The National Film and Sound Archive supports public exhibition and screening of collection works across cinemas, galleries and festivals.

Exhibitors and presenters can access film and audiovisual material for theatrical and non-theatrical screenings, exhibitions and curated public programs.

This page outlines the main ways venues and organisations can screen and present collection material, including fees and charges, access options, formats, permissions and loans.

Who this is for

This service is designed for organisations and groups presenting work to public audiences, including:

• cinemas and independent theatres
• film festivals and cultural presenters
• galleries, libraries, archives and museums
• educational and cultural venues hosting public programs

Access arrangements vary depending on the format, venue type and screening context.

Screening and exhibition access

Collection material may be accessed for:

• theatrical film screenings
• curated programs and retrospectives
• gallery and museum exhibitions.

The NFSA team can advise on:

• suitable formats for screening or display
• access conditions and permissions
• rights considerations relevant to public presentation

Formats and materials

The collection includes a wide range of audiovisual formats, including digital files and analogue film.

Some works are available in:

• digital screening formats
• film formats, including 16mm and 35mm (subject to availability and condition)

Format availability depends on preservation requirements and venue capabilities. The NFSA can advise on what formats are suitable for specific screening or exhibition contexts.

GLAM exhibitions and public programs

Galleries, libraries, archives and museums (GLAM) can access collection material for exhibitions and public-facing programs.

This may include:

• screening moving image works in exhibition settings
• displaying audiovisual material alongside objects and documents
• presenting contextual or interpretive programs

Access arrangements are tailored to exhibition needs and assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Loans

The NFSA provides screening loans of collection material to eligible organisations, including:

• cinemas and theatres
• festivals and cultural venues.

Loans are available for both theatrical and non-theatrical screenings, subject to availability, rights and preservation requirements.

Getting started

Access and loan arrangements depend on how, where and what you plan to screen or exhibit.

Please see our fees and conditions.