In celebration of Black History Month, we are re-visiting filmmaker Shaka King‘s 2020 feature film JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH, which is based on the true story of a man who infiltrated the Illinois chapter of the political organization for the FBI in the turbulent 1960’s.

British actor Daniel Kaluuya (GET OUT) took home Oscar gold for his riveting portrayal of enigmatic Black Panther Chairman Fred Hampton in writer-director King‘s compelling, historical crime thriller. Also starring LaKeith Stanfeld (SORRY TO BOTHER YOU, KNIVES OUT), Jesse Plemons (BREAKING BAD, FARGO), and Martin Sheen.

“An electrifying dramatization of historical events, ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ is a forceful condemnation of racial injustice — and a major triumph for its director and stars.” (Rotten Tomatoes)

“’Judas and the Black Messiah’ represents a disciplined, impassioned effort to bring clarity to a volatile moment, to dispense with the sentimentality and revisionism that too often cloud movies about the ’60s and about the politics of race. It’s fascinating in its own right, and even more so when looked at alongside other recent movies.” (New York Times)

“‘Judas and the Black Messiah builds to a powerful and horrifying conclusion, with the closing captions bringing a dose of further reality and emotion to proceedings. It may well leave you reeling.” (The List)

Tuesday, February 6
Doors 9:00 pm | Movie 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Advance tickets HERE

If you’re attending the Reel Causes: The Revolution Will Not Be Televised event at 6:30 pm (featuring a preview of Rick DuPree’s upcoming documentary SEATTLE BLACK PANTHERS FIGHT FOR JUSTICE & FREEDOM), you can get a reduced ticket price for JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH HERE

JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH (Shaka King, 2020 / 14 A / 126 mins) FBI informant William O’Neal infiltrates the Illinois Black Panther Party and is tasked with keeping tabs on their charismatic leader, Chairman Fred Hampton. A career thief, O’Neal revels in the danger of manipulating both his comrades and his handler, Special Agent Roy Mitchell. Hampton’s political prowess grows just as he’s falling in love with fellow revolutionary Deborah Johnson. Meanwhile, a battle wages for O’Neal’s soul. Will he align with the forces of good? Or subdue Hampton and The Panthers by any means, as FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover commands?

*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.
*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 <[email protected]> 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.)

*All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale.