Enemies: A Tail of Friendship (OFF-VIFF 2026 World Premiere)
Stupid Co and the Rio Theatre presents the third annual OFF-VIFF – a platform for the underground. Featuring the West Coast premieres of Avalon Fast and Jillian Frank’s DRINKING AND DRIVING, Louise Weard’s celebrated CASTRATION MOVIE CHAPTER III, and local wrestling doc ENEMIES: A TALE OF FRIENDSHIP. Plus, a very special screening of Wayne Wappemukwa’s newest project to hit screens, MANHUNT.
With Booze! Popcorn! Grilled cheese sandwiches! And more! Come early and stay late!
Keep your friends close and your enemies closer… unless talking about Kaan Eraslan’s Vancouver-made ENEMIES: A TALE OF FRIENDSHIP, which endearingly and inspiringly showcases the fine line between friend versus foe, the persona versus the personal and independent wrestling at-large in the Pacific Northwest. Eraslan’s feature debut not only brings body-slams back to the big-screen at the Rio but also serves as a strong and perhaps surprising reminder of the independent spirit connecting both film and wrestling. We couldn’t be any prouder to host the World Premiere of this film and its All Star cast of characters at OFF-VIFF 2026!
“The Thunder From Jalandhar” and “The All American” Azeem “the Dream” have battered each other across the Pacific Northwest’s indie wrestling circuit for over a decade. Under the banner of All Star Wrestling, they’ve honed their routine to perfection. But when All Star Wrestling goes up for sale, Thunder and Azeem must learn how to step out of the spotlight to ensure the survival of the organization and usher in a new generation of wrestling talent.
Monday, October 12
Doors 12:45 pm | Movie 1:15 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
OFF-VIFF Day Pass HERE
Single Film Ticket HERE
ENEMIES: A TALE OF FRIENDSHIP (Kaan Eraslan & T.J. Tulloch, 2026 / 84 mins / NR)
ABOUT OFF-VIFF
OFF-VIFF was created in 2024 by filmmaker Arran Shearing, and supported by Stupid Co.’s Kyle Greenberg and Anna Maguire with the idea of platforming local films in ways the other Vancouver festivals weren’t doing. We wanted to remind our fellow filmmakers (and ourselves) that we didn’t need permission to play our films in the city we’re from. Now, three years in, we try to program a different vision of what a BC film can be. Through our fun and subversive festival selections we hope to inspire filmmakers and audiences to expand their ideas of what makes a successful film.
*Must be 18+ for entry. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Sorry, Rio Theatre Groupons and passes n/a for this event.
*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 purchase at the Rio Theatre’s Box Office prior to showtime (subject to availability).
*Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. Please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats, and time for treats at concession.
*All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. No refunds or exchanges.
