LibGuides: Copyright: Film Rights

Screening a Film

Films are protected by copyright and as such, permission must be obtained for any screening.

There is an exception for private screenings for family or friends (art. 19 al. 1 let.a LDA).

Educational establishments benefit from the educational exception (art. 19 al. 1 let.b LDA).

Apart from these two cases, screenings organised as part of a film club, themed evening, or association, must be authorised.

Authorisations must be requested from the right holders (producers, distribution companies, etc.).

How to obtain (written!) authorisation to screen a film

Consult the following websites to identify the film's distributor: Swiss Films, Association suisse des distributeurs de films ASFD, Cineuropa, Cinélibre
Write to the distributor stating the title of the film, the date and place of the public screening, the type of event, the number of seats, the price of admission if applicable, and the contact details of the organiser
Contact the SUISA management company for the payment of music rights
Wait for the written agreement before advertising the screening

Whether access is free or paid for does not affect the permissions that must be obtained from rights holders

What can be done without asking permission

Showing a film during a class (educational purpose)
Copying a DVD borrowed from a library for private use
Removing or bypassing an anti-copy device from a protected DVD disc for private use
Downloading a film from the Internet for private use
Recording a TV programme – not a film – and making it available in the library

What can be done with authorisation from the right holders

What is illegal

See also:

filmdistribution suisse (FDS)
Association professionnelle regroupant les diverses entreprises de distribution de films en Suisse