How does my film get on Kinema?
We're seeking feature length films, at festival quality level that we think will perform well with Kinema Hosts. Short films and serials are welcome. To submit your film visit kinema.com/filmmakers.
How long does it take for Kinema to review my film?
We typically review films once a week and respond within 24 hours of that initial review.
What does it cost to be on Kinema?
We're part subscription, part revenue share and have a set of plans to fit a variety of budgets. Check out all pricing details here.
Does Kinema market my film and find hosts for me?
No, Kinema is a tool used for managing your own distribution. We do not facilitate screening tours, find you hosts, or market your film. We do allow a seamless process for your hosts to book your film.
What rights do I need to screen my film on Kinema?
You'll need to hold the necessary screening rights for your film, including music clearances. Our team will walk you through the specific requirements during onboarding.
Can my film screen both virtually and in person?
Yes — Kinema supports both virtual and in-person screenings, giving your film the widest possible reach. Our platform handles ticketing, streaming, and event management for both formats.
Do you work with movie theaters?
We specifically represent your non-theatrical exhibition license. This means the physical spaces are anything but traditional movie theaters. However, if a movie theater would like to book a showing of your film, and they can use our film delivery tech (Offline Cinema Player) and you approve it, then we can support it. Kinema has a separate licensing agreement we send the theater that covers this.
What kind of distributor are you?
Kinema is a tool to facilitate the non-theatrical exhibition of your film. We do not provide marketing or promotion — we allow filmmakers to streamline their alternative distribution using our tools. Non-theatrical exhibitors (aka Hosts) may book showings of your film through Kinema.com. Showings can be in-person, virtual live, and virtual on-demand. You can also enable watch now rentals directly to audiences. We do not acquire films — you maintain your rights.
How does my film make money?
Your film generates revenue through licensing fees, ticketing, and rentals. Hosts either pay a licensing fee to book a showing of your film, or they sell tickets and split the revenue with you.
Is my film secure on Kinema?
Yes, maintaining privacy and security is extremely important to us. We have DRM protections, film files are encrypted upon delivery, we offer geo-restriction by country, and filmmakers are able to manage their account at any time. See more here.
How does ticketing work?
Filmmakers set the minimum and maximum rate for individual tickets to a showing of the film. Hosts then choose a price to offer for their event within that set window. Standard revenue split on ticketing is 45% to the filmmaker, 45% to the screening host, and 10% to Kinema, all split after processing and credit card costs. Additionally, the remaining 90% of ticket revenue (after Kinema's 10% fee) can be customized by the filmmaker to prioritize either the filmmaker or the host. For events where the filmmaker is also the host, they retain the full 90% share. If you need to temporarily adjust the ticket-split percentage for all events, you can contact Kinema support for assistance. Funds from ticket sales are distributed via Stripe. Organizers must set up a payout account with Stripe, and funds are deposited as each ticket is purchased. For licensed screenings, hosts may opt to sell tickets off Kinema’s platform. In such cases, all ticket revenue goes directly to the host the Kinema event page must be set to private, and filmmakers do not receive a portion of off-platform ticket sales as this is reflected in their licensing fee.
Can I set custom licensing fees?
Yes! We will provide you with a standard and recommended rate card, but you can entirely customize and/or update at any time. Licensing fees are determined by host type and audience size. At the moment you must reach out to us at films@kinema.com to customize your rate card.
Can I put more than one film on Kinema?
Absolutely. We encourage you to list all your past films on Kinema.
Do you create DCPs or DVDs?
We do not, and it is not necessary. Our Offline Kinema Player allows Hosts to safely and securely access and play your film without the internet.
Do I need closed captioning?
We strongly advise closed captioning so your film is accessible to all attendees.
What kind of data do I have access to?
You will have access to a reports dashboard that provides information on your bookings, tickets/RSVPs, pricing, and payouts. We care deeply about the privacy of paying screening hosts and their audience members, so we do not offer access to the number of views or time watched for virtual screenings. However, if an attendee has opted in to share their email with you, you will receive that information. See more here.
Can I host my own screenings?
Yes, anyone can create screenings including filmmakers. You would go through the same process of booking a screening from the Film Page.
As a filmmaker, do I have to pay anything if I make my event free?
All filmmakers must have a subscription in order to onboard their film to Kinema. If you plan to host a free event, you would just pay your own licensing fee and 90% (or 75% for Lite plans) would go back to you, while the rest covers usage costs and customer service. We also have our Sponsored/Free Screening Policy for those interested.
Can I publish my page without uploading my film?
Yes! You'll need to add the film as soon as a host creates a screening of your film.
Where is the link to my film page?
You can find the URL to your film page within your filmmaker dashboard when you log in — navigate to My Films > click the film title > Status. More here!
What specs is my film screened in?
How do I cancel my subscription?
At the moment you must contact your Kinema Representative to cancel your subscription.
Please check out other FAQs here.
Thank you! If you have other questions, email films@kinema.com.