Charlotte is an animated drama that tells the true story of Charlotte Salomon, a young German-Jewish painter who comes of age in Berlin on the eve of the Second World War. Fiercely imaginative and deeply gifted, she dreams of becoming an artist. Her first love applauds her talent, which emboldens her resolve. But the world around her is changing quickly and dangerously, limiting her options and derailing her dream. When anti-Semitic policies inspire violent mobs, she leaves Berlin for the safety of the South of France. There she begins to paint again, and finds new love. But her work is interrupted, this time by a family tragedy that reveals an even darker secret. Believing that only an extraordinary act will save her, she embarks on the monumental adventure of painting her life story. Featuring the voices of Keira Knightley, Jim Broadbent, Brenda Blethyn, Henry Czerny, Eddie Marsan, Helen McCrory, Sophie Okonedo.

Charlotte Salomon (1917-1943) is the author of “Life? Or Theatre?,” an autobiographical collection of paintings that has been exhibited around the world, including London’s Royal Academy, Museum of Fine Arts Boston, and the Art Gallery of Ontario. Many consider “Life? Or Theatre?” the first graphic novel. The work has inspired a live action film (1981), a documentary feature (2011), an opera (2014), a prize-winning novel (2014), an award-winning ballet (2015), and several plays.

“For the chance to become acquainted with Salomon’s tragic and unique tale, as well as with her enduring output, this well-intended portrait is worth a look.” (LA Times)

“Why use animation to tell such a harrowing story? In the hands of directors Eric Warin and Tahir Rana and their creative colleagues, it’s the perfect choice.” (Hollywood Reporter)

“With this wondrous telling of her life, viewers will be able to discover it for themselves, alongside her vibrant memory.” (National Post)

“The genius of ‘Charlotte,’ directed by Eric Warin and Tahir Rana, is to recognize that the best way to tell this story is through animation that can reproduce Salomon’s quick expressionistic gouaches as it recounts her life. “ (Globe and Mail)

Saturday, May 7  Screening in English
Doors 12:30 pm | Movie 1:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Advance tickets HERE

Wednesday, May 11  Screening in English
Doors 6:00 pm | Movie 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Advance tickets HERE

*Minors permitted. Must be 19+ 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.

CHARLOTTE (Tahir Rana & Éric Warin, 2022 / 93 mins / G) The true story of Charlotte Salomon, a young German-Jewish artist who comes of age on the eve of the Second World War and defies incredible odds to create a timeless masterpiece.