The Rio Theatre is pleased to participate in an international tour of arthouse cinemas screening Dziga Vertov's icon of silent cinema, MAN WITH A MOVIE CAMERA, featuring a live musical score performed by the Austin, Texas outfit Montopolis. One of the most influential documentaries ever made, the 1929 film depicting life in cities including Odessa and Kyiv, Ukraine, recently placed 8th on the Sight and Sound greatest films of all time poll.
Montopolis composer and pianist Justin Sherburn’s joyful, original score celebrates the beauty and resilience of Ukraine’s people, and aims to inspire American audiences to support the country in its time of need. The grandson of Romanian immigrants, Sherburn has a personal investment in the history and culture of Eastern Europe. His original score incorporates indie rock, extended techniques, and traditional Ukrainian folk melodies. According to Sherburn (whose Ashkenazi family name is Shapiro), the work is “an exercise in the power of music to undermine a film’s intention.”

MAN WITH A MOVIE CAMERA was commissioned by the Soviet regime under Joseph Stalin to showcase the might of industry in the cities of Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa. The composer’s romantic score transforms a nationalistic propaganda film into a celebration of the human spirit, emphasizing the humanity of the Ukrainian people over the industrial prowess of the Soviet Union. Revered as a visual masterpiece, MAN WITH A MOVIE CAMERA gives historical context to the current Russian invasion, and lays bare the costs of the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe.

The live score by Montopolis has been called "stunning and transcendent" by the Austin Chronicle.

Wednesday, May 3
Doors 6:45 pm | Movie 7:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Following the film, Montopolis will participate in a talkback with the audience.

Kids (Under 12) $20
Early Bird Tickets (Limited Number Available! Until March 22) $25
Seniors & Students (Must provide ID) $25
General Admission Tickets
$30 | $35 at the door
VIP (Reserved Seating, First 5 rows, Centre Section)
$35 | $40 at the door

Montopolis has partnered with relief organization Bird of Light Ukraine to raise awareness of the refugee crisis in Ukraine. The organization has built a humanitarian supply line that sends millions of dollars of goods to the hardest hit parts of Ukraine. With in-depth knowledge of the region, they can respond quickly to the greatest needs as situations change on the ground, a challenge for larger, more prominent NGOs. Donations for Bird of Light will be accepted in the lobby at every screening on the tour, and a portion of the proceeds from the entire tour will be donated to support their efforts.