Any time you plan to screen/show a film to the public (“public” here meaning anyone attending a film screening/showing in an auditorium, theater, or any other kind of unrestricted open space, either indoors or outdoors)—irrespective of the film’s format or whether or not you are charging admission—you must first seek permission to do so from the film’s copyright holder(s). This permission comes in the form of a license from the rights holder called a PPR (Public Performance Rights) license.
Some films in the Gitenstein Library Media collection were purchased with Public Performance Rights. You can check the library online catalog, and if we have PPR, it will say "TCNJ rights include educational public performance." These are typically educational films, documentaries, or small independent-type films, but never “Hollywood”-type films (Gravity, or Breakfast at Tiffany's)
Gitenstein Library does not obtain PPR licenses for individuals or groups. The process of searching for PPR can be lengthy and time-consuming. In most cases there is a charge associated with a PPR license; anywhere from $100-$900 per film per screening is not uncommon. Searching for and obtaining a PPR license is the responsibility of the person(s) screening or showing the film. To get started in obtaining licenses, see "Contacts for Obtaining Public Performance Rights" on this page.