SDFF 2021 VIEWING FAQ
All films and events are available internationally except where noted. Any film not available to view outside the United States will include a note with the restrictions. (US Territories included in US-only? Ask because it isn’t for AFI fest, which is also eventive & has US restrictions on all its films).
Starting on May 5, you will have the opportunity to begin pre-ordering films and events you would like to view during SDFF 2021, June 10-13.
When films and events become available to view on June 10, you will have 96 hours to unlock/begin watching a film you’ve purchased. Once you begin watching, you’ll have an additional 48 hours to complete your viewing experience. Once you unlock the film or event, you will see an indication of how long you have to start watching below the viewing window on the film page. After you’ve started watching, the indication will change to show you how much time is left to finish.
The VIP Pass allows you to unlock a film and/or virtual event, which is automatically linked to your account on Eventive. Use your VIP Pass to watch feature films, shorts programs, and filmmaker conversations and panels.
If you would like to purchase an individual film or event, head to the virtual festival page by visiting sdff2021.eventive.org. Here you can browse through all the available programs. You can purchase an individual program by selecting “Pre-Order” or “Unlock” and then enter your email address to either login or create an Eventive account. You will then be prompted to enter your credit card information to complete the purchase.
Individual Film & Event Access:
Tickets to feature films, shorts programs, filmmaker conversations and all other festival events will be available to “unlock” for $12
All of the 2021 films will be available to view any day of the festival, many including Q&As. Once the film becomes available, you will have 96 hours to begin watching the film and then 48 hours to conclude viewing.
All films are available to viewers worldwide, except where noted. Film views are limited, and films can “sell out,” which will be indicated by “Sold Out.“
Please note: No refunds or exchanges. Unlocks are non-transferable. Events are not rated and viewer discretion is advised.
Once you purchase your pass, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to use your pass and select your programs. Once the SDFF 2021 program schedule is live, you can pre-order or unlock your selections.
If you purchased a film or event and it is currently available to view, the player will automatically unlock and allow you to view the content. If you pre-ordered a program, you will receive a confirmation email with information on how to access your screening when it becomes available to view. If you misplace this email, do not worry – if you are logged into your Eventive account, the content will unlock for you when it is available.
Please note: Your Eventive login will be the same email and password used to purchase your pass or unlock.
Check your inbox for the order confirmation email and click the “watch now” button. If you misplaced this email, you could also access the My Content Library menu on Eventive. Make sure you are logged into your Eventive account so you can see all the programs you have ordered.
You can also visit sdff2021.eventive.org and click on the original listing for the program. You will be taken to the screening page. If you’re logged into your Eventive account and already ordered a ticket for that film, you will have the option to “watch now” from the virtual screening page.
My Content Library menu: https://watch.eventive.org/me
Please confirm that you are logged in with the same email address or Facebook login you used to purchase the program. You can log in using the login link right below the “unlock now” button or in the upper right corner of the screen.
After your purchase, you should receive an email from tickets@sebastopolfilm.org regarding your pass order confirmation. The subject line should be “Pass Order Confirmation – SDFF2021.” If you did not receive this email to your inbox, please check your spam/junk folders. You can also access your content directly by logging into your Eventive account at https://watch.eventive.org/sdff2021. If you are still having trouble, contact us at tickets@sebastopolfilm.org.
Due to restrictions from filmmakers and film distributors, we will have a limited number of unlocks available for each film and event. Once we have hit the viewing allotment a film will be marked as “Sold Out.”
Films and events are available for a limited time and can only be viewed within the availability window. Please check the schedule for availability on sdff2021.eventive.org. If the viewer does not hit play within that window or conclude watching the film within the allotted time, it will become unavailable to the viewer.
Find the film you would like to watch on the SDFF 2021 Virtual Schedule, select either the “Pre-Order” or “Unlock Now” button on the viewing window. Afterward, you will see a “Have a Discount Code” link. Click on the link and input your discount code. Proceed to log into your Eventive account or create one if you do not already have one. Once you complete your purchase, you can enjoy your film or event.
If you don’t remember your password, you can reset it here.
Visit the Eventive Device Compatibility page and follow the steps to unlock a free test video.
- You can test your device(s) for compatibility with our platform
- Confirm that you are able to make a purchase
- Confirm that you are receiving confirmation emails once a purchase has been completed
If you are unsure your devices are compatible, please refer to the Ways to Watch section for devices that are Eventive compatible.
Yes, you have complete access to the entire program during your watch window. Once you click “Watch Now,” you have 48 hours to watch it. After you’ve started watching a program, you will see an indication of how much time is left to finish the screening.
