Federico Fellini’s 8½

A picture that goes beyond what men think about - because no man ever thought about it in quite this way!

One of our favourite annual events that we adore participating in and being a part of is Italian Day on the Drive. Like everyone in Vancouver, we have really missed this East Vancouver tradition, and are celebrating its return with one our most requested titles – a screening of Federico Fellini‘s masterfully surreal, semi-autobiographical take on the trials and tribulations of the film-making, 8 1/2. Even better? Italian Day on the Drive pricing is in effect!

No less than Fellini himself declared 8 1/2 as one of his favorite films ever. Marcello Mastroianni delivers one of his best-loved, career-high performances as troubled Italian filmmaker Guido Anselmi, a harried man struggling with creative stasis as he attempts to get a new movie off the ground. Overwhelmed by his work and personal life, the director retreats into his thoughts, which often focus on his loves, both past and present, and frequently wander into fantastical territory. As he tries to sort out his many entanglements, romantic and otherwise, Anselmi finds his production becoming more and more autobiographical.

One of the greatest films about film ever made, 8 1/2 (“Otto e mezzo”) turns one man’s artistic crisis into a grand epic of the cinema. An early working title for 8 1/2 was “The Beautiful Confusion,” and Fellini’s masterpiece is exactly that: a shimmering dream, a circus, and a magic act. Also starring Claudia Cardinale, Anouk Aimée, Sandra Milo, Barbra Steele.

“Here is a piece of entertainment that will really make you sit up straight and think, a movie endowed with the challenge of a fascinating intellectual game.” (The New York Times)

“Inventive, thought-provoking, and funny, 8 1/2 represents the arguable peak of Federico Fellini’s many towering feats of cinema.” (Rotten Tomatoes)


Sunday, June 9
Doors 8:00 pm | Movie 8:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Advance tickets HERE

Italian Day on the Drive pricing is in effect! Tickets just $8.50.


8 1/2 “Otto e mezzo” (Federico Fellini, 1963 / 138 mins / 18A / In Italian with English subtitles) Harried movie director Guido, when trying to relax after his last big hit, retreats into his memories and fantasies, but He can’t get a moment’s peace when the people who have worked with him in the past constantly look to him for more work. He wrestles with his conscience, but is unable to come up with a new idea. While thinking, he starts to recall major happenings in his life, and all the women he has loved and left.


*Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK for any single film only. 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.

Guido Anselmi, a film director, finds himself creatively barren at the peak of his career. Urged by his doctors to rest, Anselmi heads for a luxurious resort, but a sorry group gathers—his producer, staff, actors, wife, mistress, and relatives—each one begging him to get on with the show. In retreat from their dependency, he fantasizes about past women and dreams of his childhood.

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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