Netflix allows use of some Netflix Original documentaries under the Grant of Permission for Educational Screening. This permission allows public performance of specific films under certain terms. (See our public performance FAQ for details about this area of copyright law.)

Films covered by the policy

Films covered by the policy include the permission language on the film's page in the Netflix Media Center. For example, as of July 2020, the film 13th by Ava DuVernay is covered by this policy, as indicated on 13th's Media Center page. To find films covered by the policy, you can search a specific film in the Netflix Media Center and look for the text.

Terms of the policy

• The use must be a one-time screening. Netflix writes, "'one-time screening' means that you can't hold screenings several times in one day or one week - but if, for example, you're an educator who wants to show the film once a semester over multiple semesters, that's okay."
• A Netflix account holder must play the film using the Netflix service. For example, an account holder could play it on a computer using the Netflix website or on a mobile device using the Netflix app. A projector could be used to project the screen of the computer or mobile device.
• "The screening must be non-profit and non-commercial." Screenings in Penn State courses qualify as non-profit and non-commercial. For other uses, keep in mind the following guidance from Netflix: "you can’t charge admission, fundraise, solicit donations, or accept advertising or commercial sponsorships in connection with the screening. "
• The permission does not allow screening "at any political campaign events and/or electoral campaigning events."
• Netflix writes, "Please don’t use Netflix’s logos in any promotion for the screening, or do anything else that indicates that the screening is “official” or endorsed by Netflix."

Questions from the Penn State community

With questions about this policy, please contact the Libraries Office of Scholarly Communications and Copyright.