IT’S NEVER OVER: JEFF BUCKLEY, directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Amy Berg (DELIVER US FROM EVIL, JANIS: LITTLE GIRL BLUE, WEST OF MEMPHIS), covers the life of the rising young star with an otherworldly voice and boundary-pushing artistry, who left the ’90s music world reeling when he died suddenly, at age 30, after the release of his critically acclaimed debut album “Grace.”

Told through never-before-seen footage from Buckley’s archives and intimate accounts from his mother Mary Guibert, former partners Rebecca Moore and Joan Wasser, Jeff’s former bandmates, including Michael Tighe and Parker Kindred, and luminaries like Ben Harper and Aimee Mann, IT’S NEVER OVER: JEFF BUCKLEY illuminates one of modern music’s most influential and enigmatic figures.

"As we drink in the majesty of his voice, the film lays bare a paradox about him that isn’t nearly as apparent if you just listen to “Grace” (1994), the only album he ever released." (Variety)

"Buckley hasn’t had a million portraits sketched of him, much to this degree. The singularity of It’s Never Over, along with the access and the candor, makes up for a lot here." (Rolling Stone Magazine)

Tuesday, September 16Final Screening
Doors 3:50 pm | Movie 4:20 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

IT'S NEVER OVER: JEFF BUCKLEY (Amy Berg, 2025 / 108 mins / 14A) Rising musician Jeff Buckley had only released one album when he died suddenly in 1997. A portrait of a generation-defining singer.

Years into their relationship, Tim and Millie (real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie) find themselves at a crossroads as they move to the country, abandoning all that is familiar in their lives except each other. With tensions already flaring, a nightmarish encounter with a mysterious, unnatural force threatens to corrupt their lives, their love, and their flesh.

"A modern love story with a dash of Cronenberg for good measure — a brutal portrait of messy, intense long-term love. Warts, blood, bones and all." (Empire Magazine)

"Bone-cracking and fleshy and disgusting in all the most satisfying ways a body horror should be, Together gets its visual effects right, and it utilises them gradually and sometimes very drolly." (Time Out)

"It works, because [director] Michael Shanks has the guts to write a male protagonist who is no hero, no villain, just a mass of garden-variety insecurities, all too reliant on his partner for a sense of direction." (Chicago Tribune)

Tuesday, September 16Final Screening
Doors 6:30 pm | Movie 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

TOGETHER (Michael Shanks, 2025 / 102 mins / 14A) Years into their relationship, Tim and Millie find themselves at a crossroads as they move to the country. With tensions already flaring, an encounter with an unnatural force threatens to corrupt their lives, their love and their flesh.

Writer-director Ethan Coen's HONEY DON'T! is a dark comedy about Honey O'Donahue, a small-town private investigator, who delves into a series of strange deaths tied to a mysterious church.With Margaret Qualley, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Evans, Charlie Day.

"A fast-paced crime comedy that’s full of laugh-out-loud scenes." (Chicago Reader)

"It’s sleazy and virtuous at the same time, and — while I hope this won’t be the case — I suspect I’ll be in the minority in finding this latest blood-soaked confection to be delicious." (MovieFreak.com)

"The type of Noir tale that would have been commonplace when The Coens made their name in the ‘90s, 'Honey Don’t!' doesn’t capture the old Coens magic but creates enough sizzle to please fans of indie weirdness." (Clash Magazine)

"It’s a wild-and-wooly, ludicrous tale, a self-aware exercise in style which winds its bemusedly hard-edged mystery around a core that mirrors both the cynicism and the romance of its hard-boiled neo-noir inspirations. " (Washington Blade)

Tuesday, September 16
Doors 9:00 pm | Movie 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

«МАЛЕВИЧ»

Синопсис:

Казимир Малевич — митець-новатор, який створив революційний «Чорний квадрат» і поклав початок супрематизму, — досі часто помилково вважається російським художником. Насправді ж він народився на українських землях, мислив українською, і саме Україна стала ґрунтом для його творчого прориву. Російська імперія, а згодом СРСР, не лише переслідували його за вільнодумство, а й зумисно привласнили його ім’я та спадщину.

Фільм «Малевич» — це історія боротьби художника за право бути собою в тоталітарній системі, що нищила все інакше. Через архівні свідчення, унікальні щоденники і художні реконструкції, стрічка занурює глядача у складні 1930-ті роки: часи репресій, цензури й Голодомору, що навис тінню і над життям митця.

Це не лише мистецька драма, а й потужна культурна та історична реабілітація: фільм доводить, що Малевич — не російський, а український художник, якого світ має побачити в правдивому світлі. 

ФІЛЬМ УКРАЇНСЬКОЮ МОВОЮ З АНГЛІЙСЬКИМИ СУБТИТРАМИ.

Середа, 17 вересня
Двері відчиняються о 18:00 | Початок фільму о 18:30 *Час початку може змінюватися. Будь ласка, приходьте вчасно.

Квитки $25 + знижка

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“MALEVYCH”

Synopsis :

Kazymyr Malevych — a trailblazing artist who created the revolutionary “Black Square” and founded Suprematism — is still often mistakenly regarded as a Russian painter. In reality, he was born on Ukrainian land, thought in Ukrainian, and it was Ukraine that became the fertile ground for his creative breakthrough. The Russian Empire, and later the USSR, not only persecuted him for his free-thinking spirit but also deliberately appropriated his name and legacy.

MALEVYCH is a powerful story of one artist’s fight to remain true to himself within a totalitarian system that sought to erase all dissent. Through archival evidence, rare diaries, and cinematic reenactments, the film immerses viewers in the turbulent 1930s — a time of repression, censorship, and the Holodomor famine, which cast its shadow over Malevych’s life.

More than an artistic drama, this is a bold act of cultural and historical reclamation: the film firmly reestablishes that Malevych was not Russian, but Ukrainian — and it’s time the world saw him in his true light.

THE FILM IS IN UKRAINIAN WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES.

Wednesday, September 17
Doors 6:00 PM | Film 6:30 PM *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time. 

Tickets $25 +s/c

Kowabunga, dude!

Released in 1990, the original live-action TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES adaptation of the cult comic book and the popular animated television show is a bona-fide cult-classic for pretty much anyone who became of age in the 80's or 90's. The film establishes the iconic origin story of four teenage turtles--Michelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo, and Donatello-- who, after prolonged exposure to radiation, have mutated into ninjas and have begun living in the sewers of a large city. Under the guidance of a ninja master Splinter the Rat and television reporter April, the Turtles embark on a mission to run crime out of the city and battle the warlord Shredder. Starring Corey Feldman, Judith Hoag, Elias Koteas, and Josh Paig.

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

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES (Steve Barron, 1990 / 93 mins / PG) A quartet of mutated humanoid turtle warriors must emerge from the shadows to protect New York City from an uprising criminal gang of ninjas.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The grit and intensity of late-1970s New York City is depicted in stark detail in this relentlessly action-packed cult classic. Twenty-four hours of nerve-jangling tension and suspense begin when a twisted psychotic (Cliff Gorman, 'Cops and Robbers,' 'All That Jazz') kidnaps a teenaged girl, mistaking her for the daughter of a wealthy real estate developer. Her determined father (James Brolin, 'The Car,' 'The Amityville Horror'), a hard-hitting ex-cop, doggedly pursues them through New York’s seamy streets, decaying, burned-out Bronx tenements, and the grimy subterranean corridors beneath the city itself. Based on the novel by William P. McGivern ('The Big Heat,' 'Odds Against Tomorrow') and co-starring Richard S. Castellano ('The Godfather'), Julie Carmen ('In the Mouth of Madness'), Dan Hedaya ('Blood Simple') and Mandy Patinkin ('The Princess Bride'), NIGHT OF THE JUGGLER is a thrilling example of no-holds-barred, pure adrenaline-fueled filmmaking. The film’s original director Sidney J. Furie ('The Ipcress File,' 'The Appaloosa') was replaced by Robert Butler ('Up the Creek,' 'Turbulence') a few weeks into production.

