The Vancouver International Film Festival returns for their 45th year this October 1-11 for another curated season celebrating the best in independent, Canadian, documentary, and international shorts and features.

In 1975, after watching Muhammad Ali fight Chuck Wepner, a broke, struggling actor named Sylvester Stallone wrote a screenplay about an underdog boxer. Refusing to sell his script unless he could play the lead, Stallone’s gamble paid off, transforming both his career and American cinema forever.

I Play Rocky traces that improbable journey, capturing the chaos, setbacks, and unlikely collaborations behind an independent production that became a cultural landmark. Directed by Oscar-winner Peter Farrelly (Green Book), this is as much a film about creative risk as it is about boxing, celebrating the persistence required to protect an uncompromising vision. Buoyed by Anthony Ippolito’s charismatic turn as a young Stallone, I Play Rocky is an affectionate, crowd-pleasing reminder that some of Hollywood’s biggest success stories begin as long shots.

Sunday, October 11
Doors: 5:45 pm | Film: 6:15 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Tickets HERE

For detailed Vancouver International Film Fest information, including current showtimes and advance ticketing, please re-direct to www.viff.org.

All ticketing for VIFF events are managed by VIFF. If you have any questions about ticketing and availability, please connect with them directly. Please do not contact the Rio Theatre for ticketing info or assistance.

Unless otherwise noted, all VIFF screenings and events at the Rio Theatre are 19+ only. Please have valid ID with you upon arrival.

VIFF screenings at the Rio Theatre tend to be busy! All seating is General Admission. We encourage all patrons to purchase tickets in advance to ensure entry, and to please come early (20-30 mins at least) to ensure time to locate great seats and purchase drinks and snacks at concession. The Rio Theate has a small lobby, and coming early helps prevent long lines and bottle-necking.

Please note: Rio Theatre Groupons and passes are n/a for any VIFF events.

VIFF thanks the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations for their continued stewardship of the unceded and occupied land on which our work takes place. As an organization founded and predominantly directed by settlers and immigrants, we understand our responsibility to seek out and build authentic relationships with Indigenous communities, and to allow this ongoing dialogue to influence our practices. As part of this process, we remain committed to collaborating with and supporting Indigenous artists, filmmakers, curators, and audiences.