North Atlantic right whales have roamed the world’s oceans for nearly 12 million years and returned from the brink of extinction twice before. Now, once again, these magnificent great whales are facing the end.

Last of the Right Whales follows the North Atlantic right whale’s 1,600-kilometre migration as observed through the eyes of scientists tracking its long journey of survival in a rapidly changing world. In each critical habitat – coastal Florida, Cape Cod Bay and the Gulf of St. Lawrence – scientists joined by fishers, photographers and rescuers are on a quest to discover what these great whales need to reproduce, nourish and travel in hazardous waters.

With the right whale as the film’s central character, the movie combines stunning aerial and underwater cinematography with
character-driven, vérité storytelling. Because North Atlantic right whales are critically endangered, it is illegal to approach within 100 m or 500 yd in Canada and the U.S. respectively without a Federal permit. The right whale images captured in Last of the Right Whales are unparalleled. Filming alongside researchers, permitted to approach within metres of these incredible
60-ton whales, gives viewers an unrivaled look at a rarely seen animal, the second largest on earth.

The North Atlantic right whale is the most studied whale in the world with nearly all of the remaining individuals identified,
catalogued and tracked but despite decades of research, many mysteries remain. The same adaptability that has saved right
whales from extinction makes them difficult to know and protect. Now climate change is forcing North Atlantic right whales further north in search of food, putting them on a collision course with deadly ships and fishing gear. Researchers are in a race against time to discover what North Atlantic right whales need to survive and what we can do to protect them.

With unprecedented access to film the whale migration, Last of the Right Whales brings a message of hope about the most at risk great whale on the planet.

Featuring Charles ‘Stormy’ Mayo, Moira Brown, Kim Davies, Martin Noel, Nick Hawkins, Barbara Zoodsma.

“‘Last of the Right Whales’ is a visually stunning, emotionally engaging and unexpectedly intense ride for a documentary about marine life. Featuring some truly spectacular footage, Pequeneza’s film serves as a reminder of the majesty of the Right Whales and the importance of reviving the species.” (ScreenFish)

“‘Last of the Right Whales’ is an important story of hope, impact and action.” (Deadline)

Saturday, April 2
Doors 1:30 pm | Movie 2:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Advance tickets available HERE

*Minors permitted. 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.

LAST OF THE RIGHT WHALES (Nadine Pequeneza, 2021 / 92 mins / PG) It is based on group of people that is a wildlife photographer, a marine biologist, a whale rescuer, and a crab fisherman who united in their cause to save the North Atlantic right whale.