bird Tickets (Until September 23 - Limited Number Available) $30+ s/c Regular Tickets $40+ s/c VIP Tickets (First 4 rows, centre section + commemorative poster) $50+ s/c Squad Pass (Group of Four Tickets) $120+ s/c Full Lineup Coming Soon! [more]

Badass 10 is coming live to the Rio - The Tenth Annual International Vancouver Badass Film Festival and Script Competition goes live at East Vancouver’s historic Rio Theatre for a pre-Halloween live experience you can’t download and the indie film community event of the horror season! It’s the genre film festival with: 22 films screened live with filmmakers, legendary live shows always featuring giant snakes, fire, carnival side-show, magic, horror burlesque, film-specific live surprises, and the wildest pre-Halloween costume contest in town over three programs Sunday October 20, 2024! Sunday, October 20 Doors 2:30 pm | Film 2:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Advance Day Pass $50+ s/c [more]

Badass 10 is coming live to the Rio - The Tenth Annual International Vancouver Badass Film Festival and Script Competition goes live at East Vancouver’s historic Rio Theatre for a pre-Halloween live experience you can’t download and the indie film community event of the horror season! It’s the genre film festival with: 22 films screened live with filmmakers, legendary live shows always featuring giant snakes, fire, carnival side-show, magic, horror burlesque, film-specific live surprises, and the wildest pre-Halloween costume contest in town over three programs Sunday October 20, 2024! Sunday, October 20 Doors 2:30 pm | Film 3:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Advance Single Film tickets $15+ s/c | $20+ s/c at the door The Tenth Annual Vancouver Badass Film Festival kicks off with a Preview Screening of the Rio’s own Becca Kozak (Girls with Guts)’s first outrageous narrative feature Sugar Rot (Canada, 80 minutes), described as a wild “exploitation film that’s both funny and punk with some intellectual bite if you can get past the initial shock.” Some parts of the film were shot in and around The Rio Theatre including with the band Daddy Issues on stage. Cast and crew attending with filmmakers Q&A following the screenings. Preceded by the very sexy BDSM short Contraception (Canada, 4.5 minutes, dir Becca Kozak), and Nadine L’Esperance’s insane bloody puppet shocker: From One Hole to Another (Canada, 7mins). All the trigger warnings for an early John Waters/Troma-esque exploitation for a new generation afternoon launch of Badass 10. [more]

Badass 10 is coming live to the Rio - The Tenth Annual International Vancouver Badass Film Festival and Script Competition goes live at East Vancouver’s historic Rio Theatre for a pre-Halloween live experience you can’t download and the indie film community event of the horror season! It’s the genre film festival with: 22 films screened live with filmmakers, legendary live shows always featuring giant snakes, fire, carnival side-show, magic, horror burlesque, film-specific live surprises, and the wildest pre-Halloween costume contest in town over three programs Sunday October 20, 2024! The day's events continue with The North American premiere of the terrifying new found footage feature film: The Stickman’s Hollow (Canada, 83minutes, dir: Jack Cox). Shot all around BC by a team of horror veterans, The Stickman’s Hollow has been called Blair Witch meets The Exorcist. Preceded by the haunting new shorts Manic Sparkle: Parable of Death and Non-death (Iran, 5min, dir: Nima Grey Crow) and School’s Out (Canada, 3.5m, dir: Warren Dean Fulton), with casts and crew attending and a filmmaker’s Q&A following the screenings. Sunday, October 20 Doors 4:30 pm | Film 5:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Advance Single Film tickets $15+ s/c [more]

Badass 10 is coming live to the Rio - The Tenth Annual International Vancouver Badass Film Festival and Script Competition goes live at East Vancouver’s historic Rio Theatre for a pre-Halloween live experience you can’t download and the indie film community event of the horror season! It’s the genre film festival with: 22 films screened live with filmmakers, legendary live shows always featuring giant snakes, fire, carnival side-show, magic, horror burlesque, film-specific live surprises, and the wildest pre-Halloween costume contest in town over three programs Sunday October 20, 2024! Badass 10 climaxes with the annual legendary shorts and awards gala, with fire acts, giant reptiles, magic, horror burlesque acts, celebrity hosts, 17 new horror/genre films with filmmakers Q&A, the 2024 genre film and script competition awards, and the wildest pre-Halloween costume contest in town. Act fast before it sells out! Sunday, October 20 Doors 6:30 pm | Event 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Advance Shorts & Awards Film Tickets $35+ s/c [more]

