An Eco-Action Fantasy Thriller Set in a Frozen World.

Filmmaker Kirsten Carthew's breathtaking, bold, and all-female eco-action fantasy POLARIS unravels with a stunning visual language all its own. Against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic future, the world has upended. In this barren, frozen time during forever-winter, women endure a vicious lifestyle reflective of a brutal environment, inherited from the cruel disregard of generations prior. This is a world where toxic green goo runs thicker than blood in fish and wild animals. The women number few within a massive territory, where everyone labors to survive. But, there are factions of marauders (MORADS), who band together and use their collective brutality to raid, hunt, and remain formidable from attack. To be a Morad requires a relentless work ethic, enforced by peer accountability. In return, one might live longer because there is strength in community. To be other than a MORAD is to risk attack from them -- and requires an uncommon aptitude for survival.

Set in 2144 against the harsh backdrop of a frozen wasteland, Sumi, a human child raised by Mama Polar Bear, narrowly escapes capture from a brutal Morad hunting party and sets out across the vast winter landscape. When Sumi stumbles across Frozen Girl, an unlikely friendship is forged and together they race ahead of the vindictive hunters towards the only guiding light Sumi knows - the Polaris star. With Viva Lee, Muriel Dutil, Kamisa Wilsher, Dinah Gaston.

Official Selection Fantasia Film Festival, SITGES Film Festival, Whistler Film Festival, CUFF.

Filmmakers in attendance for post-show Q&A!

“A fast-paced, all female eco-action fantasy” (Screen Daily)

“Cinematic par excellence!” (Forbes)
“A treat to the senses without fail… profound, transformative” (High On Films)

“Like “Waterworld” or “Mad Max” but set in the Canadian Yukon. “Polaris” goes even further than those movies... A bold vision about human nature.” (Roger Ebert.com)

“'Polaris' is one of the most unique cinematic experiences… an indie sci-fi eco-adventure not to be missed. Just as David Cronenberg brought some “new flesh” to Canadian horror, KC Carthew could do the same” (Pajiba)

“A beautiful, violent and compelling tale…incredible performances and world-building, Polaris is a worthy entry in post-apocalyptic cinema.” (Rue Morgue)

Tuesday, August 29
Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

POLARIS (Kirsten Carthew, 2022 / 89 mins / PG) A young girl raised by a polar bear pursues her destiny after escaping capture by brutal warriors intent on killing her mother.

*Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Rio Theatre Groupons and Rio Theatre passes are OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office.
*Online sales end an hour before showtime; unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime. Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats and time for treats. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale.
*If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance and give us a “heads up,” or do it at the box office prior to showtime. (We seat 400+ people and our regular screenings are very rarely at capacity – you should not have issues being admitted.)