FILM LICENSING: FAQs

PUBLIC FILM SCREENING LICENSES IN INDIA

If you’re planning to screen a movie outside of a cinema—whether at a school, college, club, hotel, corporate office, or public event—you need a proper film license. A film license gives you the legal right to show copyrighted films to an audience, even if the screening is free or private.

We provide official film licensing for non-theatrical screenings across India. Our licenses cover a wide range of popular international titles. The process is simple—tell us what movie you want to show, where and when, and we’ll guide you through the legal permissions. We ensure your event is fully compliant with copyright laws, giving you peace of mind.

1. What is a public film screening?

A public film screening refers to any showing of a film outside of a private home setting. This includes screenings at schools, clubs, cafes, auditoriums, offices, or any event open to the public or a defined group.

Jonetsu Entertainment works closely with authorized licensors to obtain the necessary permissions so that organizations, businesses, and individuals can screen films legally. Without this authorization, any public screening could be considered illegal and subject to legal action.

2. Is a license mandatory for public screenings in India?

Yes. Even if the screening is free and non-commercial, a public performance license is required from the rights holder (producer/distributor) to legally screen a film.

3. What laws govern public film screenings in India?

Public screenings are governed by the Copyright Act, 1957. Unauthorized screenings constitute copyright infringement and can lead to legal action.

4. What venues require a Film Screening License?

Open Air Screenings - Restaurant, Cafe, Bars, Beauty Salons & Outdoor Spaces
Private Theatre - Gated Community, Film Clubs, Sport Clubs
Drive in Cinemas - Indoor & Outdoor Screenings
Camping Sites, Parks, Beaches
Flea Market, Malls & FILM FESTIVALS
Corporate Offices, Religious Establishments
Auditoriums at Institute or Educational Centers
Auditoriums at Military, Navy and Air Force Colonies
Auditoriums at Cultural Centre & Other Conventional Centers

5. What Kind of License is required for Public Screenings?

The type of license required depends on agreements between copyright owners, distributors, and licensors. Public screening licenses are different from the rights given to streaming services, TV channels, or home video copies.

Jonetsu Entertainment works as a licensee to provide screening permissions for non-theatrical venues such as Cultural Centers, Film Festivals, Film Societies, Educational Institutions, Hotels, Cafe & Restaurants, Indoor-Outdoor Drive in Cinemas, Corporate & Co-Working Spaces, Malls, and Community Halls. The license will specify the terms, including whether the film can be promoted publicly or must remain a private event.

6. Is it allowed to screen a film with a purchased DVD / Blu-ray or OTT streaming subscriptions (e.g., Netflix, Amazon Prime or Apply TV)?

No. Personal copies (DVDs, Blu-rays, or OTT subscriptions) are licensed only for private home viewing. Screening them in public without permission is a violation of copyright.

7. Who grants the license for public film screenings?

Licenses are granted by:

The film’s producers, distributors.
Authorized licensing agencies (like Jonetsu Entertainment, Official Movie Licensing India, for Hollywood studios grants screening licenses).

8. How to obtain Film Screening Permissions?

Steps include:

1. Identify the film(s) you wish to screen.
2. Contact us, Jonetsu Entertainment for the bookings.
3. Provide details (venue, date, audience size, ticketing info).
4. Pay the license fee (varies based on film and audience).
5. Obtain written permission or a screening certificate.

9. Do Small Private Gatherings Need a License?

Yes. Even if you are showing a film to a small group in a club, office, or community center, you still need permission. The size of the audience does not determine whether a screening is legal or not—any public showing outside a private home setting requires a license.

For example, a film club that organizes regular screenings, even for a small audience, must obtain screening rights for each film. Jonetsu Entertainment helps such groups secure the necessary permissions.

10. Does Buying a License Allow Unlimited Screenings?

No. Each license is issued for a specific time period and number of screenings. The cost and terms vary depending on the agreement with the copyright holder or licensor. Some licenses allow only a single screening, while others may permit multiple showings within a limited time frame.

Jonetsu Entertainment offers tailored licensing options based on your specific screening requirements, ensuring compliance with copyright laws.

11. What is the cost of a film screening license?

License fees vary widely based on:

Film popularity and producer.
Type of screening (commercial/non-commercial or Educational).
Audience size and ticket pricing.
Duration and number of screenings.

12. Do I need a license if the screening is free and for educational purposes?

Yes. Educational intent does not exempt you from copyright law. Permission is still required unless the film is in the public domain or covered under an educational screening agreement.

13. Are there exceptions for government or nonprofit events?

No. Copyright laws apply equally to all organizations—nonprofits, government bodies, schools, and religious groups must obtain proper licensing.

14. Can I advertise the screening publicly? Is it allowed to promote screenings on social media?

Yes, only after securing the screening rights. Unauthorized promotion of a film screening (even online or via posters) without a license can attract legal attention.

15. Can I charge tickets for a licensed public screening?

Yes, if the license obtained covers commercial use. Be transparent about revenue and audience size when applying.

16. How to find if a film is in the public domain in India?

Most commercial films are NOT in the public domain. Films usually enter the public domain 60 years after the death of the author or creator, but legal advice or archival checks are recommended.

17. What happens if you screen a film without a license?

Unauthorized screenings can lead to:

Legal notices.
Fines and lawsuits.
Event shutdowns, seizure of the equipment's or criminal charges in severe cases.