If one of the people on your holiday shopping list is an enthusiast of any sort, consider the gift of membership.  It's a great way to show you know what they want, as well as something that gives all year.

There are a lot of options out there, but I'll focus on one interest near and dear to my heart, film.  Cinephiles have many options, whether they're just fans or are interested in the industry.    Many film associations have open membership, including some festivals.  I'm a member of all but the last

Austin Film Society. Starting at $30, you get free seats in special screenings and the essential cinema series, as well as discounts to other events.  On top of that, it supports the most proactive, public film association in the country.  There are filmmaker series, and documentary series, the essential cinema series, and more. 

It's so cool, it runs the city owned Austin Studios. Filmmaker level membership gets you access to special events such as rough cut screenings as well.  If you're a serious cinephile in Austin, and you aren't a member, you aren't that serious about appreciating and supporting film.


Reel Women.  I have to admit, while a member, I've yet to go to a meeting.  But that's a shame. Reel Women supports women filmmakers, whether just starting or established, and in very practical ways. And membership is not limited to women. 

It's only $35.  And membership includes discounts to special events and workshops, and well as their production group.


Friends of Austin Film Festival.  AFS is the writer's festival, and it's deep in the heart of Texas.  AFS' fest program is diverse enough, but they offer special screenings throughout the year as well.  It also means you get either discounted or free passes to the festival, as well as discounts for badges. 

And if they're a mixed sponsored event, Friends of AFS usually get first seating, which, if you've ever attended a sneak screening, is a major advantage.  These aren't the cookie-cutter, widest demographic films studios churn out, but critically acclaimed films, and often Oscar contenders. After all, AFF is one of the qualifying festivals for the Academy Awards. 



Film Independent.  You have heard of the Spirit Awards, right?  You may not know the name Film Independent, but they've been around for 27 years. I just wish they had a chapter in town.  Join and complete the screener agreement by 12/15, and you can see the nominated films whether your in LA, or the films have been released or not. 

Friends of Film at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.  Not all the film orgs are linked to Austin.  If you live in Boston, there's a great option for film lovers.  I got this for my stepmom a few years ago, and she loved it. She's a cinephile, too, and when I was a teen we'd go see arthouse films together, especially foreign films.  This is a way to share those experiences again, even though I'm half way across the country.  They also screen some serious award contenders.