"Big fan of this film... Lots of old school, sleazy NYC on display here. And crazy cop with a grudge, Dan Hedaya, chasing ex-cop on-the-run, James Brolin, through Midtown Manhattan streets while recklessly firing his shotgun with hundreds of civilians running about is what movies are all about." (Academy Award-winning filmmaker Sean Baker)

“A sweaty, sleazy, no holds barred thriller.” (Film Authority)

“Juggler” is a crackerjack thriller, capturing the desperation of both its hero and his city with grit and verve.” (The New York Times)

“'Night of the Juggler’s' goddamn New York day is undesirable and filthy, but the film is a worthy entry into the pantheon of great action flicks set in the Big Apple.” (Loud and Clear)

Thursday, September 18
Doors 9:10 pm | Movie 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

NIGHT OF THE JUGGLER (Robert Butler & Sidney J. Furie, 1980 / 101 mins / NR) A tough, New York City ex-cop relentlessly searches for his kidnapped teenage daughter whom is held by a twisted psycho after mistaking her for the daughter of a wealthy businessman.

Welcome back to the wild, weird, and wonderfully seductive world of cult cinema and burlesque! At Movie Buff 3, the screen gets steamier as a new batch of offbeat characters hit the stage - with attitude, allure, and just enough glitter to blind a cinephile.

Margot Tenenbaum is here, chain smoking, still emotionally unavailable. But she’s peeling back more than her layers of ennui. Prepare for the slowest, most sultry emotional breakdown you’ve ever seen!  Maverick is flying dangerously low, oozing confidence and ready to give you a burlesque routine that breaks the sound barrier (and a few hearts). In a multiverse of madness, Evelyn Wang is back to remind us that even in a chaotic tangle of bagels, googly eyes, and hot dog fingers, sensuality reigns supreme! And yes, there will be duets - unforgettable, jaw-dropping reinterpretations of cinema’s most iconic scenes.

These aren’t just performances, they’re cinematic fever dreams brought to life. And when The Siren from TRON powers down, there’s no reboot. Snag your seat now!

Friday, September 19 
Doors 7:15 pm | Event 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Early Bird Tickets (Until August 15) $25+ s/c
Tickets $30+ s/c | $40+ s/c at the door
VIP Seating (Rows 1-3, centre section) $40+ s/c

Featuring Performances by: 

Hella Hysteria (Labyrinth)
Lucy M & Amy Dahlia (The Warriors)
April O’Peel & Duncan Teabags (Dirty Dancing)
Moonlit Margot (The Royal Tenenbaums)
Ruby Revel (Everything Everywhere All At Once)
Maverick (Top Gun)
Venus Villentine (Napoleon Dynamite)
June Monsoon  (Tron)
What Surname & Clare Voyeur (Superstar)

Please note: This is a parody production. MOVIE BUFF 3  is not sponsored, endorsed by or affiliated with any film’s creators, affiliated companies and/or third party licensors.

*Performers and acts subject to change.

The Rio Theatre's ongoing Friday Late Night Movie series continues on September 19 with master anime creator Satoshi Kon's 2006 work of psychological science-fiction, PAPRIKA. The storyfollows Dr. Atsuko Chiba, who works as a scientist by day and, under the code name "Paprika," who moonlights as a so-called "dream detective at night." Atsuko and her colleagues are working on a device called the DC Mini, which is intended to help psychiatric patients, but in the wrong hands it could destroy people's minds. When a prototype is stolen, Atsuko/Paprika springs into action to recover it before damage is done.

"Following its own brand of logic, PAPRIKA is an eye-opening mind trip that is difficult to follow but never fails to dazzle." (Rotten Tomatoes)

"As a showcase of the limitless power of the imagination, PAPRIKA never fails to delight the eye and engage the mind. We are never sure exactly whom we should be cheering for, or even if we're rooting for real characters or their avatars." (Toronto Star)

Friday, September 19
Doors 11:00 | Movie 11:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Late Night Date Night! Friday Late Night Movie Tickets are two-for-one entry!

PAPRIKA "Papurika" (Satoshi Kon, 2006 / PG / 90 mins / In Japanese with English subtitles) When a machine that allows therapists to enter their patient's dreams is stolen, all hell breaks loose. Only a young female therapist can stop it: Paprika.

In a town divided by duty and class, Vincent, a glassmaker’s son, and Alliz, a violinist who is the colonel’s daughter, fall in love. As their bond grows, rising tensions between their families threaten to pull them apart. Brought to life through stunning hand-drawn animation, THE GLASSWORKER is a poetic tale of first love, family, and the price of staying true to your art.

Winner of the Audience Award at the Asian World Film Festival, THE GLASSWORKER is Pakistan's submission to the 2026 Academy Awards.

“Pakistan’s first hand-drawn animated feature film ever, and as Walt Disney did with “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” Riaz creates a masterpiece on his very first try." (Next Best Picture)

“'The Glassworker' goes beyond merely aping Hayao Miyazaki’s distinctive style. It gets to the heart of the anti-war sentiment that underscores much of his work.” (Variety)

“The theme of art being paramount to our lives could not be more vital right now. The movie also explores the difficulties inherent in two people connecting when they share conflicting ideologies.” (The Contending)

“A humanist tale aimed at youth ... Showcasing how art and creativity can provide solace and strength, even in the darkest time.” (Screen Anarchy)

Saturday, September 20
Doors 12:15 pm | Movie 12:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

THE GLASSWORKER (Usman Riaz, 2024 / 98 mins / G / English dub) The life of a young glassblower in training and his relationships over the years, as his land goes through war and strife.

Join us on Saturday, September 20, as we premiere the first three episodes of The Wheel Deal documentary series! This is a series following the rise and fall and rise again of Vancouver's first roller derby team: Terminal City. (And yes, this is the sport on rollerskates where people slam into each other at full speed.)

Terminal City Roller Derby used to be one of the top teams in the world. But in 2023, the league almost collapsed. Now the league is back in a big way, and is playing their first competitive season in five years. This series follows Terminal City and the unique array of people in it — as they figure out who they are as individuals, and as a team.

We'll hear how the league first started over nachos and beer at the Lamplighter pub in 2005, how the movie 'Whip It' caused roller derby to explode across North America, and how the pandemic caused a mass collapse across the globe. But despite these challenges, and the bruises, broken bones, and concussions, you can't keep the players away from derby.

**Every ticket comes with entry into the door prize draw featuring giveaways from Rolla Skate Club (a one-month all access membership worth $189, including gear rentals, classes, open skates, and events), a gift certificate towards a tattoo with Whips Inks, and cozy handmade goods from a local artisan.**

Saturday, September 20
Doors 3:00 pm | Event 3:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Partial proceeds from this event will go towards Terminal City’s tournament travel costs, so they can keep roller derby financially accessible for all.

THE WHEEL DEAL is made possible with the support from TELUS STORYHIVE, and will be available for free on TELUS Optik TV.

The Vancouver Burlesque Co. welcomes you to the finale show of their Spring 2025 Season. Join us as we celebrate our student's accomplishments, onstage in a sizzling season wrap-up! Prepare yourself for amazing large group acts, and some stunning soloists. These shows are pure magic, sparkle and fun, and we can't wait to share the evening with friends, family and fans.

Join us as we wrap up summer with our magical students and alumni. Prepare yourself for amazing group acts and stunning solos. Let's kick kick into a new season together with friends, family and fabulous humans.

Hosted by Miss Kiss

Saturday, September 20
Doors 8:00 pm | Show 9:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
General Admission $30+ s/c | $35+ s/c at the door

Please note: These shows tend to sell out well in advance - buy tickets sooner than later to avoid disappointment!