To close a video, click anywhere outside of the viewing window.
Films that are eligible for the Audience Award will be notated on the virtual screening page below the player. Once you have completed viewing your film, you will be able to cast your vote. On the virtual screening page below the player you will see ratings scaled from 1 to 5, poor to excellent. Click your choice and your vote has been cast. If you are voting on a shorts package, select the film within the package you would like to vote on from the list on the right-hand side of the player and select your rating. Do this for each film within the package. You can go back and alter your vote, but only one vote per account will be tabulated.
Some films will have closed captioning available. Films with closed captioning will be marked with “CC available.” To turn on captions when available simply click the CC marker in the tool bar in the right-hand corner to turn them on or off.
We recommend that all Apple users use Safari.
Closed Captions are not currently available on Roku.
Audience Award winners will be announced ??????
No, you can also watch all our films and events on your TV or preferred viewing screen. You can use Chromecast or connect your computer to your TV via an HDMI cable.
More info on how to watch on your TV in the Ways to Watch Section.
No, you can also watch all our films and events on your TV or preferred viewing screen. You can use Chromecast or connect your computer to your TV via an HDMI cable.
More info on how to watch on your TV in the Ways to Watch Section.
See comment above about AFI App… “No. At this time, streaming the festival using Amazon products (Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Cube, Kindle, etc.) is not available.”
We have had success streaming with Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Microsoft Edge and Opera. We recommend using the latest version of your browser. Internet Explorer is not supported. If you are trying to access a program and receive an error message, clear your browser history, then close and restart your browser.
The quality of the image depends on a few factors, including your internet speed. The player will auto-adjust to your internet speed. Your internet speed may change periodically based on how many other users are on your home network, the time of day, etc.
First, make sure that you are logged in with the correct Eventive account. If you are logged in correctly, you will see a circle with the initials of the account holder in the upper right corner of the page. If you are not logged in, you will instead see the word “Login” at the upper right corner of the page. Click “Login” and enter the desire account credentials.
If you are properly logged in and you still cannot play your film or event, please confirm that you are not on a VPN (Virtual Private Network.) Eventive’s content protection protocol does not allow VPN access. If all you see in the player window is a black screen, please click or tap on the window to activate player controls.
If you still cannot play your film or event, please refer to the IT Support section of this page, the Eventive FAQ Guide or email us at tickets@sebastopolfilm.org.
Hover the cursor over the film or event you are currently watching to make the video controls visible. On the bottom left, the sound icon controls the volume. To control how high or low the volume is, hover the cursor over the volume bar and click the left side to lower the volume or the right side to raise the volume.
Yes. All customer payment info is submitted securely to our payment processor, Stripe, using the most stringent, PCI Level 1 compliant security protocols. We do not store any sensitive customer credit card details. While hosted at Stripe, all card numbers are encrypted at rest with AES-256. Stripe’s infrastructure for storing, decrypting and transmitting card numbers runs in separate hosting infrastructure and doesn’t share any credentials with Stripe’s primary services (API, website, etc.). You may request that your payment information be unlinked from your account by choosing the “account settings” link at the upper right while logged in and viewing a specific organization or film page.
Please visit: https://account.eventive.org/account
Customer Service
If you need direct assistance, we will be available June 10-13 from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. PDT. If you need help after these hours, please email and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
tickets@sebastopolfilm.org
PHONE NUMBER
More questions? Be sure to check out Eventive’s FAQ Guide and you can even chat with one of their reps.
Eventive FAQ: https://watch.eventive.org/help
HOW TO ATTEND
You can attend this year’s virtual Sebastopol Documentary Film Festival via a pass or tickets (or “unlocks”). Passes are available now. Tickets for individual screenings and virtual events like conversations and Q&As will be available on May 5.
Starting on May 5, you will have the opportunity to pre-order films and events that you would like to view during SDFF 2021, June 10-13.
The festival is structured as a 4-day virtual event. Unlike our in-person fests, our virtual screenings and events do not have set start times. You can begin watching the films you’ve purchased at any time during the festival. Once unlocked, you have a leisurely 4 days (96 hours) in which start watching the film (unlocks film). Once you start watching the film, you have 48 hours to finish watching the film.
Your ticket allows you to watch each film or event one time. Due to restrictions from film distributors and filmmakers, films and events have a limited capacity – and they can sell out. We strongly recommend pre-ordering your choices before the festival begins. A limited number of passes and tickets are available for purchase, so buy yours today!