The live, smash hit epic comedy THE CRITICAL HIT SHOW returns to the Rio Theatre's stage on Wednesday, October 23 for more monstrous mirth, merriment, and snacks! Prepare yourself for a night of laughter, as some of Vancouver’s best comedic performers grace the stage in a night featuring intrepid players on a gallant quest for comedy glory (and more snacks!) in a hilariously epic adventure that has been running continuously since 2012. Spanning over 100 live performances in both Canada and the United States, two years of “at-home” streaming, and frequent festival appearances, The Critical Hit Show is one of the longest running comedy shows around. #DNDLive is an improvised adventure that takes its inspiration from tabletop role-playing games, fantasy film and TV, and (most importantly) you! Whether you’re a longtime fan, you’ve been enjoying our live streamed shows, or you’re brand new to The Critical Hit Show - you’re going to have a great time. Wednesday, October 23 Doors 6:15 pm | Show 7:00 pm *Please arrive on time. Start time subject to change. Advance tickets $17 +s/c THE ADVENTURERS Eric Fell as The Dungeon Master Ian Boothby as Benoit the Anointed, the Half-Elf Cleric Joanna Gaskell as Freya, the Elf Warlock Barbara Beall as Ingrid, the Halfling Fighter Ellen MacNevin as Belle Strummer, the Half-Elf Ranger Allen Morrison as Spitz Lube’n, the Human Wizard Shaun Stewart as Brask Hellbeard, the Dwarf Bard More monsters! More Magic! More Mayhem! More Off-Brand soda! Twitter: @critshow www.criticalhitshow.com www.facebook.com/dndlive [more]

More tricks! More treats! More All-You-Can-Eat Cereal! The Saturday Morning All-You-Can-Eat Cereal Cartoon Party is returning to the Rio Theatre on Saturday, October 26 with a specially curated all-new lineup of retro TV goodness covered in sugary cereal. It's Volume V - Halloween Style! 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 Volume V will be covered in an extra spooktacular Halloween coating - so expect to see even more monsters, sci-fi, sleuths, superheroes and all kinds of 2D silliness. Expect the unexpected, from 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! Get ready for a sugar rush and an explosion of nostalgia in one hair-raising morning. Even better...? COSTUME CONTEST! Show us what you've got, or maybe just give your costume a test-drive before the big day. Costumes (and, as always, comfy pajamas) are welcome and encouraged. Curated by David Bertrand Please note: Dairy-free options are available. Compostable bowls and spoons will be provided, but we do encourage guests to bring their own NON-BREAKABLE (ie, not ceramic) bowls and spoons. Saturday, October 26 Doors 10:00 am | Event 10:30 am *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Adults $20 Kids Pricing (13 and under) $14 Group pricing in effect! Grab one of our Monster Squad passes - a sweet treat for a birthday party or Halloween celebration of your own. Options (online only) [more]

BILLY RUNS BOSTON? is a film about a runner's relationship with his sister and brother as he tries to qualify for Boston. Tony Marra, a Toronto-based actor and runner, has ventured into the world of filmmaking with his debut feature film, BILLY RUNS BOSTON?. This thought-provoking film delves into various issues facing the running community, including cheating, bullying of cheaters, over-training while injured, the pervasive impact of social media, and the deeply sensitive topic of suicide. Amidst these themes, it also celebrates the profound rewards and sheer joy of running. Complex family dynamics play a pivotal role in weaving the narrative of the film, adding depth and emotion to the story. Filmmaker Tony MArra will be joining us live for a post-show Q&A Saturday, October 26 Doors 2:15 pm | Movie 2:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. BILLY RUNS BOSTON (Tony Marra, 2024 / 76 mins / NR) A film about a runner's relationship with his sister and brother as he tries to qualify for Boston. [more]

The Rio Theatre is excited to welcome comedian Hassan Phills to the stage on Sunday, November 3. Sunday, November 3 Doors 6:30 pm | Show 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Balcony (General Admission) Tickets $30+ s/c | $35 at the door Main Floor (Assigned Seating) Tickets $40+ s/c | $45 at the door Hassan Phills is a standout comedian celebrated for his knack for dissecting everyday life through humour. With a blend of sharp observations and a charismatic stage presence, Hassan's comedy delves into cultural nuances and personal mishaps, offering audiences a fresh perspective on the world around them. His engaging delivery and witty punchlines have quickly made him a favourite among comedy enthusiasts who appreciate humour in all aspects of life. Hassan's journey into comedy began with a keen interest in the subtleties of human interaction and the absurdities of daily routines. His unique ability to transform mundane experiences into hilarious anecdotes sets him apart in the comedy scene. Whether he’s reflecting on the quirks of cultural identity or sharing stories of personal blunders, Hassan’s performances are always relatable, insightful, and incredibly funny. [more]