Starring:
Angora Phobia
Astra Atomica
Hotsy Flashy
Landback
Queen Spade
Shane Sable
Jazzy Belle + THUD

With Group Acts by:
Arabella Boop
Cherry OnTop
Genesis + Gigi Lavande
Jungle Kat

Writer-director Ethan Coen's HONEY DON'T! is a dark comedy about Honey O'Donahue, a small-town private investigator, who delves into a series of strange deaths tied to a mysterious church.With Margaret Qualley, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Evans, Charlie Day.

"A fast-paced crime comedy that’s full of laugh-out-loud scenes." (Chicago Reader)

"It’s sleazy and virtuous at the same time, and — while I hope this won’t be the case — I suspect I’ll be in the minority in finding this latest blood-soaked confection to be delicious." (MovieFreak.com)

"The type of Noir tale that would have been commonplace when The Coens made their name in the ‘90s, 'Honey Don’t!' doesn’t capture the old Coens magic but creates enough sizzle to please fans of indie weirdness." (Clash Magazine)

"It’s a wild-and-wooly, ludicrous tale, a self-aware exercise in style which winds its bemusedly hard-edged mystery around a core that mirrors both the cynicism and the romance of its hard-boiled neo-noir inspirations. " (Washington Blade)

Sunday, September 21
Doors 12:30 pm | Movie 1:15 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

HONEY DON'T! (Ethan Coen, 2025 / 89 mins / 18A) A dark comedy about small-town private investigator Honey O'Donahue, who delves into a series of strange deaths tied to a mysterious church.

POV35 Film Festival – The 35th Persistence of Vision (POV) Film Festival

Join us as we celebrate the works of the next generation of filmmakers at the 35th Annual Persistence of Vision (POV) Film Festival, happening September 21 – 22. Proudly presented by the UBC Film Production Program students and co-presented by Peliplat.

Over two nights at the iconic Rio Theatre, the 35th Annual POV Film Festival will showcase bold new perspectives through two curated programs, presented across three screening slots:

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SCREENING 1 - Retina Programme - September 21, Matinee Screening (Non-Competition)

3:30PM Open doors - Please arrive on time
4:15PM - 6:00PM Screening

We are opening the festival with films that challenge us in unique ways — experimenting with format, narrative, and theme. Created by UBC students working beyond the traditional “film school” framework, we showcase emerging voices who are carving their own paths as bold, independent filmmakers.

Retina Programme features:

A STILL LIFE (directed by Andrew Lee)
ALBERTA GOTHIC (directed by Leif Bergsma)
CHERRY (directed by Anton Hing)
GRAVE IN THE CLOUDS (directed by Elijah Marche)
HIRAETH (directed by Eridanus Redenbach)
JAZEERA (directed by Khazina Qureshi)
ORVAL (directed by Konstantin Belenko)
OTEHIMIN (directed by Liara Standingcloud) 

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Single programme tickets $15.75 + s/c

Reserve your seats today!

POV35 Film Festival – The 35th Persistence of Vision (POV) Film Festival

Join us as we celebrate the works of the next generation of filmmakers at the 35th Annual Persistence of Vision (POV) Film Festival, happening September 21 – 22. Proudly presented by the UBC Film Production Program students and co-presented by Peliplat.

Over two nights at the iconic Rio Theatre, the 35th Annual POV Film Festival will showcase bold new perspectives through two curated programs, presented across three screening slots:

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SCREENING 1 - Retina Programme - September 21, Matinee Screening (Non-Competition)

3:30PM Open doors - Please arrive on time
4:15PM - 6:00PM Screening

We are opening the festival with films that challenge us in unique ways — experimenting with format, narrative, and theme. Created by UBC students working beyond the traditional “film school” framework, we showcase emerging voices who are carving their own paths as bold, independent filmmakers.

Retina Programme features:

A STILL LIFE (directed by Andrew Lee)
ALBERTA GOTHIC (directed by Leif Bergsma)
CHERRY (directed by Anton Hing)
GRAVE IN THE CLOUDS (directed by Elijah Marche)
HIRAETH (directed by Eridanus Redenbach)
JAZEERA (directed by Khazina Qureshi)
ORVAL (directed by Konstantin Belenko)
OTEHIMIN (directed by Liara Standingcloud) 

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SCREENING 2 - Iris Programme A - September 21, Evening Screening (Competition)

6:30PM Open doors - Please arrive on time
7:30PM - 11:30PM Programme Proper

The Iris Programme is a series of short films created by 3rd and 4th year students of the UBC Film Production Program. This collection celebrates deeply personal stories carried from local to global perspectives, brought together at UBC. Like the iris — shaped by genetics and environment, and found in endless shades of black, brown, green, blue, and hazel, each film reflects a unique way of seeing, interpreting, and telling stories. The Iris Programme honors these singular viewpoints and, through each filmmaker’s lens, invites you to experience the worlds they come from and their persistence of vision.

Iris Programme A features:

AFTER LIFE, AFTER DEATH (directed by Melrose Yan)
BREAK (directed by Thomas Morrow)
FINE, ART (directed by KR Gonzales)
SINKING (directed by Annie Liu)
THE BALLAD OF A NATIVE MAN (directed by Penny J. Gullion)
UNSPOKEN (directed by Win He)

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SCREENING 3  - Iris Programme B + Awards Night - September 22, Evening Screening (Competition)

6:30PM Open doors - Please arrive on time
7:30PM - 11:30PM Programme Proper

Screening 3 is a continuation of the Iris Programme, a series of short films created by 3rd and 4th year students of the UBC Film Production Program. 

Iris Programme B features:

AMOR ETERNO (directed by Joshua Brad-lee Garrido)
DRINKING LIQUORICE AT NIGHT (directed by Hana Huggins)
DUSTHEADS (directed by Ruth Tesfahun)
E FOR EFFORT, NEVER EXCELLENCE (directed by Sarah Shahab)
FRIENDLY VISITOR (directed by Aryan Kurungode)
WINTER TAMARIND (directed by Anna Sreekullkorn)

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Regular 2-Night Festival Pass
Enjoy access to all programs and the Awards Ceremony. Rio’s Orchestra Section is allotted for Festival Pass holders
– $35.00 + tax

Reserve your seats today!

POV35 Film Festival – The 35th Persistence of Vision (POV) Film Festival

Join us as we celebrate the works of the next generation of filmmakers at the 35th Annual Persistence of Vision (POV) Film Festival, happening September 21 – 22. Proudly presented by the UBC Film Production Program students and co-presented by Peliplat.

Over two nights at the iconic Rio Theatre, the 35th Annual POV Film Festival will showcase bold new perspectives through two curated programs, presented across three screening slots:

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SCREENING 2 - Iris Programme A - September 21, Evening Screening (Competition)

6:30PM Open doors - Please arrive on time
7:30PM - 11:30PM Programme Proper

The Iris Programme is a series of short films created by 3rd and 4th year students of the UBC Film Production Program. This collection celebrates deeply personal stories carried from local to global perspectives, brought together at UBC. Like the iris — shaped by genetics and environment, and found in endless shades of black, brown, green, blue, and hazel, each film reflects a unique way of seeing, interpreting, and telling stories. The Iris Programme honors these singular viewpoints and, through each filmmaker’s lens, invites you to experience the worlds they come from and their persistence of vision.

Iris Programme A features:

AFTER LIFE, AFTER DEATH (directed by Melrose Yan)
BREAK (directed by Thomas Morrow)
FINE, ART (directed by KR Gonzales)
SINKING (directed by Annie Liu)
THE BALLAD OF A NATIVE MAN (directed by Penny J. Gullion)
UNSPOKEN (directed by Win He)

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Single film, balcony - general admission tickets $15.75 + s/c

Reserve your seats today!

POV35 Film Festival – The 35th Persistence of Vision (POV) Film Festival

Join us as we celebrate the works of the next generation of filmmakers at the 35th Annual Persistence of Vision (POV) Film Festival, happening September 21 – 22. Proudly presented by the UBC Film Production Program students and co-presented by Peliplat.

