Host a screening
This page has tips and advice for creating a successful film event. Click on the titles below for resources for specific films.
Engaged audiences
Documentary film can open us to new insights, knowledge, and points of view – transforming how we understand ourselves and each other. A good film experience provides opportunities for reflection, dialog, and action, which is why we invite you to host screenings in your community.
All of our current releases are available for bookings. In addition to the film, we provide viewing guides, tips, and other materials to help you plan and promote your event. If you would like to screen one of our films for your workplace, classroom, volunteer organization, or local community, check out the guide below and get in touch by filling out the form at the bottom of the page.
Picking a Location
Cinema
We believe that film is best at the cinema! Cinema screens can usually be booked for private events, particularly for screenings during the day, or less busy evenings on weekdays. Contact your local theater manager for details about bookings. If you decide on a cinema screening, we will send a file to their technician so that your audience will watch the film with best audio-visual quality available, for an immersive experience.
Other
For other locations, you will need to make sure that the room has a good projector, screen and audio equipment so that everyone in the audience can see and hear the film. It’s also a good idea to check if you need to cover any windows to block out light. We will then send you a digital file that can be played off a computer that is hooked up to the screening system, whether it be a projector or a digital screen.
Planning and promotion
Planning the event
Watching a documentary together with others can be a great catalyst for important conversations, sharing experiences and spreading useful information. We recommend setting up a panel made up of members of your community (for example, professionals with experience of different topics addressed in the film) so that they can ground the conversation in local issues. For each of our films we have recommended individuals and organizations that may be worth reaching out to.
Promotional material
When you book a film, you will receive a link with access to promotional materials to help you spread your event. This includes a film trailer, poster, and artwork to use in social media.
We recommend setting up an event on Facebook and other social media, and posting it on your organization / workplace / school’s website. We also have suggestions of who to invite in your local community if you are arranging a public screening open to everyone. We are also working on creating sample invitations for each of our films that you can use as a template when sending out your own event invites.
More tips
Things to consider
Depending on how you decide to hold your event, there may be different costs to consider. For example, if you want to hold a talk after the film, some participants may be able to volunteer their time to take part in your event, others may require a fee or reimbursement of travel costs to be able to participate. If costs can be a barrier, check with your town council and other local organisations for grants, financial support or partners who can help cover expenses or contribute in other ways. Other costs may include:
- The screening license to show the film will vary depending on audience size and use, or if relevant, ticket sales.
- Renting the cinema screening room or event space
- Renting a projector, audio equipment, if this is not included in your space
- Printing posters and flyers for the event
Choose a film
To learn more about the films that are available for screenings, click on the titles below:
For more resources, visit the screening pages for Not That Kind of Guy, Stories from the Shower, and Villagers and Vagabonds.
Book a screening!
If you would like to set up a film screening, fill out this form. Please include the title of the film you would like to book, the date and place of your screening, who the screening is for (workplace / organisation / school), and the estimated audience size.
