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.

Cody Lightning’s rousing hockey drama centres on the Treaty 6 Blades, a team of Indigenous youth in Northern Alberta. The film begins with their expulsion from their regional league, a low point from which they’ll rise courageously. Headed by Zamboni-driver-turned-coach Willie Gladue (Lighting himself), the team faces down all manner of challenges, both on and off the rink, on their way to a chance at redemption.

Smudge the Blades has a lot going for it: rough, realistic humour; a bracingly honest depiction of life on the reserve; a reckoning with generational trauma; and all the preceding folded into an engaging sports narrative. Most of all, the film has a terrific cast — Lightning gives an endearing performance, and every last team member stands out as a unique human presence, their scars and strengths radiating off the screen. This is a crowd-pleaser in which victory is about much more than winning the game, and in which heroism is shared among a community.

Saturday, October 3
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.