Over two nights at the iconic Rio Theatre, the 35th Annual POV Film Festival will showcase bold new perspectives through two curated programs, presented across three screening slots:

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SCREENING 3  - Iris Programme B + Awards Night - September 22, Evening Screening (Competition)

6:30PM Open doors - Please arrive on time
7:30PM - 11:30PM Programme Proper

Screening 3 is a continuation of the Iris Programme, a series of short films created by 3rd and 4th year students of the UBC Film Production Program. 

Iris Programme B features:

AMOR ETERNO (directed by Joshua Brad-lee Garrido)
DRINKING LIQUORICE AT NIGHT (directed by Hana Huggins)
DUSTHEADS (directed by Ruth Tesfahun)
E FOR EFFORT, NEVER EXCELLENCE (directed by Sarah Shahab)
FRIENDLY VISITOR (directed by Aryan Kurungode)
WINTER TAMARIND (directed by Anna Sreekullkorn)

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Single programme, balcony - general admission $15.75 + s/c

Reserve your seats today!

“The great Filmmaker Mike Figgis shot the making of 'Megalopolosi' as he saw it... There are many interpretations of what really happened and it's all in the documentary, although the documentary doesn't always say which is what. It is for the viewrr to behold and interpret."(Francis Ford Coppola)

"A thoroughly watchable, respectful, valuable and intimate account of a great film-maker at work – particularly rehearsing actors, a part of directing very rarely shown." (Guardian UK)

"Like the man who made it, 'Megalopolis' is a movie that bears both the qualities and the scars of these conflicts. We probably didn’t need Megadoc to tell us this, but it remains a thoroughly fascinating look at one of the most unlikely films ever made." (New York Magazine / Vulture)

"'Megalopolis', the film, may not be lots of fun to sit through, but its making-of, 'Megadoc', is a blast, offering a rare inside glimpse at a major movie artist at work." (The Hollywood Reporter)

"To watch “Megadoc” is to appreciate why “Megalopolis” feels more vital than so many other films, and also why it feels completely out of control at the same time." (IndieWire)

Tuesday, September 23 >
Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

MEGADOC (Mike Figgis, 2025 / 107 mins / NR) A behind-the-scenes documentary about the making of Francis Ford Coppola's 'Megalopolis.

Lloyd Kaufman and Troma Entertainment's iconic 1986 centrepiece, THE TOXIC AVENGER, is getting am updated re-telling courtesy of writer-director-actor Macon Blair (GREEN ROOM, BLUE RUIN), who has re-imagined the original story of this unassuming superhero for a new generation.

When a downtrodden janitor, Winston Gooze (Peter Dinklage), is exposed to a catastrophic toxic accident, he's transformed into a new kind of hero: The Toxic Avenger. Now, Toxie must rise from outcast to savior, taking on ruthless corporate overlords and corrupt forces who threaten his son, his friends, and his community. In a world where greed runs rampant... justice is best served radioactive. With Jacob Tremblay, Elijah Wood, Kevin Bacon, and Taylour Paige.

"Whether poking at superhero cliches (there’s a choice post-credit scene) or trying to be kill-clever, it’s all in dopey, gruesome fun." (Los Angeles Times)

"Campy, corny, and carnage-laden goofiness, all of it spearheaded by Peter Dinklage as a working-class schlub who’s transformed into a deformed do-gooder." (The Daily Beast)

Tuesday, September 23
Door 8:45 pm | Movie 9:15 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

THE TOXIC AVENGER: UNRATED (Macon Blair, 2025 / 103 mins / 18A) A horrible toxic accident transforms downtrodden janitor, Winston Gooze into a new evolution of hero: The Toxic Avenger.

A screw-turning psychological thriller made for the moment, LURKER is the razor-sharp directorial debut from "The Bear" and "Beef" writer-producer Alex Russell.

When twenty-something Los Angeles retail clerk and loner Matthew (Théodore Pellerin) encounters rising pop star Oliver (SALTBURN’s Archie Madekwe), he takes the opportunity to edge his way into the in-crowd. But staying there isn't easy. With an entire entourage vying for attention, Matthew must prove himself to Oliver as more than just a follower. As their bond grows strained and mainstream fame appears within reach, access and proximity become a matter of life and death. Online fixation meets reality in this parasocial, paranoid cat-and-mouse film driven by star-making performances. With an incisive view to contemporary culture and a brilliant score from Kenny Beats (known for his work with Vince Staples), LURKER presents an exhilarating take on the music industry, the blurred line between friend and fan, and our universal search for validation.With Havana Rose Liu (BOTTOMS), Zack Fox ("Abbott Elementary"), Daniel Zolghadri (Y2K), Sunny Suljic (Mid90s).

"Brilliant. Riveting. One of the best films of the year." (Vogue Magazine)

"'Lurker' feels less like a narrative thriller and more like a chilling, genuine document of how easy it’s become to manipulate those around us in a hyper-digital world, where the mere proximity to celebrity can be as powerful as celebrity itself." (Salon.com)

"‘Lurker’ which feels like ‘Nightcrawler' for starfuckers in the best possible way." (RogerEbert.com)

"A tight and wicked little film, a promising debut feature for the writer and director Alex Russell, a kind of minimalist counterbalance to the maximalist dissipation of 'Saltburn'." (New York Times)

"The sort of irony-rich indie film that leaves you in a state that’s equal parts nausea and bliss." (Rolling Stone Magazine)

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

LURKER (Alex Russell, 2024 / 100 mins / 14A) A retail employee infiltrates the inner circle of an artist on the verge of stardom. As he gets closer to the budding music star, access and proximity become a matter of life and death.

Blood will flow—buckets of it. Eli Roth’s new media venture, The Horror Section, kicks off with a delirious, blood-soaked ride in the vein of EVIL DEAD and BAD TASTE. Out-of-work filmmaker Jimmy Lang (played by writer-director Joe Begos) is hit with a tidal wave of bad luck, sending him spiraling into a drug-and-booze-fueled meltdown. In the midst of his binge, he claims he’s been abducted by aliens—and fears they’ll be back. Calling on his old friend Stiggs for backup, the two prepare for battle. But when night falls, they’re thrust into a hallucinatory maelstrom of extraterrestrials, narcotics, and pure, unhinged carnage!

“'Jimmy and Stiggs' is a batshit insane film that genre fans need to see on the big screen,” states Black Fawn Distribution’s president Chad Archibald. “It’s a wild ride and we’re excited to be teaming up with Eli, Joe, and the entire Horror Section family to splatter their brand of neon alien blood across Canada.”

"The world needs more playful, gonzo small-scale-yet-apocalyptic horror films like 'Jimmy and Stiggs'. It’s a movie that has constant tricks on display and perpetually sprays blood in the audience’s face, but there’s an earnest, vulnerable center to it all." (Bloody Disgusting)

"Jimmy and Stiggs' is a relentless ghost train of a movie that blinds you with its color, deafens you with its chaos, and pushes you to hy'sterics with its overabundance of silly, splatter-filled action." (Collider)

"A wildly entertaining, wickedly funny and bonkers slice of sci-fi horror." (NYC Movie Guru)

Thursday, September 25
Doors 9:00 pm | Movie 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

JIMMY AND STIGGS (Joe Begos, 2025 / 80 mins / NR) Two hard-partying friends must reconcile their differences if they're to survive the all-out carnage and otherworldly body horrors of an explosive and terrifying alien attack.

Save the date! Canadian blues ingenue turned Texas axe-slinger Sue Foley brings over 35 years of professional talent back to the Rio Theatre's stage on Friday, September 26.

Foley delivers her own brand of high energy, guitar driven Texas blues along with her band that features a seasoned rhythm section that responds to her every move as she sways, rocks, and digs in deep with equal parts ease and intensity. Known for her fiery playing and soulful voice, Foley blends Texas blues grit with a refined fingerstyle technique, whether on her signature pink paisley Fender Telecaster or a hand-built flamenco guitar.

