When hosting a public movie screening, it’s important to know that most films require a public performance license. This applies to events held by schools, churches, parks, cities, or any event open to the public—even if admission is free.
Licensing fees are paid directly to film licensing companies (such as Swank Motion Pictures or Criterion Pictures) and typically range from $250–$600 per title, depending on the film and size of the audience. Firefly Cinema will guide you through the process and connect you with the right licensing partner to make sure your event is fully compliant.
For private backyard gatherings with family and close friends, a license is usually not required. But for anything larger or public, we’ll help you navigate the process so there are no surprises.