Inspired by the late Richard Wagamese‘s best-selling 2012 novel ‘Indian Horse,’ (which won the Burt Award for First Nations, Métis and Inuit Literature in 2013), director Stephen Campanelli‘s faithful adaptation follows the story of Saul Indian Horse, who as a seven year old in late 1950s Ontario, is torn from his Ojibway family and committed to one of Canada’s notorious Catholic residential schools.

In this oppressive environment, Saul is denied the freedom to speak his language or embrace his indigenous heritage and he witnesses all kinds of abuse at the hands of the very people who were entrusted with his care. Despite this, Saul finds salvation in the unlikeliest of places and favourite Canadian pastimes–hockey. Fascinated by the game, he secretly teaches himself how to not only play but develops a unique and rare skill. It’s as if he has eyes in the back of his head and can see the game in a way no other player can. His talent leads him away from the misery of the school to a Northern Ontario native league and eventually the pros. But the ghosts of Saul’s past will always haunt him. Forced to confront painful memories and revelations, Saul draws on the spirit of his ancestors and the understanding of his friends to gain the compassion he so sorely needs in order to begin healing. With Sladen Peltier, Forrest Goodluck, Ajuawak Kapashesit, Michael Huisman.

“INDIAN HORSE endures, and commands attention.” (Toronto Star)

“The essence and importance of Richard Wagamese‘s book – both the brutality and the beauty – shines through, more vital than ever.” (The Globe and Mail)

Saturday, June 23
Doors 2:45 pm | Movie 3:15 pm
Advance tickets $10 HERE | $12 at the door

*Minors welcome in the balcony! Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service and main floor seating.
**Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK! Please redeem at the door.

INDIAN HORSE (Stephen Campanelli, 2018 / 14A / 101 mins) A Canadian First Nations boy survives in a residential school in the 1970s, then ultimately becomes tempted by alcoholism.