Friday, September 26
Doors 7:30 pm | Show 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Early Bird Pricing (Until August 22) $35+ s/c

Tickets $40+ s/c

Students & Veterans (ID Required Upon Entry) $25+ s/c

4-Pack Ticket Bundle $140+ s/c

VIP Ticket Bundle $80 + s/c
(Includes exclusive pre-show meet 'n greet at 6:45 pm with Sue Foley, artist's circle seating Rows A-C , 1 tour poster, 1 tote bag, choice of 1 t-shirt)

Sue Foley is a multi-award-winning blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter whose latest album, One Guitar Woman: A Tribute to the Female Pioneers of Guitar, was nominated for the 2025 GRAMMY® Award for Best Traditional Blues Album.

Born in Ottawa, Canada, Foley began performing professionally at 16 and made her mark in Austin, Texas, with the legendary Antone’s label. Since her 1992 debut Young Girl Blues, she’s toured internationally, sharing stages with B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and Billy F Gibbons. Foley is a five-time consecutive Blues Music Award winner for Traditional Blues Female Artist (2020–2025) and a recipient of multiple other honors, including a JUNO Award and the 2024 Maple Blues Lifetime Achievement Award.

A passionate scholar as well as a performer, Foley holds a PhD in Musicology and will release her first book, Guitar Women, in 2026. As the Philadelphia Inquirer wrote, “Foley has a killer voice, an impossibly alluring blend of sex and innocence to go with those blazing guitar chops.” With One Guitar Woman, she reclaims history and redefines what a guitar hero can be.

"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)

The Rio Theatre's Friday Late Night Movie series continues with a special 40th Anniversary restoration of Stuart Gordon's sci-fi horror comedy, RE-ANIMATOR. H.P. Lovecraft and Lucio Fulci did not team up to make the most amazing gore-sex grotesquerie of 1985 -- but thanks to RE-ANIMATOR, they didn't have to. Director Gordon and producer Brian Yuzna’s joint debut feature, this epochal, awe-inspiring amalgam of FRANKENSTEIN, THE BEYOND, and REVENGE OF THE NERDS is where science meets chaos to produce an hyperactive overdose of gruesome insanity.

Herbert West (Jeffrey Combs) is a new Miskatonic University student who also moonlights as a mad scientist, intent on perfecting a serum that “re-animates” corpses. Soon, everyone wants a piece of the action, including an evil professor and his army of slime-covered deadites. With berserker theatrics, career-defining roles from horror icons Combs and Barbara Crampton, and a scene of two adults chasing an undead cat in a basement, RE-ANIMATOR isn’t just a masterpiece of the horror genre -- it’s a masterpiece of life.

“Calling RE-ANIMATOR a crucial gore movie is like saying that fire is hot.” (Zack Carlson, co-author of “Destroy All Movies”)

"Perfectly mixing humor and horror, the only thing more effective than Re-Animator's gory scares are its dry, deadpan jokes." (Rotten Tomatoes)

"Oh, those crazy doctors, when will they ever learn to stop messing around with the natural order of life and death?" (Gene Siskel)

Friday, September 26
Doors 11:00 pm | Movie 11:30 pm *Start time subject to change.
Tickets HERE

Late Night Date Night! Bring a friend, date, or re-animated corpse and get two-for-one entry

RE-ANIMATOR (Stuart Gordon, 1985 / 86 mins / 18A) Scientist Herbert West has discovered a fluid which brings living tissue back to life. After the death of his professor, West moves to a new university to continue his research. He involves a fellow student and the student's fiancée in his research by experimenting on their dead cat. Dan, fascinated by West's research, agrees to smuggle him into the hospital morgue...

Roll the dice and unleash the excitement!

The Property Masters Guild presents the 30th Anniversary screening of the original Sony Pictures film, JUMANJI at the Rio Theatre on Saturday, September 27.

Directed by Joe Johnston (HONEY, I SHRUNK THE KIDS and starring Robin Williams, this film was shot in Vancouver. We will have some of the actual props from the film on display and a Q&A with Property Master Dan Sissons after the show so come join us and check out some of our local film industry’s history!
A magical board game unleashes a world of adventure on siblings Peter (Bradley Pierce) and Judy Shepherd (Kirsten Dunst). While exploring an old mansion, the youngsters find a curious, jungle-themed game called Jumanji in the attic. When they start playing, they free Alan Parrish (Robin Williams), who's been stuck in the game's inner world for decades. If they win Jumanji, the kids can free Alan for good -- but that means braving giant bugs, ill-mannered monkeys and even stampeding rhinos!

"This is an entertainment in the broad Hollywood tradition of Frank Capra and Steven Spielberg, with a boisterous touch of 'Peter Pan' in that the stern father figure and the scary villain are both played by the same actor." (Guardian)

Saturday, September 27
Doors 12:00 pm | Movie 12:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

JUMANJI (Joe Johnston, 1995 / 104 mins / PG) A magic board game summons jungle perils and a missing boy.

LADIES OF VANCOUVER ARE YOU READY?!

The Magic Men Australia "LARGER THAN LIFE" WORLD TOUR is hitting town, and this is your chance to witness the ultimate, high-energy, jaw-dropping, pulse-racing male revue show LIVE!

Featuring TIKTOK SENSATION WILL PARFITT! With millions of fans worldwide, this Channing Tatum lookalike is ready to bring the heat, charm, and signature moves that have made him a global sensation! Expect an all-star lineup of chiseled hunks, heart-racing performances, and electrifying stage presence that will leave you breathless and begging for more!

Round up your squad for the ULTIMATE Girls’ Night Out! Get ready for a night packed with jaw-dropping entertainment, cheeky surprises, and non-stop fun. TICKETS ARE SELLING FAST – DON’T MISS OUT! Secure yours NOW and experience the Magic Men Australia WORLD TOUR LIVE!

Saturday, September 27
Doors 7:00 PM | Event 8:00 PM *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Ticket levels

Premium - Main Floor (first 5 rows): $85 + s/c
•   Exclusive Early Entry: Doors open 30 minutes earlier than regular door opening time.
•   Prime Seating: Seated closest to the action for the best viewing experience.
•   Stage Participation Opportunity: Approximately 40 audience members will have the chance to get on stage.
•   Meet & Greet & Photos: Early access to the meet-and-greet team for photo opportunities.
•   Early Merchandise Sales: Priority access to merchandise sales before general entry, ensuring a quicker, smoother experience.

Deluxe - Main Floor: $65 + s/c
•   Second-Tier Seating: The second closest seating category to the stage, offering a great view of the show.
•   Meet & Greet & Photos: Enjoy the opportunity to meet the team and take photos.
•   Stage Participation Opportunity: A  smaller chance to be invited on stage during the show over Premium.

General Admission - Balcony: $40 + s/c
•   Non-Reserved Seating
Entry to the show.
Full stage performance experience.

Shot in Alberta and starring Canadian country star Dallas Smith, filmmaker Joel Stewart's SOUL'S ROAD is a riveting tale of self-discovery and redemption, promising audiences great music and heartwarming performances.

After ruining his solo career and taking an extended break from music, the infamous Ronan Garrett returns to his hometown without much of a plan besides making amends with the people he abandoned almost a decade ago. Forgotten by some, but still regarded as a rockstar by others, Ronan takes a humble job from a friend at the local music shop and sets about fixing his past mistakes, determined to prove himself a changed man. As the healing process begins, Ronan feels the call to play again - with a new approach. With Camille Stopps, (Guilt Free Zone, Running with Violet) Josh Collins (The Hurt Unit, The 100), Charlie Gillespie (SUZE, Julie and the Phantoms), Geena Meszaros, Laurent Pitre, Owen Maggs, Celeste Desjardins (CAPE HOLLY CHRISTMAS, Taken), Orin McCusker and Allan Hawco (Republic of Doyle, Son of a Critch).