Some films have geographic restrictions and can only be viewed within the United States. International viewers should double-check their films for restrictions.
5-Film/Panel Bundle $50
The 5-Film/Panel Bundle Festival Pass grants the passholder access to “unlock” feature films, shorts packages, filmmaker conversations and panels, and any other virtual events.
VIP All Festival Pass $100
The VIP Festival Pass grants the passholder access to “unlock” feature films, shorts packages, filmmaker conversations and panels, and any other virtual events.
Individual Film & Event Access:
- Tickets to individual films will be available to “unlock” for $12
- Tickets to filmmaker conversations + events will be available to “unlock” for $12?
All 2021 films and events will be available to view each day of the festival, many with Q&As to follow. Once the film becomes available, you will have 48 hours to begin watching the film and then 48 hours to conclude viewing.
The Fine Print:
All films and events are available to viewers worldwide, except where marked as “U.S. Only.” U.S. Only films are only available to viewers in the United States. All film and event views are limited and can sell out, which will be indicated by a “Sold Out” message.
Due to restrictions from film distributors and filmmakers, films and events are available for a limited time and with limited capacity – and they can sell out. We strongly recommend pre-ordering your choices before the festival begins.
Passes and tickets are automatically linked to a customer’s account on Eventive, the platform where all SDFF 2021 programs will be made available to view.
No refunds or exchanges. Passes and tickets are non-transferable. Event is not rated for content and viewer discretion is advised.
Once a film you’ve pre-ordered a film and it becomes available, you will have 4 days (96 hours) to begin watching the film and then 48 hours to conclude viewing. We strongly recommend pre-ordering your choices before the Festival begins, as films have limited views available and can sell out fast.
TYPES OF VIRTUAL EVENTS
Documentary Features, Features w/ Shorts, Features w/ Q&As
Documentary features are films with a run-time longer than 50 minutes. Most documentary features run as standalone events, but some also include filmmaker Q&As or are accompanied by short films. In some instances, well-matched films also run as double features. Be sure to read the entire event description to see what each screening event includes.
- Available for viewing June 10-13
- $12 to Unlock
- After purchasing a ticket, you will have 96 hours to unlock a film and begin watching it. Viewing must be concluded 48 hours after you’ve started watching the film.
Shorts Programs
Shorts programs are groups of short films and minis that you purchase as a package. Documentary shorts are films with a run-time shorter than 50 minutes, minis are films under 10 minutes. The length of shorts programs can vary and include between 2-7 films. Shorts programs may also include filmmaker Q&As. Be sure to read the entire event description to see what each screening event includes.
- Available for viewing June 10-13
- $12 to Unlock
- After purchasing a ticket, you will have 96 hours to unlock a film and begin watching it. Viewing must be concluded 48 hours after you’ve started watching the film.
Filmmaker Conversations and Panels are standalone virtual events with runtimes anywhere from 45 – 65 minutes. Each one features an interview with a filmmaker or panel of filmmakers on a given theme. These standalone events are separate from filmmaker Q&As, which may be included in some shorts programs and alongside some feature films.
- Available for viewing June 10-13
- $12 to Unlock
- After purchasing a ticket, you will have 96 hours to unlock a film and begin watching it. Viewing must be concluded 48 hours after you’ve started watching the film.
WAYS TO WATCH
Yes, here are the available options for viewing on your TV:
Via HDMI Cable
One way to watch on your TV is by directly connecting your computer (or other devices) to your TV via HDMI cable.
- Make sure your computer is close enough to your television for the HDMI cable to reach between them safely.
- Connect one end of the HDMI cable into an available HDMI port on the TV. Take note of the HDMI input number it is being connected to.
- Plug the other end of the cable into your laptop’s HDMI out port
- Set the TV to the HDMI Input port that the computer is connected to using the source or display button on your TV remote.
- If your computer’s display does not automatically appear on your television screen, you may need to have the computer manually detect the display.
- Windows: Right-click on the desktop > Display Settings > Click Detect > Click the “Multiple displays” drop-down box and select “Duplicate these displays”) > Click Apply.
- Mac: Go to the Apple Menu > choose System Preferences > Choose the “Displays” panel > Hold down the “Option” key to show the “Detect Displays” button – note that it replaces the ‘Gather Windows’ button > Click on “Detect Displays” while holding down Option to use the function as intended.
Here are guides on how to connect an HDMI cable to your computer https://www.wikihow.com/Connect-HDMI-to-TV
Stream directly from a tab in the Chrome internet browser to a TV connected to a Chromecast device from your Mac or PC computer. Note: At this time, Chromecast is not available to cast from Apple iOS devices, like the iPhone and iPad. Once your Chromecast is set up you can stream directly from your computer.
