Hello, film friends!

We want to prepare you to have the best possible home viewing experience. We’ll make it as easy as possible so you can focus on finding the best place to sit back and enjoy some amazing films! Don’t forget the popcorn. 

You can stream films and programs at home on the CAFILM app on your Apple TV, Roku, or Amazon Fire TV Stick, or in the browser on any device (e.g., computer, tablet, smartphone, or laptop) at WATCH.CAFILM.ORG.

If you are planning to use Apple TV or Roku with the CAFILM app, you can find quick tutorials below on how to download the channel to your device. If you prefer to stream films via your computer, tablet, or smartphone, we recommend using Google Chrome.

STREAMING HOW-TO VIDEOS

Still having problems? Please email [email protected] or chat with a live agent by clicking the blue question mark in the bottom right-hand corner below.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CAFILM CHANNEL QUESTIONS

There are several different ways:

  • Use the CAFILM app on AppleTV, Roku or Amazon Fire TV Stick
  • AirPlay video from an iPad/iPhone to an Apple TV or select Samsung Smart TVs compatible with AirPlay (check to see if there is an AirPlay badge on the TV if you’re uncertain)
  • Chromecast from a Chrome web browser on PC and Mac computers as well as Android devices
  • Connect your computer to your TV via an HDMI cable and play the film in a web browser

Yes, you can. See the video tutorial above on how to watch via either Roku or Apple TV.

If you don’t have one one of these devices already and wish to purchase one, you can buy a Roku device here, an Apple TV device here, or an Amazon Fire TV Stick here. Your Apple TV must be 4th generation or newer, and your Roku must be 3rd generation or newer.

Please note: While we recommend Roku or Apple TV as the best viewing experience, you are not required to own either to stream our films. Films can always be streamed via a web browser.

MVFF streaming passholders have access to all MVFF streaming films and programs during the Festival. To purchase a streaming pass, go to https://www.mvff.com/ticket-packages/.

TICKETING QUESTIONS

Click here to browse films and get tickets.

All MVFF45 streaming films are available throughout the festival, Oct. 6-16. If you purchased individual tickets, on Oct. 5 you’ll receive a link to view the films. If you purchased a streaming pass, you’ll be able to log in to the CAFILM channel a few days before the festival to begin planning your viewing.

A watch window is how long you have to watch a film once you hit “play.”

All MVFF45 films have 48-hour watch windows.

Yes. You can pre-order it now, but you won’t be able to watch it until the day it’s listed as available.

Virtual screenings during the 45th Mill Valley Film Festival have a capacity limit similar to the amount of tickets that would be available for in-theater screenings. The number of tickets we have available for purchase are negotiated with representatives from each film; these Festival showings are often a premiere or very early showings of the film and are therefore limited during the period leading up to the film’s official release.

TECHNICAL/HARDWARE QUESTIONS

Mac OS X 10.12 or later

We recommend using the latest version of Google Chrome or Safari. Other supported browsers are Firefox and Opera.

Yes. You can watch MVFF films on iPhone/iPad via a web browser. We recommend Google Chrome or Safari on iOS 11.2 or later. Please note that you must have screen mirroring turned off for content to play.

Yes, you can watch MVFF films using Chrome on Android 6.0 or later.

Yes. You can AirPlay video from an iPad/iPhone to an Apple TV or select Samsung Smart TVs compatible with Airplay (check to see if there is an Airplay badge on the TV if you’re uncertain). Follow these instructions:

  • Check that the TV and device are on the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Ensure screen mirroring is turned off in the device settings.
  • Open the video player on your computer or device.
  • Click on the AirPlay button in the bottom right-hand side of the player.
  • When you’re prompted, select which device you’d like to watch the video on.
  • If prompted to, enter code from TV into device.

No. iPad & iPhone iOS doesn’t support playback of encrypted video through screen mirroring.

We recommend using the latest version of Google Chrome as your web browser. Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Opera are also supported. Internet Explorer is not supported.

You can Chromecast from a Chrome web browser on PC and Mac computers as well as Android devices by selecting the cast button in the bottom right-hand side of the player. Please note: Chromecast will not work from an iPad/iPhone.

That means that there is incompatibility between the device and the TV. Try updating the web browser on the device to ensure you have the most recent version.

  • Try updating your web browser.
  • If updating does not work, try a different web browser. For example, if you are using Apple’s Safari browser, try using Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox instead.
  • If switching browsers does not work, try watching on a different device. For example, if the video is not playing on your iPad, try watching on a computer instead.

We use adaptive bitrate streaming, which means the streaming quality will automatically adjust based on your internet speed. If your internet connection is poor or inconsistent, you may experience problems during playback. If you’re on Wi-Fi, try moving closer to your router.

The [email protected] has been able to program a variety of films from independent distribution companies as well as larger film studios. All films available to rent can be viewed online using a laptop, iPad/tablet, and a mobile devise. Other options such as Roku, Apple TV or Chromcast, may be available depending on the company. Instructions for viewing and a link to the film will be emailed to you after your purchase is made.

Here are a few helpful links, should you have any issues with a film rental from one of these distributors:

EVENTIVE

You will get access to watch on your computer, phone, or tablet. If you have an Apple TV or Roku, you can use their dedicated apps for these platforms. If you have a Chromecast, you can cast to it from your phone or computer. They recommend using the latest version of your browser. Internet Explorer is not supported. Due to content protection restrictions, the Screen Mirroring feature cannot be used. Additionally, HDMI or other video dongles cannot be connected to your device.

You will have to register for a free Eventive account if you don’t already have one.

Eventive’s FAQ page and Live Chat Support can be found HERE .

Magnolia Pictures FAQ

Music Box Films FAQ

Criterion Channel FAQ

Neon FAQ

VIMEO ON DEMAND

To view your Vimeo On Demand purchases on a computer, log in to your Vimeo account in your desktop browser and go to your Purchases (purchases also appear in your Watch Later queue). Clicking on a title in your purchases will take you to the VOD page, where you can stream the video.

More information is available HERE , and you can contact Vimeo’s customer service HERE .

PASSHOLDER QUESTIONS

No. Your account is unique to you. A friend/family member must purchase their own pass to watch on their device. If a passholder shares their account, their account will be revoked and that purchase will not be refunded. Exceptions apply only to dual memberships.

All MVFF45 films are available for viewing from Oct. 6 to 16. A few days before MVFF45 begins, streaming pass holders can log in to the CAFILM streaming channel at watch.cafilm.org or on the CAFILM app to begin planning their viewing; they should use the login credentials (email and password) they created when they purchased the pass at mvff.com. Ticket holders will receive their MVFF streaming film links in an email on Oct. 5 and can start watching by clicking the link therein or entering the streaming code in the ticket holder field at watch.cafilm.org or in the CAFILM app.

No. Your MVFF45 streaming pass gives access to the full program of Festival streaming programs. Your streaming pass login is the same as the one you used to purchase the pass at mvff.com.