CAN YOUR NON-PROFIT LEGALLY SHOW A MOVIE FOR FREE? HERE’S THE TRUTH
Movie screenings can be an excellent tool for non-profits, offering opportunities to build stronger community ties and engage donors. Sharing important or inspiring films at an open event creates shared experiences that leave a lasting impression. However, understanding the legal requirements before you host such an event is crucial. Many non-profits ask if they can legally screen a movie for free, but copyright laws play a significant role here. To avoid potential penalties, your organization needs to know how movie licensing works and which steps to take before planning your next film night.
Copyright laws protect creative works, including movies, by granting exclusive rights to creators or copyright holders. This means you cannot simply show a movie to the public, even if you are not charging admission or you operate as a non-profit. The law considers any showing outside of a private space, such as in a park, community center, or place of worship, a public performance. Public performances generally require you to obtain a license from the copyright holders or their representatives. Whether your event has an entry fee or is completely free, most public screenings by non-profits still require this license.
NAVIGATING LICENSING AND LEGAL EXCEPTIONS
Securing a public performance license is typically required for your non-profit to legally show a movie, regardless of whether you charge an admission fee or not. Licenses are obtained from movie distributors, licensing agencies, or the rights holders themselves. The process usually involves submitting an application, describing the nature and size of your event, and paying a fee relative to those details. Simply being a non-profit organization does not exempt you from licensing requirements. Even when no money changes hands, and the event is for awareness or charity, the law remains the same.
There are, however, limited exceptions to this general rule. The most notable is the educational use exemption, which applies only in very specific situations. If you are part of a properly accredited educational institution and the movie is shown in a classroom for face-to-face instruction as part of the regular curriculum, you may not need a license. This does not include events open to the public or held for entertainment, fundraising, or community engagement. Essentially, unless your showing is part of a classroom lesson attended solely by enrolled students and educators, you will almost always need to secure licensing.
WHAT COUNTS AS A PUBLIC SCREENING?
It is important to determine when your event falls under the category of a public performance, making licensing mandatory. You need a license if you promote the screening to the community, expect an audience beyond your immediate organization, or use any venue outside of a private home. If admission is collected—even if just to cover costs—it counts as a public performance. Even without ticket sales, a movie night in a local church, school auditorium, or outdoor park is still considered a public showing. Non-profit status does not change these facts, and failing to comply can have significant consequences.
CONSEQUENCES OF SKIPPING MOVIE LICENSING
Screening a movie without the appropriate licensing can expose your non-profit to legal risk. Legal action may result in fines or lawsuits, costing your organization valuable resources and damaging its reputation. Infringement also undermines the rights and income of the film’s creators and those who helped produce it. Licensing fees pay filmmakers, actors, and distributors, supporting the creation of new artistic works. By ensuring you are in compliance, you help sustain a vibrant film industry while protecting your non-profit’s future.
LEGAL ALTERNATIVES TO EXPENSIVE FILM LICENSES
If you want to avoid hefty licensing fees, your non-profit still has good options for hosting film screenings that follow the law. You can consider these alternatives:
- Show films that are in the public domain, which have lapsed or never held copyright protection; many classic films are available in this category.
- Use movies released under a Creative Commons license, which allow you to screen films legally as long as you follow the terms, such as crediting the creator.
- Contact independent filmmakers directly to request permission, often resulting in free or reduced-cost licensing, especially for charitable uses.
Exploring these solutions can provide engaging experiences for your community and keep your events fully legal. Always research each film’s copyright status carefully and keep records of permissions or licenses obtained. This way, you offer your audience unique content while respecting legal boundaries and supporting the creative ecosystem.
BEST PRACTICES FOR NON-PROFIT MOVIE NIGHTS
Start planning early by confirming what type of license, if any, your event might require. Reach out to licensing agencies or film distributors well ahead of the event to clarify costs and obtain the necessary permissions. When possible, choose films that are freely available for public screening or work directly with independent filmmakers interested in your mission. You can deepen the impact of your event by adding elements like a discussion panel or educational segment related to the movie. Engaging with your audience and supporting creators benefits both your non-profit’s cause and the broader film community.
KEY TAKEAWAY
For most non-profit movie screenings, the law requires obtaining a public performance license even if you do not charge admission. Limited exceptions exist only for private home showings or specific classroom-based educational settings. Exploring public domain films, Creative Commons titles, or seeking direct filmmaker permission are effective legal alternatives. Always secure the proper rights to keep your event and organization safe. By following these guidelines, you can host successful, memorable, and fully legal community movie nights.