- On the video page, open the Chrome menu in the upper right corner of the window (or the View menu) and select Cast. Make sure the tab you want to be displayed is the one you are selecting to cast.
- Select your Chromecast source (consider selecting Chrome tab) and your Chromecast destination. Chromecast will then be connected and video will be playing on your TV.
- To disconnect from Chromecast, click the blue Stop icon next to your casting destination.
- If there are any issues with the Chromecast stream, try setting the video to a lower quality.
Still having trouble? Here’s a guide on how to use Chromecast from your computer.
Got most copy from AFI, which has its own app. This one is from Googling “eventive apple TV…” I was going to add a link to the eventive app in the apple store, but it has VERY VERY BAD reviews, which made me reticent to recommend it to our audience…
Please download the “Eventive TV” app from the Apple TV App Store (accessible via your TV). You must have at least a generation 4 Apple TV to access the App Store. … Now, select from the available channels on the Eventive Apple TV app to begin watching. All of your unlocked content will be available on the app.
You can also AirPlay them from another device to your TV.
If you are using an external display, try disconnecting the display. Your display may not support the encryption necessary to securely stream your content. If you cannot detach the external display and are using Safari on a Mac, try switching to Google Chrome. If you are on a mobile device, try letting the film play for 15 seconds. If none of these steps help, please contact us using the live chat at the bottom of the page.
First, make sure that you are logged in with the correct Eventive account. If you are logged in correctly, you will see a circle with the initials of the account holder in the upper right corner of the page. If you are not logged in, you will instead see the word “Login” at the upper right corner of the page. Click “Login” and enter the desire account credentials.
If you are properly logged in and you still cannot play your film or event, please confirm that you are not on a VPN (Virtual Private Network.) Eventive’s content protection protocol does not allow VPN access. If all you see in the player window is a black screen, please click or tap on the window to activate player controls.
If you still cannot play your film or event, please refer to the IT Support section of this page, the Eventive FAQ Guide or email us at ticekts@sebastopolfilm.org.
IT SUPPORT
You can watch content on PCs running Windows 7+ and Intel-based Macs running macOS 10.12+. You can also watch films on Android tablets and phones using Chrome and on iPhones and iPads using Safari.
If you have an Apple TV or Roku device, you can use our dedicated apps. If you have a Chromecast, you can cast to it from Chrome on your computer or Android phone. Detailed instruction listed in under Ways to Watch.
Windows 7, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10
Supported browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge and Opera. We recommend using the latest version of your browser. Internet Explorer is not supported.
macOS 10.12 or later
Supported browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Opera. We recommend using the latest version of your browser.
Yes, you can watch content using Safari on iOS 11.2 or later.
Important note: Due to content protection restrictions, the Screen Mirroring feature cannot be used. Additionally, HDMI or other video dongles cannot be connected to your device. Instead, use AirPlay or our dedicated TV app to watch on your TV.
Yes, you can watch content using Chrome on Android 6.0 or later.
If Chromecasting, you must have a 3rd generation or later Chromecast device.
To Chromecast from a mobile Android device:
- Make sure your mobile phone or tablet is on the same WiFi network as your Chromecast device.
- Tap the “Cast” icon in the lower righthand corner of the player. If no icon appears, this means casting is not supported on your device.
To Chromecast from computer:
- Open the content in the Google Chrome browser.
- Click the “Cast” icon in the lower righthand corner of the player. If no icon appears, this means casting is not supported on your device.
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 WiFi, try moving closer to your router. You may also try connecting directly to your router via an ethernet cable.
For a proper viewing experience, ensure you have a strong, stable internet connection. You can check your internet speed easily by going to speedtest.net
At 7mbps or higher, you will be running at a playback of 1080p or higher and your quality will be optimal.
At 4mbps or lower, you will be running at a playback of 720p or lower, which will provide you a poor viewing quality.
If you need direct assistance, we will be available June 10-13 from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. PDT. If you need help after these hours, please email and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
tickets@sebastopolfilm.org
PHONE?
More questions? Be sure to check out Eventive’s FAQ Guide and you can even chat with one of their reps.
Customer Service
If you need direct assistance, we will be available June 10-13 from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. PDT. If you need help after these hours, please email and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
tickets@sebastopolfilm.org
PHONE?
More questions? Be sure to check out Eventive’s FAQ Guide and you can even chat with one of their reps.
