Technical checklist

A good film experience at home does not necessarily require expensive gadgets. Preparation and smart choices are key. Keep these three factors in mind: streaming, watching the film and audio. Will you use one device for all three, or three different devices?

The MtM film platform is more compatible with certain devices than others. We recommend using a (recently updated) computer or laptop. Streaming from a mobile device (smartphones or tablets) is an option, but has reported more technical issues. This is especially true for older models. MtM films can only be streamed using a web browser – we do not have a streaming app available (for smartphones or smart TVs) – which is simply more compatible with computers and laptops, than with mobile devices.

If you want to watch the film on a different device than the one you are streaming from (for example, streaming from your laptop and watching on your television), you will need to connect the two devices. Connection can be made using a cable, casting with Chromecast or Apple AirPlay. Streaming MtM films on your smart TV is only possible if you have access to a web browser on your TV. You then will have to open moviesthatmatter.nl from the web browser on your television. Do you want to do this? We strongly recommend you test this option using our test film ahead of your film screening.

All our movies are protected with DRM, which can vary from movie to movie. It may happen that this system indicates that the way of viewing is not safe. The protections inspects which device you use, with which software and any external connections. There are a number of notorious issues. Apple devices only work with Safari and possibly Airplay & Apple TV, Windows and Android only work with Chrome and possibly Chromecast. Some external screens are also not recognised.

Important disclaimer: the MtM player will have the least issues if you watch the film on the screen of the device that you are streaming from. If you are experiencing issues with Chromecast, an external screen or with your beamer/projector (for example, only audio and no image), this frequently resolves the issue.

We recommend connecting your laptop or computer to a sound system for the ultimate film experience. Even a simple set of speakers can elevate the audio experience significantly.

Make sure your browser is updated before the film screening to avoid your browser demanding a software update during the screening. Ready to go? Double check your set-up and settings using our test screening (of a film on demand, available as of 9 April).

The MtM player works best with Google Chrome. If you prefer not to use Google, we recommend using Firefox or Microsoft Edge as a second option. MtM films can only be streamed using a web browser – we do not (yet) have a streaming app available (for smartphones or smart TVs).

To check whether your internet connection is strong enough for high quality streaming, you can perform a speed test. There are various free speed tests online. A download speed of 15Mbps (Megabit per second) is sufficient to stream a film. Your wireless internet connection can however still fluctuate. To ensure a stable connection, connect your device to your modem using an ethernet cable.

We strongly recommend checking whether any updates are available – for your web browser or your device – before streaming a film. Outdated software is one of the most common issues experienced by online festival visitors; one which we cannot resolve remotely for you.

It can take time to adjust to streaming media in a new digital environment. What adjustments can I make? Can I pause and rewind? It is important to remember that a digital festival environment is not the same thing as a streaming service. You may not see all the setting options you are accustomed to, and you may encounter new options. Read more about the available settings and test them with our test screening of a film on demand (available as of 24 March).

When you open the player, the audio is automatically turned off. You have to turn on the audio yourself.

The player automatically selects a streaming quality. You can adjust this by selecting a higher or lower resolution in the dropdown menu. Higher resolution is theoretically better, but requires a higher download speed (a better internet connection) to stream smoothly. 1080p is equal to ‘HD’ (high definition). Selecting a different streaming quality can take up to 30 seconds to adjust.

Please note: the quality you experience is not only dependent on the MtM player, but also determined by the device you are streaming on, and even the cable you are using to connect your device to an external display.

For many MtM films you can choose between English and Dutch subtitles. You can switch these on and/or off yourself in the player. You can find the available options per film in the online player and in the programme overview.

Some movies have only one subtitle language available and they may be part of the movie. In that case you cannot switch them on and/or off yourself.

On demand screenings consist of a playlist of multiple parts. For example: the film, introduction films, accompanying Q&As or an interview after the screening. You can modify the playlist sequence. It is not possible to fast forward or back or ‘scroll through the film’, as is possible with other streaming services.

During a live screening, all audiences watch the film at the same time. You are effectively watching a live stream, and cannot modify the sequence playlist.

Live screenings feature a chat function with which you can communicate with fellow festival visitors ahead of the screening.

Please note: This is not to be confused with our helpdesk live chat, which you can find at the bottom left of your screen.

During live screenings accompanied by live Q&As, you will be able to submit your question to the moderator in a special question box. To confirm whether there will be a live Q&A, visit the progamme or film page and search for screenings with the pink label ‘live Q&A’.

Curious to see if everything is functioning as it should? Whether the way you would like to watch film during MtMF (casting, beaming or a second screen) works well with our systems? What our online viewing environment looks like? Try out this test screening (available as of 24 March).