BIG FIGHT IN LITTLE CHINATOWN is a story of community resistance and resilience. Set against the backdrop of the COVID pandemic and an unprecedented rise in anti-Asian racism, the documentary takes us into the lives of residents, businesses and community organizers whose neighborhoods are facing active erasure.

Coast to Coast the film follows Chinatown communities resisting the pressures around them. From the construction of the world’s largest vertical jail in New York, Montreal’s fight against developers swallowing up the most historic block of their Chinatown, big box chains and gentrification forces displacing Toronto’s community, to a Vancouver Chinatown business holding steadfast, the film reveals how Chinatown is both a stand-in for other communities who’ve been wiped off the city map, and the blueprint for inclusive and resilient neighbourhoods of the future.

In 2018, the Rio Theatre put up its own fight against encroaching development when the property was listed for sale, which triggered the launch of our (very successful!) #SavetheRio Campaign that eventually resulted in our being able to buy the building outright – preserving the business and venue for the people of Vancouver. We stand in solidarity with our neighbours in Vancouver’s Chinatown, who are currently dealing with this very urgent and pressing issue of gentrification, and welcome our friends at #SaveChinatownYVR to the screening on June 10. They will be on hand providing important and useful information and context to this issue.

“Showcasing the people, places, businesses, and history that make up the pillars of Chinatowns in Vancouver, Montreal, and New York, ‘Big Fight in Little Chinatown’ focuses on the consistent effort required to preserve the essence of the storied communities.” (Georgia Straight)

Saturday, June 10
Doors 1:30 pm | Movie 2:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Advance tickets HERE

Can’t make it to our screening on June 10? BIG FIGHT IN LITTLE CHINATOWN will also be screening downtown at the beautiful VIFF Centre. Go HERE to see their list of showtimes and for advance ticketing info.

BIG FIGHT IN LITTLE CHINATOWN (Karen Cho, 2022 / 82 mins / G / In English and Cantonese with English subtitles) With the devastating economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and city redevelopment, Chinatowns in New York City, Montreal and Vancouver search for innovative ways to keep their communities thriving.

*Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Rio Theatre Groupons and Rio Theatre passes are OK for any single film screening only. Please redeem at the box office.
*Online sales end an hour before showtime; unless otherwise noted, tickets are always available for purchase at the box office prior to showtime. All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. 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.
*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 very rarely at capacity – you should not have issues being admitted.)