Sunday, September 28
Doors 2:00 pm | Movie 3:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Tickets on sale soon!

Souls Road Website

@SoulsRoadMovie

@dept.9studios

SOUL'S ROAD (Joel Stewart, 2024 / PG / 102 mins) The compelling journey of Ronan Garrett, a disgraced rock star who returns to the hometown and people he had forsaken a decade earlier. Ronan returns with little more than a suitcase, a well-worn knit cap, and a heart full of regret.

LADIES OF VANCOUVER ARE YOU READY?!

The Magic Men Australia "LARGER THAN LIFE" WORLD TOUR is hitting town, and this is your chance to witness the ultimate, high-energy, jaw-dropping, pulse-racing male revue show LIVE!

Featuring TIKTOK SENSATION WILL PARFITT! With millions of fans worldwide, this Channing Tatum lookalike is ready to bring the heat, charm, and signature moves that have made him a global sensation! Expect an all-star lineup of chiseled hunks, heart-racing performances, and electrifying stage presence that will leave you breathless and begging for more!

Round up your squad for the ULTIMATE Girls’ Night Out! Get ready for a night packed with jaw-dropping entertainment, cheeky surprises, and non-stop fun. TICKETS ARE SELLING FAST – DON’T MISS OUT! Secure yours NOW and experience the Magic Men Australia WORLD TOUR LIVE!

Monday, September 29
Doors 7:00 PM | Event 8:00 PM *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Ticket levels

Premium - Main Floor (first 5 rows): $85 + s/c
•   Exclusive Early Entry: Doors open 30 minutes earlier than regular door opening time.
•   Prime Seating: Seated closest to the action for the best viewing experience.
•   Stage Participation Opportunity: Approximately 40 audience members will have the chance to get on stage.
•   Meet & Greet & Photos: Early access to the meet-and-greet team for photo opportunities.
•   Early Merchandise Sales: Priority access to merchandise sales before general entry, ensuring a quicker, smoother experience.

Deluxe - Main Floor: $65 + s/c
•   Second-Tier Seating: The second closest seating category to the stage, offering a great view of the show.
•   Meet & Greet & Photos: Enjoy the opportunity to meet the team and take photos.
•   Stage Participation Opportunity: A  smaller chance to be invited on stage during the show over Premium.

General Admission - Balcony: $40 + s/c
•   Non-Reserved Seating
Entry to the show.
Full stage performance experience.

The Rio Theatre's Friday Late Night Movie series kicks off October with one of our all-time favourites is the canon of classic midnighters: 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 3
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 leather-loving pal and get two-for-one entry... If you dare!

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.

Banned upon its original release in 1981, Andrzej Żuławski’s stunningly choreographed nightmare of a marriage unraveling is an experience unlike any other. Professional spy Mark (Sam Neill) returns to his West Berlin home to find his wife Anna (Isabelle Adjani, in a role that earned her Best Actress at Cannes) insistent on a divorce. As Anna’s frenzied behavior becomes ever more alarming, Mark discovers a truth far more sinister than his wildest suspicions. With its pulsating score, visceral imagery, and some of the most haunting performances ever captured on screen, POSSESSION is cinematic delirium at its most intoxicating - and a perfect addition to the Rio Theatre's Friday Late Night Movie series.

2021 4K Restoration. A Metrograph Pictures release.

"That the film is much more than a gawk-at-it freak show is testament to Zulawski's talent for making even the most exaggerated behavior resonate with pointed and potent emotion." (Time Out Magazine)

"This is not the type of horror movie you take your friends to for a laugh; this is what you watch with your ex and realize how much worse things could have been." (The Stranger)

"[Possession] remains one of the most grueling, powerful, and overwhelmingly intense cinematic experiences that you are likely to have in your lifetime." (Roger Ebert.com)

Friday, October 10
Doors 10:45 pm | Movie 11:15 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

POSSESSION (Andrzej Żuławski, 1981 / 123 mins / 18A) After Anna reveals to her husband, Mark, that she is having an affair, she leaves him and their son. Mark is devastated, and seeks out the man who cuckolded him, only to receive a beating. After a series of violent confrontations between Mark and Anna, Mark hires a private investigator to follow her. Anna descends into madness, and it's soon clear that she is hiding a much bigger secret -- one that is both inexplicable and shocking.

OFF-VIFF is a film festival dedicated to platforming the independent, underground and alternative based in Vancouver, BC at the Rio Theatre.

Now in its second year, the festival put on by STUPID CO and BC-filmmaker Arran Shearing, was started as a means of putting the power back in filmmakers' hands and has expanded to continue activating the local independent film community and beyond.

Stay tuned for the full 2025 OFF-VIFF lineup in early September, and grab a full-day pass in the meantime! (Coming soon.)

Tuesday, October 13
Showtimes and tickets on sale soon. Stay tuned for more info!

Join us at the Rio Theatre as Claudio Simonetti's Goblin performs a live score to Dario Argento's iconic, "giallo," the phantasmagoric nightmare of a horror icon SUSPIRIA ("the most terrifying movie ever made!") alongside a screening of the film. Following the screening there will be a 45 minute "Best Of" add-on performance.

Composer Claudio Simonetti has written, recorded and performed some of the most influential scores and soundtracks in horror, including DAWN OF THE DEAD, DEEP RED / PROFONDO ROSSO, DEMONS, TENEBRE and many others, with his seminal work and legendary style still informing the genre to this day. This year, Simonetti's Goblin celebrates Argento's SUSPIRIA by performing Goblin's iconic score to a special screening of the film. Almost five decades after its release, both SUSPIRIA and Goblin's unforgettable score remain the stuff of legend, having aid the framework for a myriad of horror scores to come.

This genre-defining cult-classic has been lovingly restored and remastered in glorious 4K - the film's bizarre colour schemes come alive in a whole new way. Buoyed by Goblin's phenomenal soundtrack, SUSPIRIA is "nightmare fuel" for the senses - and can only be truly enjoyed on the big screen... If you dare!

Suzy (Jessica Harper) travels to Germany to attend ballet school. When she arrives, late on a stormy night, no one lets her in, and she sees Pat (Eva Axén), another student, fleeing from the school. When Pat reaches her apartment, she is murdered. The next day, Suzy is admitted to her new school, but has a difficult time settling in. She hears noises, and often feels ill. As more people die, Suzy uncovers the terrifying secret history of the place...

"It's always fascinating to watch; the thrills and spills are so classy and fast that the movie becomes in effect what horror movies seemed like when you were too young to get in to see them." (Time Out)

"The blood pours freely in Argento's classic SUSPIRIA, a giallo horror as grandiose and glossy as it is gory." (Rotten Tomatoes)

"From stormy start to fiery finish, it's a stylish, compelling, phantasmagoric movie." (The Observer)

Tuesday, October 14
Doors 7:00 pm | Show 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Tier 1 (Rows 1-6, Centre Section) $105+ s/c
Tier 2 $84+ s/c

Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin will be selling additional VIP perks available through their website, but those will not be redeemable without a ticket to the event.

SUSPIRIA (Dario Argento, 1977 / 92 mins/ 18A) A newcomer to a fancy ballet academy gradually comes to realize that the school is a front for something far more sinister and supernatural amidst a series of grisly murders.

Join us at the Rio Theatre as Claudio Simonetti's Goblin performs a live score to Dario Argento's iconic, "giallo," the phantasmagoric nightmare of a horror icon SUSPIRIA ("the most terrifying movie ever made!") alongside a screening of the film. Following the screening there will be a 45 minute "Best Of" add-on performance.