The Rio Theatre is pleased to welcome comedian Gareth Reynolds back to our stage on Thursday, November 7. Thursday, November 7 Doors 6:00 pm | Show 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Advance Tickets $35+ s/c | $40 at the door VIP Tickets (Rows 1-3, centre section) $45+ s/c Early Bird Tickets $30+ s/c (Limited number available until July 15) Tickets on sale June 10 @ 10:00 am GARETH REYNOLDS is an internationally touring stand-up comedian whose brilliantly clever quips perfectly offset Dave Anthony’s hilarious snark on their smash-hit podcast The Dollop, which garners over 5 Million downloads every month. Gareth has written on ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT, FLAKED and HOOPS for Netflix, as well as YOU’RE THE WORST on FX and I’M SORRY for truTV. Previous to that he wrote on the Comedy Central sitcom IDIOTSITTER, took the lead on ABC show HAIL MARY, and has been seen on IFC’s MARON. His debut stand-up album “Riddled With Disease” released Dec. 6 2019 on Comedy Dynamics and reached #1 on Billboard that week. Originally hailing from the sweet streets of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Gareth moved to Los Angeles where he began producing and writing his own material, eventually making shows at Comedy Central, The Travel Channel, and MTV He also has a cat named Jose. Instagram @reynoldsgareth TikTok @reynoldsgareth X @reynoldsgareth [more]

Save the date! The Canadian blues ingenue turned Texas axe-slinger Sue Foley brings over 35 years of professional talent back to the Rio Theatre's stage on Sunday, November 10. Foley delivers her own brand of high energy, guitar driven Texas blues along with her band. Foley’s seasoned rhythm section responds to her every move as she sways, rocks, and digs in deep with equal parts ease and intensity. Sunday, November 10 Doors 7:30 pm | Show 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Regular Tickets $40+ s/c Early Bird $35+ s/c (Limited Number Available Until October 6!) Students & Veterans $25+ s/c (ID Required Upon Entry) 4-Pack Ticket Bundle $140+ s/c (Online ONLY) VIP Ticket Bundle $75 + s/c (Includes exclusive pre-show meet 'n greet with Sue Foley, artist's circle seating Rows A-C , 1 tour poster, 1 tote bag, choice of 1 t-shirt) All tickets on sale September 6 @ 10:00 am PST In May 2024, Foley was awarded the Blues Music Award for Traditional Blues Female Artist (Koko Taylor Award) in Memphis - an award she also won consecutively in 2023, 2022 and 2020. She was also recently honored with Guitarist of the Year and Blues Act of the Year at the 2023 Austin Music Awards, and Guitarist of the Year at the 2023 Maple Blues Awards. Her last album, Pinky’s Blues, took home Best Traditional Blues Album at the 2022 Blues Music Awards. "Foley continues to cement her place as one of the leading torchbearers of the blues tradition. Male or female." (Nick Cristiano, Rock and Blues Muse) “Sue Foley has a way of making the blues explode from the bandstand, no matter the song or style. She imbues everything she plays with the living truth.” (Bill Bentley, Americana Highways) “Lively it is!...Straight from the hip and from the heart groovaliciousness. Rock on!” (Billy F Gibbons, ZZ TOP) “Canada’s greatest blues guitarist." (Brad Wheeler, Toronto Globe and Mail) [more]

MUSIC FOR MUSHROOMS is a narrative documentary highlighting the personal journey of shamanistic musician and filmmaker East Forest (Krishna-Trevor Oswalt) – a collaborator of the late Ram Dass – whose bold experiments pair music with guided psychedelic experiences to create spaces of healing for a fractured world. The film captures East Forest as he performs guided ceremonial concerts that offer participants an immersive environment to confront their pain and fears, fostering hope, and moving them to re-engage with their own true north. His voice and music practices have garnered acclaim from worldwide fans, academic research institutions and fellow psychedelic leaders. Weaving together interviews and conversations with artists, academics, and cultural experts in the fields of psychedelics, science, music and philosophy - voices like Ram Dass, Xochitl Ashe, Hanifo Nayo Washington, Spring Washam, Dr. Robin Carhart-Harris, Jon Hopkins, Peter Broderick, ANNA, and more - the film explores first hand experiences, wisdom traditions, and data-backed evidence of how these timeless tools impact the human psyche, nervous system, and more. Filmmaker East Forest in attendance for post-show Q&A. Special guests TBD. Tuesday, November 26 Doors 6:00 pm | Event 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Tickets $25+ s/c On Sale Soon! MUSIC FOR MUSHROOMS (Krishna Trevor Oswalt, 2024 / 83 mins / NR) Musician East Forest, a key figure in the psychedelic movment, embarks on a mission pairing music with psychedelics to bring about transformative healing to a world in crisis. [more]

