In the midst of a frozen Minnesota winter, a Japanese drum master and Korean adoptee from North Dakota join forces to assemble the world’s best Taiko drummers in a bold effort to claim a cultural spotlight that has historically been reserved only for men.

Their rhythm revolution includes rock stars from the world of Taiko: Tiffany Tamaribuchi, Kaoly Asano, Chieko Kojima, Megan Chao-Smith, and Jennifer Weir.

Through grueling rehearsals, Jennifer weaves together their disparate voices and styles. Vulnerability, pain, and joys are shared—and we quickly see the bonds of friendship form as these talented women navigate their way through differences in culture, age, language, and performing styles.

As the clock ticks toward their first performance, it becomes clear that their story has become much larger than Taiko.

“'Finding Her Beat' is one of the year’s most engaging and captivating documentaries.” (Film Threat)

"“Finding Her Beat” remains an insightful look into an influential art form that also defies a false and frequently misconstrued binary between tradition and modernity, featuring interesting subjects that viewers will quickly warm to..." (Asian Movie Pulse)

Festival screenings include: Mill Valley Film Festival, DOC NYC, Cucalorus, Heartland, Newport Beach, Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, Cleveland International Film Festival, and Sound Unseen (Opening Film in Austin, TX and Centerpiece Film in Minneapolis, MN). Audience Favorite at both DisOrient Asian American Film Festival (also Best Documentary) and Frozen River Film Festival (also best MN Film).

This screening will be preceded by a live Taiko performance!

Tuesday, September 26
Doors 6:00 pm | Event 6:30 pm

FINDING HER BEAT (Dawn Mikkelson, Keri Pickett, 2002 / 89 mins / G) A master of Japanese drumming and a Korean adoptee from Minnesota boldly convene an all-female troupe to perform Taiko, the Japanese drumming art that has been off-limits to women for centuries. As the early menace of Covid rumbles in the background, the group faces down hurdles to prepare for a historic performance in snowy St. Paul. Buoyed by dynamic drum performances and do-or-die spirit, FINDING HER BEAT is an energizing and uplifting story of music, cultural expression and sisterhood.

*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.)