Iconic Italian auteur Federico Fellini drew on his own circus background for LA STRADA, which took home the Best Foreign Language Oscar in 1954. Set in a seedy traveling carnival, this symbolism-laden drama revolves around brutish strongman Zampano (the wonderful Anthony Quinn), his simple and servile girlfriend Gelsomin (Giulietta Masina), and clown/aerialist Matto.

When Gelsomina, a naïve young woman, is purchased from her impoverished mother by brutish circus strongman Zampanò to be his wife and partner, she loyally endures her husband’s coldness and abuse as they travel the Italian countryside performing together. Soon Zampanò must deal with his jealousy and conflicted feelings about Gelsomina when she finds a kindred spirit in Il Matto, the carefree circus fool, and contemplates leaving Zampanò.

“Signor Fellini has used his small cast, and, equally important, his camera, with the unmistakable touch of an artist. His vignettes fill his movie with beauty, sadness, humor and understanding.” (The New York Times)

“It holds its own, more than six decades on. If Giulietta Masina and Anthony Quinn’s tragic two-step doesn’t break your heart, then Nino Rota’s score will.” (Irish Times)

“The triangle plays out in Fellini’s favourite key of bittersweet sentimentality, life as a tragicomic circus.” (Total Film)

Presented by Rio Theatre and the Italian Contemporary Film Festival, in partnership with the Consulate General of Italy in Vancouver and Fare Cinema 2019, and with the generous support of Il Centro – Italian Cultural Centre in Vancouver.

Tuesday, June 11
Doors 6:00 pm | Film 6:30 pm

Advance tickets $10.50 HERE | $12.50 at the door

*Minors permitted in the balcony. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service and main floor seating.
*Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK. Please redeem at the box office.

LA STRADA “The Road” (Federico Fellini, 1954 / PG / 108 mins / Italian with English subtitles) A care-free girl is sold to a traveling entertainer, consequently enduring physical and emotional pain along the way.