In an effort to save their child from the massive extermination of Jews, a Jewish couple send their son to hide in the countryside with a relative somewhere in Eastern Europe. The little boy’s aunt dies unexpectedly and the stray child is suddenly forced to hit the road and make it on his own in a hostile world governed by hate, fear and violence. Struggling for pure survival, he journeys a world run by locals and villagers driven by prejudice, superstition and their own rules. When the war ends, however, his fight for survival is replaced by another struggle – a struggle he may not even be aware of, a struggle with himself, a struggle for his own soul, and his future… With Udo Kier, Harvey Kietel, Julian Sands, Stellan Skarsgård, Barry Pepper.

“This film is hard to watch. It’s just as tough to forget.” (Rolling Stone Magazine)

“‘The Painted Bird’ is a potent, visceral but rewarding film for viewers who can withstand the onslaught of traumatizing moments.” (Salon.com)

“All of this unvarnished evil is depicted with haunting beauty and uncompromising artistry.” (Observer)

“Brutally uncompromising in its portrayal of Nazi Germany, The Painted Bird is a difficult watch that justifies its stark horror with searing impact.” (Rotten Tomatoes)

Sunday, August 23
Doors 8:30 pm | Movie 9:00 pm *Start time subject to change.
Advance tickets $15 HERE | $15 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.

PLEASE NOTE: All of the Rio Theatre’s screenings are operating at a sharply reduced capacity. We can’t guarantee availability of tickets at the door, so advance tickets for all screening events are strongly recommended. Our online box office can be found at www.riotheatretickets.ca. Online sales for every screening automatically end 1 hour before any given showtime.

THE PAINTED BIRD (Václav Marhoul, 2020 / 169 mins / 18A / Interslavic w. English subs) A young Jewish boy in Poland seeks refuge in the forest during World War II where he encounters many different characters.