Join us at the Rio Theatre on Tuesday, August 20 for the Canadian Premiere of the locally-produced, highly-anticipated feature documentary I AM PATRICK SWAYZE.

Director Adrian Buitenhuis (I AM HEATH LEDGER, I AM SAM KINISON) explores the 1980’s most recognizable leading man, who challenged Hollywood’s very notions of masculinity and redefined what it meant to be the Sexiest Man Alive. Featuring never-before-seen home videos, photographs and original interviews with the people who knew Patrick best—including the illustrious costars of his biggest films—this documentary dives beyond his status as a sex-symbol to reveal the complexities of an often misunderstood movie star. From his ferocious drive, to his most iconic roles and off camera battles with alcohol and cancer, Patrick’s family, friends and collaborators reflect on the life and legacy of the man they endearingly called “Buddy.”

The son of an engineer-cowboy and dance instructor from Houston, Texas, Patrick was born to break any mold not forged by his own hands. At first glance, he could be on his way to rebuild a car’s engine or tame a wild stallion—his macho energy radiating clearly: Don’t piss this guy off. Watch Patrick on a movie screen however and this intensity gave way to a different side, revealing his gentle heart and truly poetic soul.

Versatile, vulnerable and fearless, Patrick faced down every role as an exciting new challenge. Whether he was leading a pack of outsiders, performing acrobatics 10,000 feet in the air, strutting in full drag, or sweeping women, literally, off their feet, he heeded his father’s enduring advice and refused to back down.

I AM PATRICK SWAYZE features a star-studded cast including Patrick’s widow, Lisa Niemi, co-stars Demi Moore (Ghost), Rob Lowe (The Outsiders, Youngblood), Sam Elliott (Road House), Jennifer Grey (Dirty Dancing), C. Thomas Howell (The Outsiders, Red Dawn, Grandview, U.S.A.), Marshall R. Teague (Road House), Kelly Lynch (Road House) and Lori Petty (Point Break), director Roland Joffe (City of Joy), and more.

Director Adrian Buitenhuis will be joining us in-person for a post-screening Q&A.

Tuesday, August 20
Doors 6:15 pm | Movie 6:45 pm *Start time subject to change
Advance tickets $10.50 HERE | $12.50 at the door

*Minors welcome 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 door.

I AM PATRICK SWAYZE (Adrian Buitenhuis, 2019 /92 mins / PG) A candid portrait of Patrick Swayze, channeling the same tenderness and strength that defined not only his beloved characters, but the remarkable man he was—a man who was born to be either a Texan cowboy, prolific dancer, all-star athlete or a true artist, who instead decided to be all of them.