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.

By Mike Archibald

The Cinematheque

1

200-1131 Howe St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2L7

• Phone Number
  • 604-688-8202Primary
• Directions

From 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

2

1181 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC V6B 3M7

• Phone Number
  • 604-683-3456Primary
• Directions

Vancouver’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!

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

• A good rep: Independent cinemas in Vancouver
• Holiday gift ideas for art and culture lovers in Vancouver

Vancouver Jewish Film Festival Society

3

6184 Ash St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 3G9

• Phone Number
  • 604-266-0245Primary
• Directions

Vancouver 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

4

1660 Broadway E, Vancouver, BC V5N 1W1

• Phone Number
  • 604-879-3456Primary
• Directions

Not 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.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

• A good rep: Independent cinemas in Vancouver
• Budget-friendly date ideas in Vancouver

More from Mike Archibald

Mike Archibald is a writer, editor and die-hard cinephile. He lives and works in Vancouver.

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