Sure, there's video-on-demand, DVDs, and whatever it is whippersnappers do these days with those newfangled devices.

But for the diehard cineastes on your list, the home-entertainment system can't replicate a theatre or film festival experience of an entire audience laughing (or screaming) at the same time. Or the majesty of enjoying a film on the truly big screen.

While Cineplex gift cards are an obvious option, here are some gift-giving suggestions related to local indie single-screen theatres and film festivals to consider, particularly for those on your list with interests that go beyond the mainstream fare.

Making a donation in your recipient's name helps to ensure the longevity and quality of programming at venues or festivals, and may also support programs (educational, outreach, archives) that you might not be aware of.

THEATRES

The Cinematheque (1131 Howe Street)

For the true cinema lover who appreciates foreign and independent retrospectives, restorations, experimental films, and rare or obscure works, the Cinematheque is a necessity. A 10-visit double-bill pass is $108 for adults and $88 for seniors and students. For the full-meal cinematic deal, there's the annual pass for $279. There's also a fundraising online auction running until Tuesday (December 9). You can bid for diverse items ranging from a private wine-tasting to a Coastal Jazz performance.

Also, did you know that you can rent out the theatre for a private-screening party? A minimum two-hour rental starts at $320 for a Tuesday evening, and $220 for a daytime screening. (Get 22 friends together and that's $10 per person. If you've got a large number of people to give gifts too, why not arrange a private screening party for them all?)

And of course, they always welcome donations. Donations not only keep the screenings going but they also help various programs that the non-profit organization runs, including their West Coast film archives, education department programs for youth and educators, film reference library, and more. There are multileveled donation benefits, such as event invitations, recognition, and more.

Rio Theatre (1660 East Broadway)

If you know a fan of the theatre's colourful 'n' crazy films and live programming (who doesn't love Star Wars burlesque?), why not help light up the Rio for Christmas? The theatre is hoping to restore its neon sign but it needs a whopping $15,000 to convert it to energy-efficient, environmentally friendly LED lights. The multitiered donation program offers benefits such as movie and event passes, Rio t-shirts, VIP treatment, and more. They've got an Indiegogo campaign going (appropriately titled Light Up the Rio), which has raised almost 50 percent of their goal. The campaign ends on December 22 so you've only got a limited time to make their dream a reality.

Here are more details from owner Corrine Lea:

Vancity Theatre (1181 Seymour Street)

Vancity Theatre, run by the fine folks who bring us the Vancouver International Film Festival, is one of the most comfortable theatres in the city, with double arm-rests (no arm-wrestling with your neighbour!), ample leg room, and sofa-style stadium seating. They do have gift cards available but they've also got a multileveled Membership Plus program with a variety of benefits, such as discounted tickets, members-only screening invites, extra tickets, tax receipts, and more. (See also the Vancouver International Film Festival information below.)

FILM FESTIVALS

There's certainly no shortage of film festivals to donate to and support. Here's a list of just some of the major ones that have donation information or programs available on their websites.

DOXA Documentary Film Festival

DOXA launched its Paint By Number donor campaign at this year's festival. By donating the dollar value listed on a grid of squares on its website will reveal the portion of a collage hiding behind it. Donations help to fund panel discussions, visiting filmmakers, and its school outreach program.

Vancouver Asian Film Festival

Various levels in their donor program offer such perks as VAFF shirts and bags, passes, tickets, and other goodies.  

Vancouver International Film Festival

In addition to the Vancity Theatre information listed above, there's also a donor program for the Vancouver International Film Festival.

Vancouver Jewish Film Festival

With 26 years under their belt, this is one of the longest running film festivals in the city, with international and often intercutlural content. They welcome donations.

Vancouver Latin American Film Festival

Founded in 2003, the festival has grown and developed over the years to provide a comprehensive view of Latin American cinema. They also welcome donations.

Vancouver Queer Film Festival

Supporting Out on Screen helps to support the education and discussion of LGBT issues. Out of all the local film festival societies, Out on Screen has probably the most detailed, extensive, and diverse donation programs. You can arrange for monthly donations (Give'r 15 program), by texting, the David Holtzman Diversicorn Fund for the Out in Schools program (which helps to discuss queer issues in B.C. schools, including homophobia and bullying), and more. Donor benefits include festival tickets, passes, event invitations, and more. For full details, visit the VQFF website. 

Whistler Film Festival

The Whistler Film Festival is currently underway as we speak. They have a membership program, which offers benefits such as discounts, member-only event invites, tickets, passes, and more. For those with deep pockets, their Patron's Circle program includes benefits such as reserved seating, private VIP event invitations, gift bags, additional tickets, and more.

Women in Film and Television Vancouver

This organization offers quite a number of different memberships, including professional experience level, geographical location, persons with disabilities, students, and more, so this is one that your recipient should apply for themselves but that you can offer to pay for.

Of course, there are numerous other film festivals in the city to consider, including Your Kontinent Richmond International Film and Media Arts Festival, the Vancouver South African Film Festival, and the Vancouver Short Film Festival just to name a few. Check the websites of other film festivals you might be interested in to see if they have a donation or membership program.