FAQ: Watch films online

1. Can I watch online screenings from outside of the Netherlands?
2. How do I watch a film online?
3. I’ve bought a ticket. When can I start the stream? And can I enter, even if it has already started?
4. How can I watch a screening on my laptop or PC?
5. How can I cast a show to my television with Google Chromecast V2+?
6. How can I stream video from my iPhone or iPad?
7. How can I stream video from my Mac?
8. Can I watch a screening on my television using a HDMI cable?
9. Can I watch a screening on smartphone or tablet?
10. Does IDFA have a help desk?

1. Can I watch online screenings from outside of the Netherlands?
IDFA's online festival screenings can only be viewed from a Dutch IP address. This is due to international film rights and the function of a festival like IDFA.

IDFA is there to launch films for Dutch audiences, but also for international professionals like sales agents, distributors, television buyers, and film festival programmers. These professionals can see IDFA-selected films in a secured Press & Industry Library.

There is a good reason for all of this: if films that premiere at IDFA are shown online to audiences around the world, they are much less interesting to these buyers and programmers. Under such circumstances, these films can no longer be shown in theaters, at festivals, or on television in Germany, the UK, the US, or any other country. The value of the films then decreases immensely.

This is why IDFA respects these agreements and gives films the opportunity to have an international career after IDFA. Because that's what we're here for.

2. How do I watch a film online?
You do not need your e-ticket for online screenings. The access is connected to your account. As soon as you’ve bought a ticket, you can see that programme in your MyTicket. From there you will also be able to access the stream as soon as it is available.

Having difficulties getting in? Ask your questions via the live chatbox on the bottom right corner of our website.

3. I’ve bought a ticket. When can I start the stream? And can I enter, even if it has already started?
On demand films may be started at any moment between 6pm and 11pm. Please note: if the film lasts longer than the time still available, then you can finish watching but you can not restart after the period has ended. So you can not refresh your page or re-open the stream if there is a technical issue.

4. How can I watch a screening on my laptop or PC?

A live show can easily be watched on your laptop or PC. It will work with most internet browsers, however, we do advise you to install all updates and use the most recent version of your browser.

5. How can I cast a show to my television with Google Chromecast V2+?

• Connect your device with the same WiFi network your Google Chromecast is using.
• Start the online screening you want to stream.
• Open Chrome on your computer. Click on ‘more’ in the upper right corner and continue with ‘cast’.
• Choose the Chromecast device you would like to use.
• After the screening, click to the right of the address bar and click on 'Active cast extension' then 'Stop casting.'

Do you have an Apple TV? In that case, you can stream the screening from your Mac, iPhone, or iPad to your Apple TV.

6. How can I stream video from my iPhone or iPad?

• Connect your device to the same WiFi network your Apple TV or smart TV (Airplay 2 compatible) is connected to.
• Start the online screening you want to stream.
• Click on the icon of a screen with a triangle in it. You will find this by tapping your screen so the pause button appears. The little icon will be in the lower right corner of your screen.
• Choose Apple TV or your smart TV (Airplay 2 compatible)
• Stop streaming by clicking the icon and removing your iPhone or iPad from the list.

7. How can I stream video from a Mac?

• Connect your Mac to the same WiFi network your Apple TV or smart TV (airplay 2 compatible) is connected to.
• Open idfa.nl and log in to MyIDFA.
• Click on the icon of a screen with a triangle in it. You will find it right next to the WiFi icon.
• Select your Apple TV or Smart TV. If you want to stop streaming, click on ‘Stop Airplay’.

8. Can I watch a screening on my television using a HDMI cable?
If both your laptop/PC and your TV have a HDMI port, this is possible. Most remote controls have a source button with which you can select your HDMI port.

9. Can I watch a screening on my smartphone or tablet?
Yes, but please make sure your software is up to date. iPhone: iOS 11+, iPad: iPadOS 13+, Android: Android 7+.

10. My show is about to start, why am I not hearing any sound?
The sound will come on once the show starts. To see if your sound is enabled, check the icon in the bottom left corner of the screen.

11. Do you have a help desk?
Yes. Ask your questions via the live chatbox on the bottom right corner of our website.