Composer Claudio Simonetti has written, recorded and performed some of the most influential scores and soundtracks in horror, including DAWN OF THE DEAD, DEEP RED / PROFONDO ROSSO, DEMONS, TENEBRE and many others, with his seminal work and legendary style still informing the genre to this day. This year, Simonetti's Goblin celebrates Argento's SUSPIRIA by performing Goblin's iconic score to a special screening of the film. Almost five decades after its release, both SUSPIRIA and Goblin's unforgettable score remain the stuff of legend, having aid the framework for a myriad of horror scores to come.

This genre-defining cult-classic has been lovingly restored and remastered in glorious 4K - the film's bizarre colour schemes come alive in a whole new way. Buoyed by Goblin's phenomenal soundtrack, SUSPIRIA is "nightmare fuel" for the senses - and can only be truly enjoyed on the big screen... If you dare!

Suzy (Jessica Harper) travels to Germany to attend ballet school. When she arrives, late on a stormy night, no one lets her in, and she sees Pat (Eva Axén), another student, fleeing from the school. When Pat reaches her apartment, she is murdered. The next day, Suzy is admitted to her new school, but has a difficult time settling in. She hears noises, and often feels ill. As more people die, Suzy uncovers the terrifying secret history of the place...

"It's always fascinating to watch; the thrills and spills are so classy and fast that the movie becomes in effect what horror movies seemed like when you were too young to get in to see them." (Time Out)

"The blood pours freely in Argento's classic SUSPIRIA, a giallo horror as grandiose and glossy as it is gory." (Rotten Tomatoes)

"From stormy start to fiery finish, it's a stylish, compelling, phantasmagoric movie." (The Observer)

Wednesday, October 15
Doors 7:00 pm | Show 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Tier 1 (Rows A-F, Centre Section) $105+ s/c
Tier 2 $84+ s/c

SUSPIRIA (Dario Argento, 1977 / 92 mins/ 18A) A newcomer to a fancy ballet academy gradually comes to realize that the school is a front for something far more sinister and supernatural amidst a series of grisly murders.

A copious cavalcade of top notch talent and captivating cabaret await at The Rio Theatre Burlesque and Variety Show on Saturday, October 18th!

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 Saturday, August 30th, as these stars align for one night only!

Saturday, October 18
Doors 8:00 pm | Show 9:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Save $10 with Early Bird tickets just $20 until midnight October 1!

General Admission $30 + s/c | $35 + s/c at the door
VIP tickets (Rows 1-3, centre section) $40+ s/c
Squad Pass (Group of Four Tickets – online only) $100+ s/c

With Featured Performances By:

Angora Phobia | Arabella Boop | The Cryptids | Flora Fancy | Gnarleigh
Grace Galore | Honey Bee | Heavy Duty Dance Collective
Mosco Moonshine | Sensi Kat | Terry Brennan

Hosted by MISS KISS

"Vancouver’s Most Innovative Comedy / Variety Show" is back with a Halloween special! Save the date!

Thursday, October 23
Doors 7:15 pm | Show 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Tickets $22+ s/c | $25+ s/c at the door

- TEENAGE PUNK BAND: BLUEJAY VALLEY!
- HILARIOUS CLOWN: PRICILLA COSTA!
- INCREDIBLE THEATRICAL SYNTHPOP FROM DEVOURS!
- GIANT AUDIENCE OUIJA BOARD! We are building a massive planchette piece to place in the middle of the audience so everyone can be in contact with it. We ask questions of the spirits and as a group we all receive the answers.

But wait... There's more!
- Co-Host RYAN BEIL from The Sunday Service!
- Video by Eric St. Laurent!
- House band!
- 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)

This Show is Inspired By a True Story. (Truly.)

The show which you are about to see is an account of the tragedy which befell a group of drag performers, in particular Dandy of the Dead (aka TikTok superstar and regular Rio Theatre host, Dandy) and his invalid brother, Jordy Matheson. It is all the more tragic in that they were gay. But, had they lived very, very long lives, they could not have expected nor would they have wished to see as much of the mad and macabre as they were to see that day. For them an idyllic summer afternoon drive became a nightmare. The events of that day were to lead to the discovery of one of the most bizarre crimes in the annals of East Van history, The Dandy Chainsaw Masquerade.

Come dressed in your Halloween best for a raucous evening of campy horror comedy, drag performances, burlesque, games and music! Don't miss out on the interactive elements in the VIP section, which includes priority seating and a prop bag that coordinates with the show! 

Friday, October 24
Doors 7:15 pm | Show 8:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Early Bird Tickets $25+ s/c (Until September 26)
Adult $30+ s/c in advance |  $35+ s/c at the door
VIP (Priority Seating & Prop Bag) $40+ s/c

Hosted by the social media sensation and award winning master of ceremonies DANDY (@dandyandfriends) 
 
Featuring the Dancing Dandies of the Dead

Phoenix Hellfire
Gnarleigh
Dusty Crops
Princess Fluffy Butt
Mrs. Heart

and Many More!

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 this Fall 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 was nominated by the Costume Designers Guild Awards for Excellence in Short Form Design 2024, and WON a CAFTCAD Award for Excellence in Webseries 2024 thanks to already award winning, multi-talented Costume Designer, Rafaella Rabinovich.

@dandyandfriends

Bif Naked is a force of nature. A poet, a fighter, and a rock ‘n’ roll icon, she’s spent her career rewriting the rules, smashing barriers, and inspiring generations with her unapologetic voice and fearless authenticity. BIF NAKED is the definitive documentary on the life and career of one of Canada’s most unique and enduring artists.

The Rio Theatre is thrilled to welcome this outstanding Canadian icon for the Canadian Theatrical Premiere of the documentary, followed by an intimate acoustic performance and Q&A. Bif is a bona-fide Vancouver legend, and there's nowhere better than on our #EastVan stage for a once in a lifetime chance to celebrate the artist and her indelible career.

Tuesday, November 4
Doors 6:30 pm | Show 7:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Tickets $35+ s/c
VIP (Includes Artist Circle Seating & Photo Opp) $50+ s/c

On sale Friday, September 12 at 9:00 am

Born in secret in India, adopted by American missionaries, and raised in Canada, Bif’s journey has been anything but typical. She found her voice in the underground punk scene of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, quickly rising to prominence with her raw, emotionally charged lyrics and undeniable stage presence. As she ascended to rock stardom, she became a symbol of empowerment, a beacon for misfits, and an outspoken advocate for causes close to her heart. But her story isn’t just about fame. It’s about survival. Bif has faced and overcome extraordinary challenges—cancer, addiction, sexual assault, and a brutal music industry that often sought to silence her. Yet, through it all, she remained unbreakable, turning her pain into poetry and her struggles into anthems. Told through exclusive interviews, rare archival footage, and anthemic performances, BIF NAKED is a deep dive into the life of a woman who has lived and loved fearlessly. It’s about the cost of authenticity, the power of perseverance, and the undeniable impact of an artist who continues
to define and redefine herself. With Bif Naked, George Stroumboulopoulos, Doug Fury, Chiko Misomali, Peter Karroll.

This is Bif Naked—unfiltered, unstoppable, and louder than ever.

The Rio Theatre is pleased to welcome comedian Maria Bamford back to our stage on Thursday, November 6.

Thursday, November 6
Doors 5:30 pm | Show 6:30 pm *Please arrive on time. Start time subject to change.
Tickets on sale August 15

Maria Bamford is revered for her deeply personal and experimental comedy about mental illness. She starred in the surreal, semi-autobiographical Netflix comedy series Lady Dynamite, about a comedian who suffers a nervous breakdown, and is the star of three unconventional hour-long stand-up specials: Weakness is the Brand, Old Baby and Maria Bamford, the special, special, special!

Maria was the first female comic to have two half-hour Comedy Central Presents specials and starred alongside Patton Oswalt, Zach Galifianakis and Brian Posehn in the Comedy Central series The Comedians of Comedy and Netflix’s Comedians of Comedy: The Movie. She also created and starred in the cult hit web series The Maria Bamford Show, in which she plays all the characters.

