As you seek to diversify your film collection this coming year, take note of the following vendors that offer perpetual access. As opposed to limited streaming access or digital site licenses, perpetual access allows you the ability to stream a film forever. Although more expensive, perpetual access typically results in lower cost per use. And many of the following vendors offer great rates for perpetual access for librarians.
Check out our article on public performance rights for more information on copyright.
Soundview Media Partners
Soundview Media Partners recently added the option for perpetual access on their site. Recent titles list the option on their site page, but Soundview Media may be willing to negotiate perpetual access for older titles. They currently offer over 700 diverse documentary films.
Artfilms
Artfilms offers perpetual access on request. They have hundreds of interviews, documentaries, and masterclasses available on their website. Subject areas include architecture, visual art, dance, performing arts, theatre, visual arts, film/cinema, design, fashion, jewelry, photography, language/literature, education, history and politics, music, and world studies.
Pragda
Pragda offers perpetual access for their collection of films from Latin America and Spain. These films cover a wide range of topics, including history and politics, human rights, music, culture, Spanish language education. Now is a good time to take advantage of their end of year sale and special prices on bulk orders for libraries.
Media Education Foundation
The Media Education Foundation offers perpetual access, as well as a range of different digital access options, for their films, including documentaries, educational resources, and other films that inspire critical thinking.
Juno Films
Juno Films offers perpetual Digital Site Licenses through Cinedu.com. They offer an extensive collection of African Films and critically acclaimed documentaries. They will offer a discount if an institution purchases three or more DSLs.
Grasshopper Films
Grasshopper Films offers DVDs with PPR and DSLs for life-of-file, including acclaimed independent releases.
Documentary Education Resource
Documentary Education Resources offers life of file terms on Digital Site Licenses. An excellent ethnographic resource, DER offers films that prioritize underrepresented communities, cultures, and identities.
Ambrose Video Publishing
Ambrose Video offers licenses in perpetuity. Their titles include many BBC classics and productions on science and health related topics like, Alzheimer’s, Diabetes, and neuroscience.
Video Project
Video Project offers "life of the file" Digital Site Licenses for all of titles that allow university libraries to host a file of the film on a server or 3rd party platform for secured-access streaming to their campus communities.
Women Make Movies
Women Make Movies offers digital site licensing with life of the file format for their entire collection of films championing female filmmakers and voices. They have multiple ongoing offers as well as a special winter discount on three or more films.
New Day Films
New Day offers perpetual licenses for many of their titles. Their extensive collection includes subjects like anthropology, disability, education, ethnographic studies, religion, and more.