Tzouhalem, Chief of the Cowichan First Nation during the mid-1800’s, is arguably one of the most fascinating and polarizing figures in Canadian history.

His story is a matter of historic record, yet is the subject of legend.

There is a mountain, road, and other landmarks on Cowichan territory named after him. It is generally believed that Tzouhalem (a deformed Indigenous boy), through his strength of character and mystical powers (taught to him by his Grandmother), subdued his rivals, and transformed himself into the most powerful First Nations leader in the Pacific Northwest… Before succumbing to his own immorality.

Through interviews and creative re-enactments, this documentary examines the near-mythic figure of Cowichan Chief Tzouhalem; from the account of his life from historians and First Nations Elders, to the folkloric tales concerning him and his impact on the modern relationship between the Crown and First Nations, as well as how his legend remains alive to this day through a critical examination of how his story has been told and passed down to us.

“A fascinating documentary.” (National Observer)

Saturday, March 12 Filmmakers Leslie Bland & Harold Joe in Attendance for Q&A!
Doors 12:30 pm | Movie 1:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Advance tickets $13 HERE | $13 at the door

*Minors permitted. (May not be suitable for very young children.) Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office.
*If you are looking to redeem your tickets to either a canceled Rio Theatre screening or a Rio Theatre gift certificate, please email <[email protected]> with info including your name, canceled receipt number, gift certificate info, what you are wanting to see and when, and we can make the switch for you in advance. Alternately, you can bring this information with you to the venue, and we will do our best to help you at the box office.

In accordance with the Province of British Columbia’s current PHO from the Ministry of Health, all eligible patrons must present their proof of vaccine status for entry. No exceptions.

TZOUHALEM (Leslie Bland and Harold Joe, 2021 / 90 mins / Not Yet Rated) Through interviews and creative re-enactments, this documentary examines the near-mythic figure of Cowichan Chief Tzouhalem, the account of his life from both historians and First Nations Elders, the folkloric tales concerning him, his impact on the modern relationship between the Crown and First Nations, and how his legend remains alive to this day, examining critically how his story has been told and passed down to us.