*The Library now has full 1 year access (until 30 Sept 2024) to BFI Player via a deal with JISC. You can access it from our Databases A-Z list, Film Studies databases list, Video Resources A-Z and DiscoverEd. Note if you already had a BFI Player account linked to our pilot subscription before 1 Oct 2023, you will need to relink your account following instructions given at the above access points.*
We are happy to let you know that the Library has a pilot subscription to the fabulous BFI Player, a video on demand service from the British Film Institute (BFI). Access is available to us until the end of August 2023.
BFI Player streams acclaimed, landmark and archived films. Reflecting the BFI’s wider cultural mission the focus is on British and European independent films but it does also include international releases. And it allows you to access classic and cult films from across the decades.
The pilot gives us access to BFI Player until 31 August 2023. You can access it from our E-resources Trials page but you must first follow these 3 steps to register:
- Go to https://player.bfi.org.uk/academic/subscribe and create an account using your UoE email and a password of your choice OR if you already have a personal account with BFI Player then select “Already have an account? Sign in”.
- Select University of Edinburgh from the dropdown list and click “Link institution”.
- Authenticate subscription using your UoE credentials.
Once you’ve registered with the site you can simply login on BFI Player, you don’t need to use the subscribe link again.
The availability of films on BFI Player is dependent on rights agreements with licensors and content can change during the period of the pilot, so films will be added but films will also be removed.
Due to licensing restrictions BFI Player is not available outside the UK. And please be aware that rental content and festival events are not included in the subscription.
Don’t forget…
The Library already has access to a huge range of films, TV programmes, documentaries, etc., via other online streaming services. These include:
Box of Broadcasts (BoB)
An on demand TV and radio service that allows students and staff to record programmes from over 75 free-to-air channels; and search the BoB archive of over 3 million broadcasts. You can create playlists and clips and it allows you to search transcripts.
Access is only available on UK mainland (but UoE VPN may help get around that).
Academic Video Online
Academic Video Online is a comprehensive video online subscription resource. It delivers video titles spanning a wide range of subject areas including anthropology, business, counseling, film, health, history, music, and more. Curated for the educational experience, the massive depth of content and breadth of content-types (such as documentaries, films, demonstrations, etc.) makes this database a useful resource for both staff and students.
Kanopy
Kanopy is an online streaming service for films and documentaries. Content includes popular documentaries, Oscar winners and nominees, classic films, and independent films. The Library has purchased over 50 titles for teaching purposes from the Kanopy site and you can see all of these titles when you log in.
You can find a full range of online resources that give you access to films, TV and much more via our Video Resources A-Z.
*The Library now has full 1 year access (until 30 Sept 2024) to BFI Player via a deal with JISC. You can access it from our Databases A-Z list, Film Studies databases list, Video Resources A-Z and DiscoverEd. Note if you already had a BFI Player account linked to our pilot subscription before 1 Oct 2023, you will need to relink your account following instructions given at the above access points.*