SAINTS AND WARRIORS is the epic and inspiring story of how basketball became not only an obsession, but a means for survival for the Haida people and their culture on the remote Indigenous Nation of Haida Gwaii on the northwest coast of Canada, near Alaska.

Over the course of the 2023-24 basketball season, we follow the legendary Haida basketball team the Skidegate Saints who have dominated the iconic All Native Basketball Tournament for the past decade. As aging team leaders Desi Collinson, Gaagwiis Jason Alsop, and Duane Alsop attempt to defend their title, the surprising defection of star teammate Jesse Barnes to a rival big city team sets local heroes on a collision course in a dramatic championship game.

Meanwhile, leading members of the Saints team are also leaders of the Haida government who are fighting a decades long court battle with the provincial and federal government to take back Aboriginal title of their land from the governments that stole their land with the Indian Act of 1876. These intertwining battles on and off the court showcase the stunning role that "a silly game of putting the ball in the hoop"
plays in Haida Gwaii as a tool for political action, community leadership, and the survival of culture.

"As compassionate and patient as it is compelling in the final stretch, Saints and Warriors is the type of incisive documentary that finds its greatest impact in telling marginalized peoples’ stories." (Willamette Week)

Director Patrick Shannon (an OG Rio Theatre employee!) will be on site for an introduction and post-show Q&A. The first 30 guests on site will receive a complimentary medium fountain beverage and popcorn.

Sunday, November 23
Doors 12:00 pm | Movie 12:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

SAINTS AND WARRIORS (Patrick Shannon, 2025 / 99 mins / PG) Leaders of iconic Indigenous basketball team, the Skidegate Saints as they compete for two titles - defending their championship title at the 2024 All Native Basketball Tournament, and the political title battle for their lands and waters.