Maria is often recognized for her prolific voiceover work, including characters on Big Mouth, BoJack Horseman, Summer Camp Island, Adventure Time, Talking Tom and Friends, Bob’s Burgers, Legend of Korra, Puss in Boots, CatDog and PBS’s Emmy-winning series Word Girl. She also stars as Tilly Mulch in Team Coco’s scripted podcast Frontier Tween. Maria played DeBrie Bardeaux on Netflix’s Arrested Development and recurred on the ABC hit series Fresh off the Boat.

She is the 2014 winner of the American Comedy Award for Best Club Comic.

Maria’s late night appearances include CONAN, The Tonight Show, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Late Night with Seth Meyers, CONAN, The Late Late Show with James Corden and The Tonight Show. Her interview series What’s Your Ailment? deals with the various mental struggles of celebrities and is available on the Topic streaming service. Her Audible Original You Are (A Comedy) Special is a semi-mock instructional book for both standup and life.

Official Website www.mariabamford.com

Instagram @mariabamfordcomedy

Twitter @mariabamfoo

The Rio Theatre is pleased to welcome comedian Maria Bamford back to our stage on Thursday, November 6.

Thursday, November 6
Doors 8:30 pm | Show 9:00 pm *Please arrive on time. Start time subject to change.

Maria Bamford is revered for her deeply personal and experimental comedy about mental illness. She starred in the surreal, semi-autobiographical Netflix comedy series Lady Dynamite, about a comedian who suffers a nervous breakdown, and is the star of three unconventional hour-long stand-up specials: Weakness is the Brand, Old Baby and Maria Bamford, the special, special, special!

Maria was the first female comic to have two half-hour Comedy Central Presents specials and starred alongside Patton Oswalt, Zach Galifianakis and Brian Posehn in the Comedy Central series The Comedians of Comedy and Netflix’s Comedians of Comedy: The Movie. She also created and starred in the cult hit web series The Maria Bamford Show, in which she plays all the characters.

Maria is often recognized for her prolific voiceover work, including characters on Big Mouth, BoJack Horseman, Summer Camp Island, Adventure Time, Talking Tom and Friends, Bob’s Burgers, Legend of Korra, Puss in Boots, CatDog and PBS’s Emmy-winning series Word Girl. She also stars as Tilly Mulch in Team Coco’s scripted podcast Frontier Tween. Maria played DeBrie Bardeaux on Netflix’s Arrested Development and recurred on the ABC hit series Fresh off the Boat.

She is the 2014 winner of the American Comedy Award for Best Club Comic.

Maria’s late night appearances include CONAN, The Tonight Show, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Late Night with Seth Meyers, CONAN, The Late Late Show with James Corden and The Tonight Show. Her interview series What’s Your Ailment? deals with the various mental struggles of celebrities and is available on the Topic streaming service. Her Audible Original You Are (A Comedy) Special is a semi-mock instructional book for both standup and life.

Official Website www.mariabamford.com

Instagram @mariabamfordcomedy

Twitter @mariabamfoo

The Rio Theatre is very excited to welcome comedian Nataly Aukar to the stage on Monday, November 10.

Monday, November 10
Doors 6:30 pm | Show 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Nataly Aukar is a Lebanese-born and raised writer and performer based in NYC. As a stand-up comic, Nataly has toured the world, opening for comedians such as Ramy Youssef ("Ramy"), Mo Amer ("Mo," "Black Adam"), and Gad El Maleh ("Huge in France") and was featured on Don’t Tell Comedy, and in the Netflix is a Joke Festival as part of the “Introducing…” showcase. She also starred, alongside Hiam Abbas ("Succession"), in "Noa Osheroff’s" short film “Sofa So Good” which was highlighted in The New Yorker.

Nataly is currently touring her hour-long set “My Turn To Talk,” after previewing the show to a sold out audience at Joe’s Pub in NYC and Largo in Los Angeles.

Connect on Instagram @natyourcolor

The Rio Theatre is pleased to welcome comedian Gareth Reynolds back to our stage on Tuesday, December 2.

Tuesday, December 2
Doors 6:00 pm | Show 6:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

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

Mountains on Stage aims to bring the mountains to the city and to share all the beauty of mountain sports! A selection of the best films related to mountain activities are presented.

Complete program info and lineup coming soon!

Tuesday, December 9
Doors 6:15 pm | Event 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

John Achkar's "Tryin' / 3am Jarrib"
Presented by INNOVENT

Comedian John Achkar takes you on a heartfelt and hilarious journey through the chaos of life in his thirties. While the world seems to have it all figured out (HA!), John is still just Tryin’.

From navigating life's absurdities to giving marriage another shot, he’s here to remind us that being a little lost is perfectly okay. With candid observations and relatable stories, John’s special will leave you laughing, nodding, and feeling a little less alone in this wonderfully crazy thing called life.

Wednesday, December 10
Doors 6:00 pm | Show 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

VIP (Rows A-D / Main Floor) $100+ s/c
Tier 1 (Rows E-I / Main Floor) $80+ s/c
Tier 2 (Rows J-O / Main Floor) $65+ s/c

*Please note: This performance is in Arabic.

Artist Bio:

John Achkar is a Lebanese stand-up comedian, actor, and entrepreneur renowned across the Middle East for his sharp humor and relatable storytelling. Known for blending wit with insightful social commentary, Achkar has become a household name in the comedy scene, performing sold-out shows in Lebanon, the GCC, Europe, North America, and Australia.

Achkar rose to prominence in 2020 after a viral skit on TikTok and Instagram catapulted him into the public eye. Since then, he has performed multiple one-hour comedy specials, including No Worries(2022), Wein 3ayish?(2023), Shou Zakeh?!(2024), and his latest hit AAM JARRIB(2025) : a bold exploration of trial, error, and embracing life’s constant experiments. The special dives into the humor and chaos of pushing boundaries, trying new things, and learning to keep moving forward.

In addition to comedy, Achkar co-founded Everythink, a small business aimed at creating interactive experiences through play. His entrepreneurial spirit and comedic talents have also led him to host Tar El Waet(2024), a Lebanese TV show blending satire with cultural and political critique.

Achkar’s achievements include touring in more than 60 cities for his world tour special in 2024, as well as opening for renowned comedian Gad El Maleh in Dubai and Paris , a career milestone that fulfilled a lifelong dream. Through his work, Achkar continues to inspire laughter and introspection, proving that comedy can be a powerful tool for connection and change.

Connect on Instagram: @johnachr

Jake Lambert—one of the UK’s most exciting new comedians—is heading to the Rio Theatre with his smash-hit show The Sunshine Kid.

Described by The Telegraph as “a joke machine,” Jake Lambert’s non-stop gag-filled storytelling has made him one of the fastest-rising names in comedy. The Sunshine Kid sees Jake hilariously navigate the quirks of everyday life, his fear of being “normal,” and the all-too-familiar urge to ask strangers what breed their dogs are. Jake’s spot-on, viral online videos have amassed more than 500 million views and earned him over 650,000 Instagram followers. He has supported comedy superstar Michael McIntyre on his worldwide tour and appeared on Live At The Apollo, Comedy Central, and Dave.

As a writer, Jake has contributed to many of the UK’s top comedy shows, including The Royal Variety Performance, Michael McIntyre's Big Show, Bake Off, and 8 Out of 10 Cats. His 2022 Edinburgh Fringe show Liminal was one of the best-reviewed shows of the festival, cementing his status as a rising star. Now, Canadian fans will have the chance to see Jake Lambert live on stage for an unforgettable night of sharp wit, rapid-fire punchlines, and laugh-out-loud comedy.

Friday, December 19
Doors 6:00 pm | Sow 7:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Tickets go on sale Thursday, September 18 at 10 AM

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.

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 $15+ s/c (Until August 11) | $20+ s/c
VIP (Rows A-C) $30+ s/c (Until August 11) | $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