Five Star Gift Ideas

For a son who is passionate about documentary films and analysis, there are several thoughtful gift options that can enhance his experience and exploration in this area. Consider the following gift ideas that will not only show your support for his interest but also contribute to his growth and knowledge:

1. Documentary Film Tickets: Purchase tickets to a local film festival or a special screening of a documentary that he's been eagerly waiting to see. This will give him the opportunity to watch films on the big screen, engage with other enthusiasts, and learn from expert panels and discussions.

2. The Criterion Collection Subscription: The Criterion Collection offers a vast assortment of classic and contemporary documentary films. A subscription will provide your son with unlimited streaming access to their entire library of curated films, allowing him to delve deeper into the world of documentaries and discover hidden gems.

3. Film Analysis Books: Consider gifting your son a selection of books focused on the analysis and critiquing of documentary films. Look for titles like "Documentary Film: A Very Short Introduction" by Patricia Aufderheide or "Documentary Storytelling: Creative Nonfiction on Screen" by Sheila Curran Bernard. These books will help him develop a more comprehensive understanding of the art and craft of documentary filmmaking.

4. Online Courses or Masterclasses: Enroll your son in an online course or masterclass that specializes in documentary filmmaking or film analysis. Platforms like MasterClass or Udemy offer courses taught by renowned industry professionals. This gift will not only provide him with valuable knowledge but also demonstrate your support in his pursuit of documentary film understanding.

5. Filmmaking Equipment: If your son has an interest in creating his own documentaries, consider gifting him some essential filmmaking equipment, such as a quality camera, tripod, microphone, or video editing software. This will enable him to experiment with filmmaking techniques, tell his own stories, and refine his skills.

6. Documentary Film Festival Trip: Plan a trip to a well-known documentary film festival, such as the Sundance Film Festival or Hot Docs. Attendees have the opportunity to watch a wide range of documentaries, engage in discussions with filmmakers, and immerse themselves in the vibrant film festival atmosphere. This gift will not only provide a memorable experience but also create networking opportunities for your son.

7. Subscription to Documentary Streaming Services: Consider gifting your son a subscription to popular documentary streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, or CuriosityStream. These platforms provide access to a vast array of documentary films across various genres, ensuring that he always has something new to explore and analyze.

Remember to personalize the gift based on your son's specific interests and preferences in documentary filmmaking. By supporting his passion, you are not only giving him a thoughtful gift but also fostering his growth in a field he loves.

Or you can get him a star map with an important date you share.

Madeline Moran Weiler says about Under Lucky Stars star maps:

“The map was absolutely beautiful! My grandson was thrilled with it (it was a Christmas gift) and has already asked me if I would consider getting another one for him as a graduation gift in a couple of years.”