With its scorching soundtrack and astounding performances - particularly from X-Factor star Alexandra Burke - writer-director Dionne Edwards’s Pretty Red Dress is one of the most confident and impressive British feature debuts of the decade so far. As part of our ongoing Rio Forever celebrations, we’re thrilled to invite Dionne to introduce a 35mm print of one of her own favourite films - and another notable debut - the Wachowskis’ boundary-pushing neo-noir thriller Bound.

Something of a headscratcher on its initial release in 1996 - what did a pair of twentysomething Chicago dudes think they were doing, making a movie centring on an explicit lesbian romance? - Bound makes a lot more sense in hindsight, now that the Wachowski Brothers have become Sisters, and have gone on to use the wildly successful career they forged in the wake of Bound’s release to explore themes of identity, gender and self-realisation. 

Anchored by a pair of fearless performances from Jennifer Tilly and Gina Gershon - not to mention a truly irksome turn from future Matrix sleazebag Joe Pantoliano - Bound is a subtly radical statement disguised as a wildly enjoyable popcorn flick.

We’re delighted to welcome Rio Patron Dionne Edwards to the Rio to discuss the film, and its impact on her both personally and creatively.

At The Rio, we’re proud to be the UK’s longest-running cinema - a place where films have been screened, shared and loved since 1909. In 2026, we mark 50 years of being run by and for our community, and we’re celebrating with a 6 month-long programme we’re calling RIO FOREVER. Launching in April 2026, RIO FOREVER honours the Rio as a living part of Hackney’s cultural and social history.

We’ll be showcasing what the Rio does best: bold, eclectic programming; archival gems; and gatherings that bring people together. Throughout the year, we’re inviting filmmakers, artists and cultural agitators to dive into our archive of 50 years of cinema programming and choose a title to reintroduce to the public. Each headline screening will act as a fundraiser to help maintain our beautiful, historic building and ensure the Rio remains an inclusive, vibrant, community-run space for generations to come.