FAQs
Here’s how it works:
- Each film has a streaming window and a viewing window
- The streaming window is indicated with the film description on the J website. For example, Here We Are has streaming window from 8/29 at noon to 9/1 at 11:59 pm.
- The viewing window is 48-hours which begins when you first access the film you have purchased.
- Once you purchase a ticket to a film, you’ll receive two emails:
- A receipt for payment
- Information on how to access the film during the viewing window
- All ticket buyers will receive the viewing link one hour prior to the viewing window
- All films feature a Talk Back on Zoom on Thursday following the viewing window. Should you wish to attend a Talk Back, you must register separately.
1 Ticket = 1 Virtual Household: That said, we deeply appreciate your purchase of multiple tickets for those watching with you from home. Your purchases help support the FilmFest during this trying time—thank you!
How will I access the films from home?
All of our films are screened through Vimeo, a video-watching platform. One hour prior to the opening of the viewing window, you will receive an email with your unique link to watch the film. Once you click the link in your email, you will be taken to Vimeo. On Vimeo, you will be prompted to either log in or set up a new account. If you do not have an account with Vimeo, please follow the prompts to create one (this is free), using the same email address that you used to purchase your tickets from the J. If you already have an account, log in.
Once you have logged in (or created your account and then logged in), a box should pop up that says “watch now.” Click “watch now” when you are ready to watch your film.
How do I watch the film on my non-smart TV?
To stream the films from a TV without smart TV capabilities, you will need to use an HDMI cable. You will plug one end of the HDMI cable into your computer or laptop and the other into your TV. Once the cable is connected, select the correct input source on your TV. This will allow you to mirror the computer screen on your TV. If you are not sure which input is the correct one, scroll through each input until you see what you have on your computer screen on your TV screen.
How do I watch the films on my computer, tablet, or smart phone?
Once the viewing window opens, click on the link that was provided in the email you received. Follow any additional instructions regarding Vimeo login, such as the use of a password. We recommended that you copy and paste the password rather than trying to type it in. Passwords are case sensitive.
NOTE: read all emails from us! Check spam/junk mail regularly and mark both rweisscrane@jccdallas.org and aweinberg@jccdallas.org as a “safe sender.”
The day of your screening, the links for each individual film will arrive one hour prior to the scheduled viewing time. If you do not see these emails, make sure to check your junk/spam folder and mark us as a “safe” sender! Please DO NOT share or forward these links and emails with anyone. We have a set number of logins per film, are tracking users, and this could jeopardize our streaming licensing.
Click here to see how to mark an email as a safe sender
Can the films be viewed more than one time?
Films can be paused and re-started throughout the 48-hour viewing window; however, you must use the same device each time you access the screening link, and you must complete viewing by the end of the 48-hour window. There is no grace period. So, if a film’s viewing window ends at 7 PM, you will be cutoff at 7 PM – please schedule viewing time accordingly. The intent of the single virtual ticket is that members of a household will view together.
While films can be paused and re-started throughout the viewing window, they cannot be re-watched in their entirety. Please plan to watch your purchased film once only.
I am in another city. Can I still participate in this Film Festival?
Yes! We would love for you to join our Festival from other cities. Please note that our viewing windows are based on the Central Time zone.
TECH TIPS:
It is strongly recommended that you test the viewing system you choose before the film festival begins.
What if streaming is slow or stuck?
Bandwidth is often the culprit. Before viewing, we recommend you close all other apps/browser pages/programs on your device, then launch a singular window/app for film viewing. Competing household users will slow WiFi down too. Try a different browser— Chrome, Firefox, and Safari tend to worker better than Internet Explorer.
Complete a speed test at www.speedtest.net – your bandwidth should be at least 5 Mbps, and ideally, 10 MBps. Lower playback quality: many Vimeos automatically play in HD/Hi-definition video. To adjust, click the gear icon in the lower right corner and choose a reduced option (note: video quality may lower as well).
What happens if I still have technical problems at home viewing the movies?
If you encounter a problem watching your film(s) at home and have tried the suggestions above with no success, please email: aweinberg@jccdallas.org
Please provide your name, email address, phone number, and a brief description of the problem. Adina will get back to you as soon as she is able.
We recommend that you watch the films early in the viewing windows so that our team has time to troubleshoot any problems if they arise.
Do you need help connecting your device to TV?
Click the links below:
