How to Watch Online
Get comfy and cozy cause it’s time for the online section of the film festival! Discover so many stories from the comfort of your couch from now until 11/30. Explore the streaming lineup here!
Here are some tips and tricks on how to watch online:
How can I get help with online streaming?
If you haven’t found your answer here in our FAQ’s, please email streaming@docnyc.net for assistance. Our team is online from 12pm-9pm ET to assist.
What is “streaming?”
For DOC NYC, “streaming” simply means watching a video over your internet connection (instead of downloading a file to your computer). It’s immediate and available on demand with any device that’s connected to the internet. Anytime you watch a film on Netflix, or a video on YouTube, you’re streaming!
How do I stream a film?
If you’re buying tickets before the festival opens, you’ll receive a link that will let you stream your selection – each film has a specific window of availability (details to be announced). If you’re buying tickets during the festival, simply click the Stream button that appears on the confirmation page after purchase, in your confirmation email or on the film page. You’ll have 48 hours, or until the end of the film’s virtual engagement if it occurs in less than 48 hours, to complete your viewing after clicking Stream.
How to watch on your computer, mobile phone or tablet
Currently you can stream through the following web browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge, and Opera. For both PC and Apple computers, we recommend that you use the latest version of your browser.
Note: Internet Explorer is not supported.
How to watch on your television
DOC NYC app on Apple TV (Generation 4 or higher only), Roku, AndroidTV and FireTV
On the DOC NYC website, click on the “WATCH ON ROKU OR APPLE TV” button at the top of your stream page to access your 9-digit voucher code – good for use on any of the four services. Open the “DOC NYC” app on the desired service and enter the code to stream the film.*
* All Access Passholders may log in to the DOC NYC app using their watch.docnyc.net credentials to unlock On Demand access to view films.
If you do not already have the DOC NYC app downloaded, search for “DOC NYC” in the App or Channel store and click “Get the App” or “Add Channel.”
Google Play app link (for AndroidTV): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cinesend.festival.docnyc
Amazon app link (for FireTV): https://www.amazon.com/CineSend-DOC-NYC/dp/B08KRZXFFB/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&qid=1605199594&refinements=p_4%3ACineSend&s=mobile-apps&search-type=ss&sr=1-8
Alternatively:
Screen Sharing (Chromecast & Apple TV)
You can stream films on Chromecast or Apple TV (all generations) by screen sharing your smartphone, tablet, or computer on the same Wi-Fi network. Instructions for screen sharing using your Apple TV using AirPlay can be found here. For information on screen sharing using your Chromecast, click here.
HDMI
If you have a laptop or nearby computer with an HDMI port, you can connect it directly to your television, using it as a second monitor. That said, connection details will depend on your setup. We recommend referencing your television’s manual for more information.
When can I begin streaming my films?
Films available for purchase and hosted on our festival streaming platform will be viewable during a specific window of time, as indicated on film pages and in your email confirmation. Windows of availability will vary by film. You can stream by clicking on the “Stream” button in your confirmation email or on the film page. You’ll have 48 hours, or until the end of the film’s engagement if it occurs in less than 48 hours, to complete your viewing after clicking Stream.
How long after I purchase a ticket do I have to stream a film?
Once you’ve clicked the “Stream” button, You’ll have 48 hours, or until the end of the film’s virtual engagement if it occurs in less than 48 hours, to complete your viewing. Windows of availability vary by film.
Can I watch a film more than once?
Yes. You can watch a film or event as many times as you like within your 48-hour window.
I am not currently in New York. Am I able to stream a film?
Films screening on DOC NYC’s festival platform are viewable within the US and US territories.
Is closed captioning available for online screenings?
When closed-captions have been made available to us by the film’s content owners, we are able to provide these captions for festival films when viewed on a browser through watch.docnyc.net. Unfortunately, due to technical limitations of our secure screening platform, captions are not currently available via third-party apps & devices such as Apple TV, Roku, AndroidTV and FireTV. A suggested workaround would be to start a captioned film on your computer or hand-held device, then cast it to your TV via Airplay or Chromecast. Viewers wishing to find closed-captioned films in the DOC NYC program are encouraged to filter our film lineup by the “closed-captioned” theme.
I am receiving this error message: “Your voucher has been redeemed by a different IP address.” What do I do?
For security reasons, you must view your film on the same WiFi network or Internet connection. Once you start your stream in one location, you cannot continue viewing it in another location or on a different network—for example, if you start watching at home and try to restart at a friend’s house. To stream on multiple devices in one location, make sure all devices are connected to the same network. Email ticketing@docnyc.net if you continue to experience difficulty or believe you are receiving this message in error.
Can I download a film instead of streaming it?
The DOC NYC streaming platform uses DRM technology to prevent downloading as a security measure. All films may only be watched while streaming. It is not possible to download a film.
All streams are available for 48 hours, or until the end of the film’s virtual engagement if it occurs in less than 48 hours, to complete a viewing after clicking Stream.
Want more documentaries? An Online Film Pass, which allows access to all the festival’s online screenings, is also now available.
