From the impact of 9/11, to the front lines of the opioid crisis in Vancouver and Toronto, and across the bridge to the arson epidemic in Detroit, Florian’s Knights travel to the darkest pits of the human experience. The real traumas of firefighting are exposed in ways never-before-seen.

As the Florian’s Knights full patch motorcycle club, the freedom felt on two wheels is the unifying force that has inspired these firefighters from across North America. Standing behind their bike, they speak truth against the stigma of first responder mental health. Depression, substance abuse, and suicide. Issues that have been swept under the rug for generations. For these Florian’s Knights… The motorcycle is their medicine and vehicle for a changed perspective.

On June 5th, 2018, the entire future of the Florian’s Knights MC faced abolition. Founding member Nick Elmes, an Active Duty Vancouver Firefighter, was photographed posing next to several members of the notorious Outlaw motorcycle gang, The Hells Angels. In a media storm that cost Nick his reputation and job, the greater vision and validity of the Florian’s Knights is challenged and put under international scrutiny.

On the heels of this explosive case, the Florian’s Knights and its remaining members are thrusted into a ride or die face off against the stigmas of “Biker Culture”. Outlaw Gangs, the Sons of Anarchy, and Easy Rider bring a damning image to the public. The Florian’s Knights set themselves on a collision course to grapple with that perception and fight for justice. Experts from around the world, including a groundbreaking study from UCLA, participate alongside the Florian’s Knights in what is the first joint mental health exploration of firefighting and biker culture.

How can these two communities co-exist? Will the answer help reverse decades of stigma?
Can a motorcycle club truly heal?

Sunday, September 12
Doors 6:00 | Movie 6:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Advance tickets $15 HERE | $15 at the door

Due to reduced capacity, advance tickets are recommended for all shows to ensure seating. Online sales for every screening automatically end 1 hour before any given showtime.

*Minors permitted in the balcony. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service and main floor seating.
*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.

FLORIAN’S KNIGHTS (Panayioti Yannitsos, 2021 / 104 mins / Rating TBD) Firefighters in the United States and Canada form a controversial motorcycle club to cope with the crippling effects of post-traumatic stress disorder.