Plastic People

The ground-breaking feature documentary PLASTIC PEOPLE investigates our addiction to plastic and the growing threat of microplastics on human health. Almost every bit of plastic ever made breaks down into “microplastics.” These microscopic particles drift in the air, float in all bodies of water, and mix into the soil, becoming a permanent part of the environment. Now, leading scientists are finding these particles in our bodies: organs, blood, brain tissue, and even the placentas of new mothers. What is the impact of these invisible invaders on our health?

In PLASTIC PEOPLE, audiences will embark on a journey led by acclaimed author and science journalist Ziya Tong, as she explores the pervasive influence of plastic in our lives. From the smallest particles to its impact on human health, this film uncovers the startling truth about our addiction to plastic and the urgent need for action.

What sets PLASTIC PEOPLE apart is its personal approach, as Tong collaborates with leading scientists worldwide and even subjects herself to experiments to illustrate the extent of plastic‘s infiltration. Under the direction of award-winning filmmaker Ben Addelman, this documentary delivers a compelling narrative that demands attention and sparks vital conversations.

Official Selcetion SXSW 2024, DOXA 2024

“‘Plastic People’ offers a fascinating history of plastic, showing us how the stuff gradually took over… It is one of those essential state-of-our-world documentaries.” (Variety)
Wednesday, May 22
Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Advance tickets HERE

Saturday, May 25
Doors 2:30 pm | Movie 2:55 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Advance tickets HERE

PLASTIC PEOPLE (Ben Addelman & Ziya Tong, 2024 / 87 mins / PG) PLASTIC PEOPLE is a landmark feature documentary that chronicles humanity’s fraught relationship with plastic and one woman’s mission to expose shocking new revelations about the impact of microplastics on human health.

*Minors permitted. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK. Please redeem at the door.
*We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance at www.riotheatretickets.ca. If a screening or live event is not sold out, the remaining tickets will be available for in-person purchase at the Rio Theatre’s Box Office prior to showtime (subject to availability).

*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 at concession.
*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 rarely at capacity – you should not have issues being admitted.)

*All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale.


Are we becoming Plastic People? Our ground-breaking feature documentary investigates our addiction to plastic and the growing threat of microplastics on human health. Almost every bit of plastic ever made ends up ground down into "microplastics". These microscopic particles drift in the air, float in the water and sit in the soil. And now, leading scientists are finding them in our bodies: organs, blood, brain tissue and even the placentas of new mothers. What is the impact of these invisible invaders on our health? Ziya Tong, author and science journalist, makes it personal by visiting leading scientists and undergoing experiments in her home, on her food, and on her body.

About The Rio

Voted the #1 Independent Theatre in Vancouver, the Rio Theatre is a multimedia venue featuring arthouse, mainstream and cult-classic cinemas as well as live entertainment. Built in 1938, the Rio has been fully restored with a state of the art digital projector, surround sound, a huge stage and 420 luxurious seats.

1660 East Broadway, Vancouver, BC

Phone: 604.879.3456

Info Line: 604.878.3456

Email: [email protected]

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