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Accessing Films & Movies for Courses: Guidelines for Screening Media In Class

This guide provides faculty with information on accessing streaming films and videos for their courses through SIUE’s library resources. It includes details on licensed platforms like Kanopy and Alexander Street Press, as well as guidelines on copyright a

Guidelines for Screening Media in Class

What you need to know

When using films in your courses, it’s essential to follow copyright laws and licensing agreements to avoid violations. Not all films can be freely streamed, shared, or displayed in an educational setting.

If you follow these guidelines, it is highly likely that your use is fair use. If you intend to use your work in published, non-educational, or commercial use, you should gain permission from the copyright owner of the work before moving forward.

This section provides guidance on:

  • When you can show a film in class without extra permissions
  • When you need to obtain Public Performance Rights (PPR)
  • How to legally use film clips under Fair Use

Can I Show This Movie In My Class?

The Copyright Act at §110(1) (face to face teaching exemption) allows for the performance or display of video or film in a classroom in its entirety.

This exemption applies only when:

  • The film is shown to enrolled students physically present in the classroom.
  • The screening is directly related to the curricular goals of the course.

The TEACH Act, codified at § 110(2), allows the performance of a short excerpt of a dramatic film (such as a scene or a few minutes) or an entire performance of a non-dramatic literary or musical work. A full film is generally not permitted under this exemption

If you need to stream an entire film in an online course, you must obtain Public Performance Rights (PPR) or use a licensed educational streaming service such as Kanopy or Alexander Street Press. See here for more information.

If you are screening a film in a public space (e.g., a dorm lounge, library, or auditorium) where access is unrestricted,  you must obtain Public Performance Rights (PPR). This includes showings for a class if non-enrolled attendees are invited. See here for more information. 

Private viewings in a dorm room, apartment, or other personal space with a small group of friends are considered home use and do not require PPR. "Home use" can include a dorm room or other private space, but where showings are limited to a "normal circle of a family and its social acquaintances."