Alternative movie outlets in Vancouver
Diversity: it’s what we thrive on as Canadians. So why do we so often forget about it when it comes to movies? Here’s a list of outfits in Vancouver where you can find alternatives beyond the mainstream: foreign, cult, revivals and more. There’s a wider world of cinema out there, and here’s how to get to it.
The Cinematheque
200-1131 Howe St, Vancouver BC V6Z 2L7From Herzog to Hitchcock, Wim Wenders to Wong Kar-Wai, this local treasure spans the world history of cinema to bring you the best – and by the best, I mean the richest, most beautiful, most innovative movies you’ll find in the city. Cinematheques exist all over the globe; they’re our reminders of cinema’s past and signs of its future. Don’t know those names at the top? Then your journey’s just beginning!
Vancity Theatre
1181 Seymour St, Vancouver BC V6B 3M7Vancouver’s second non-profit theatre, with a more contemporary edge. This is your hot spot for docs: in any given month you can take in films on subjects ranging from the environment to high fashion and many in between. You’ll also find cult faves, Canadian cinema and the best contemporary art cinema from around the globe. And you can enjoy a cold beer or some wine with your movie!
Vancouver Jewish Film Festival Society
6184 Ash St, Vancouver BC V5Z 3G9Vancouver Jewish Film Festival Society is home to a great fall festival and a year-round Film Centre with monthly free screenings and community outreach activities. The festival takes in docs, dramas, comedies and more, all with a focus on the Jewish experience, broadly conceived. It’s groups like these that provide the cultural riches of our multi-ethnic city.
Rio Theatre
1660 Broadway E, Vancouver BC V5N 1W1Not only a good movie theatre, this East Side venue is fast turning into one of Vancouver’s premiere entertainment spots. Their film programming covers first- and second-run showings of movies from the mainstream to the commercial margins, but it’s late night when the Gremlins come out: 80s classics, horror faves and cult hits make their midnight comebacks. The Rio is licensed for booze, and the atmosphere is chill and informal.
