“I want to tell Frank’s story without making a biopic; to make a music doc without making a music doc. And I think that’s just how Frank would have wanted it.” (Alex Winter)

With unfettered access to the Zappa family trust and all archival footage, ZAPPA explores the private life behind the mammoth musical career that never shied away from the political turbulence of its time. Director Alex Winter’s (BILL & TED’S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE) assembly features appearances by Frank Zapa’s widow Gail Zappa and several of Frank’s musical collaborators including Mike Keneally, Ian Underwood, Steve Vai, Pamela Des Barres, Bunk Gardner, David Harrington, Scott Thunes, Ruth Underwood, Ray White and others.

Winter’s long-awaited, definitive documentary project (which was helped out by more than 10,000 dedicated Zappa fans) documents the life and career of the enigmatic groundbreaking rock star, utilizing thousands of hours of painstakingly digitized videos, photos, audio, writing, and everything in-between from Zappa’s own private archives. These chronicles have never been brought to a public audience before – until now.

Director Alex Winter will be joining us via Zoom for a post-screening Q&A on Monday, June 28.

Saturday, July 3
Doors 2:50 pm Movie 3:15 pm*Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Advance tickets $15 HERE | $15 at the door

#MusicMonday, July 12 Final screening
Doors 5:50 pm | Movie 6:15 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.

ZAPPA (Alex Winter, 2020 / PG / 18A / 140 mins) With unfettered access to the Zappa family trust and all archival footage, filmmaker Alex Winter explores the private life behind the mammoth musical career that never shied away from the political turbulence of its time.