WHO CAN BORROW FILMS FROM THE POV LIBRARY?

Our films are available for free to community-based organizations, educators, NGOS, governmental agencies, nonprofits, librarians, media centers, PBS station employees and other engaged community members based in the United States and Puerto Rico. If you are a member of the military stationed abroad or work at a US embassy, you also have access to our films for free. If you're not sure if you can borrow a film, just send us an e-mail: events(at)pov.org.

HOW DO I LOAN FILMS FROM THE POV LIBRARY FOR A SCREENING EVENT?

Due to COVID-19, we are no longer mailing out DVDs to loan for screening events. We do offer a select group of POV films available for online screenings. Please create a free account and register a screening event. We will send out a link 2-3 weeks before your scheduled event, in addition to our virtual training manual in hosting an online screening. Some films; however, are only available to watch on pbs.org/pov/watch. Please email events(at)pov.org, if you’re interested in a specific film in our library.

CAN I STILL HOST AN IN-PERSON SCREENING EVENT?

Due to COVID-19, we strongly recommend our partners host online screening events at this time. However, if you are still interested in hosting an in-person event, screening partners will need to abide by their local and states' public health regulations. Please review the necessary restrictions for your state before planning your outdoor event. You can find your state health department here.
American Documentary Inc.| POV is not responsible for any accidents, injuries or illnesses that occur on site at community or educational events using POV films.

HOW CAN I WATCH POV FILMS ONLINE TOGETHER WITH MY COMMUNITY GROUP?

There are many virtual platforms for you to host a group screening event. We recommend our partners use the Zoom platform to screen share and watch POV films for online community and educational screenings and programs. We have a Zoom account for partners to utilize for free registered screening events and offer regular online training technical assistance prior to your event. If you’re interested in using another virtual platform other than Zoom, please let us know which platform you are using when you register your event.

DO YOU ALLOW SIMULCASTING OF POV FILMS DURING SCREENING EVENTS (For example, streaming to multiple locations on Facebook Live, Workplace by Facebook, YouTube Live, etc.)?

We do not allow our partners to simulcast screening events. Only in special circumstances with filmmaker approval will we consider the broadcasting of programs or events across a platform or service outside Zoom. Please email events(at)pov.org, if you have questions around this.

I HOMESCHOOL MY CHILDREN AND WOULD LIKE A COPY OF A FILM TO SHOW FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES. IS THAT POSSIBLE?

Unfortunately, we do not have home video licensing rights even if you are showing the film for educational purposes. We encourage you to come together with others in your community (e.g. your local library or other home-based education groups) to organize an online community screening or watch select POV films streaming online for free at pbs.org/pov/watch.

I DON'T SEE THE FILM THAT I WANT TO BORROW IN YOUR LIBRARY. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

If the film isn't listed in our library, then we can no longer lend out that film. If you are interested in purchasing the film, you can email us at events(at)pov.org for distribution information for the film.

WHAT IF I WANT TO BORROW MORE THAN ONE FILM AT A TIME?

You are more than welcome to borrow more than one film at a time. Just create a new event for each screening in your POV account.

MY FILM WON'T PLAY. WHAT DO I DO?

Please check to make sure you have a strong internet connection when screening films. We recommend that you pre-screen your film to check for any issues with the digital file at least 2 weeks in advance of your screening date. This will give us enough time to troubleshoot any playback issues. If there isn't time to receive a new digital copy of the film, we'll work with you to make the screening happen, but please reach out to events(at)pov.org as soon as you discover an issue. We do not work on the weekends, so we will follow-up with you during business hours from 10am-6pm, Monday-Friday.

HELP! I HAVEN'T RECEIVED MY FILM AND I REALLY NEED IT.

We ask for your patience during this time. Once your event is reviewed and approved, our team will provide you with digital access of the requested film 2 weeks prior to your screening event and further instructions to support you with online screening. You will have up to 14 days to test the streaming link and screen your event. After 14 days, the link will expire. If your screening is around the corner and you haven't received the film, please email us at events(at)pov.org.

I NEED TO CHANGE MY ADDRESS OR PROFILE INFORMATION. HOW DO I GO ABOUT THAT?

Once logged in, visit the My Profile section on the left hand sidebar to change your information, mailing address and account password. Since we no longer ship out DVDs, we will only use your mailing address to send POV marketing materials. Please email us at events@pov.org with any questions or issues around changes to your Community Network profile.

HOW DO I FIND AVAILABLE FILMS?<

Search the Film Library, where you can explore available POV Films to screen at an upcoming event, and sort by title or topic.

HOW DO I REQUEST A NEW EVENT?

In the My Events section on the left hand sidebar, you can request a new event, along with reviewing pending, approved and past events.

HOW DO I SUBMIT AN EVALUATION?

On the left hand sidebar, navigate to the Evaluation section, where you can tell us all about your POV screening.

CAN I SEE STATS ABOUT MY PARTNERSHIP WITH POV?

Yes! The EVENT STATS section is where you can view the impact and numbers of all of your hosted events.

WHERE CAN I FIND PROMOTIONAL TOOLS, SUGGESTED DISCUSSION QUESTIONS AND OTHER MATERIALS FOR MY SCREENING?

You can access POV's step-by-step guide to organizing a POV screening, film-specific promotional tools, discussion guides and other educational and engagement resources in the Materials section for each film on the POV Community Network. We will also email you our virtual training guide once your online event is approved. Upon request, we can also email a promotional flyer template for the film.

CAN I SEE WHAT SCREENINGS OTHER POV PARTNERS ARE HOSTING?

Yes! View the upcoming events across the country on the POV Local Screenings Map.