Irish comedian David Nihill graces the Rio Theatre's stage on Saturday, November 30 with his new show, "Shelf Help." Saturday, November 30 Doors 6:00 pm | Event 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Balcony Seating (General Admission) $32+ s/c | $37 at the door Main Floor (Assigned Admission) $37+ s/c | $42 at the door Leaving Dublin, Ireland where he was born and raised until the age of 22, David got drunk on travel and never quite hit sobriety of it. He has lived and worked in twelve countries and visited over seventy. His shows draw on his wide travels, cultural observations, attempts at language study, (occasional) international drinking session(s) and being a mildly confused immigrant. David is the winner of the prestigious annual San Francisco Comedy Competition, (previous finalists include Robin Williams, Ellen DeGeneres and Dana Carvey) and runner-up in the Moth’s largest US Grandslam storytelling competition. Also a bestselling writer, David recorded his debut special for Dry Bar Comedy in 2019 and has been featured on TED.com, Sirius XM, Just For Laughs, The Irish Independent, Inc, NPR, and the Huffington Post among others. A festival favorite, David's videos have also gone viral many times over with over 400 million views and a social following of over 1.5 million people. [more]

The East Van Laugh RioT welcomes comedian Jeff Dye to the Rio Theatre's stage on Friday, December 6. Friday, December 6 Doors 6:00 pm | Show 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Balcony (General Admission) $35+ s/c | $40 at the door Main Floor (Assigned Seating) $35+ s/c | $40 at the door About Jeff Dye Jeff Dye is a nationally touring comedian, actor, and host. Jeff shot over 100 episodes of a new FOX game show called "Who the Bleep is that?" and is currently filming his new comedy special, "The Last Cowboy in LA." Jeff starred in NBC's comedy adventure series "Better Late Than Never" and can be seen on episodes of "I Can See Your Voice" and "The Masked Singer" on Fox. Dye has performed multiple times on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and has his own "Comedy Central Presents" special. In previous years, he has starred on numerous TV projects, including "Money from Strangers," "Girl Code," "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," NBC's "I Can Do That," "Better Late Than Never," "That bAwkward Game Show" and numerous others. Jeff's last 2 albums "Dumb is Gooder" and "Live from Madison" is playing on Sirius XM and both are top 10 albums on the Billboard Comedy Charts. Jeff is a recurring guest on "The Greg Gutfeld Show" where he has received praise for his raw unfiltered comedic viewpoint, bringing a new style of edge and honesty. Dye's passion is bringing love and positivity through laughter WHILE maintaining truth to everyone he encounters. Connect with Jeff: FACEBOOK: @JeffDye TWITTER: @JeffDye INSTAGRAM: @JeffDye YOUTUBE: Jeff Dye [more]

One of the UK’s biggest stand-ups brings his arena-filling Hustle tour to North America -with a stop at the Rio Theatre on Monday, January 20! Romesh is the star of his worldwide Netflix stand-up special Romesh Ranganathan: The Cynic, as well as a string of UK television hits, including BBC’s Asian Provocateur, BBC’s The Ranganathan, Sky’s A League Of Their Own and BBC’s Avoidance. He fronted the Showtime show Just Another Immigrant in 2018, documenting his attempts to sell out a show at LA’s famous Greek Theatre; and has appeared twice on the Late Late Show. Presented by Show And Tell with Off The Kerb Monday, January 20 Doors 6:15 pm | Show 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Balcony (General Admission) $50+ s/c Main Floor (Assigned) $60+ s/c VIP (Rows A-F, Centre Section) $70+ s/c All tickets on sale September 6 at 9:00 am PST Connect with Romesh: www.romeshranganathan.com www.instagram.com/romeshranga/ https://www.tiktok.com/@romeshranga [more]

One of the UK’s biggest stand-ups brings his arena-filling Hustle tour to North America -with a stop at the Rio Theatre on Monday, January 20! Romesh is the star of his worldwide Netflix stand-up special Romesh Ranganathan: The Cynic, as well as a string of UK television hits, including BBC’s Asian Provocateur, BBC’s The Ranganathan, Sky’s A League Of Their Own and BBC’s Avoidance. He fronted the Showtime show Just Another Immigrant in 2018, documenting his attempts to sell out a show at LA’s famous Greek Theatre; and has appeared twice on the Late Late Show. Presented by Show And Tell with Off The Kerb Monday, January 20 Doors 9:00 pm | Show 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. Balcony (General Admission) $50+ s/c Main Floor (Assigned) $60+ s/c VIP (Rows A-F, Centre Section) $70+ s/c Connect with Romesh: www.romeshranganathan.com www.instagram.com/romeshranga/ https://www.tiktok.com/@romeshranga [more]

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) [more]

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. [more]

This Rio Theatre gift certificate is good for entry to any single regular film screening. [more]

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