Welcome to the Mendocino Film Festival virtual cinema! There will be no regular film festival this year, so instead we have partnered with some of our favorite distributors to bring you new, engaging independent film. The Mendocino Film Festival receives a percentage of every ticket sold – by purchasing a ticket you can help the festival through this challenging time. We know that there are many ways to watch films these days, thank you for choosing to support MFF!

Two films will be added to the virtual cinema every week June 6-July 31. Check this page and the MFF Facebook for updates and more film selections. Be sure to also check out the Magnolia Pictures: A Few of Our Favorite Docs series. Make movie night special with take-out from one of our wonderful culinary partners.

If you are having trouble connecting your phone, tablet, or computer to your television (all films deserve a big screen!), please use the guides at the bottom of this page.

Coming June 6

The Painter and the Thief – directed by Benjamin Ree

Desperate for answers about the theft of her two paintings, a Czech artist seeks out and befriends the career criminal who stole them. After inviting her thief to sit for a portrait, the two form an improbable relationship and an inextricable bond that will forever link these lonely souls. In English & Norwegian with English subtitles. 102 min.

With our link, your ticket is just $3.99, and 50% of proceeds support the Mendocino Film Festival. The rental is active for 72 hours after the time of purchase. The ticket link will be live starting at 12 am on Saturday, June 6.

2020 MEMBERS & SPONSORS you will have the opportunity to screen The Painter and the Thief  for free from 6 pm on Friday, June 5 until 6 pm on Saturday, June 6. Follow this link and input the password, which will be sent to you at noon on Friday. Please contact Janis MacDonald with any questions, membership@mendocinofilmfestival.org.

Coming June 12

Spaceship Earth is the true, stranger-than-fiction, adventure of eight visionaries who in 1991 spent two years quarantined inside of a self-engineered replica of Earth’s ecosystem called BIOSPHERE 2. The experiment was a worldwide phenomenon, chronicling daily existence in the face of life threatening ecological disaster and a growing criticism that it was nothing more than a cult. The bizarre story is both a cautionary tale and a hopeful lesson of how a small group of dreamers can potentially reimagine a new world. 113 min. The rental is $3.99 and is active for 72 hours after the time of purchase. Trailer

Renowned horror writer Shirley Jackson is on the precipice of writing her masterpiece when the arrival of newlyweds upends her meticulous routine and heightens tensions in her already tempestuous relationship with her philandering husband. The middle-aged couple, prone to ruthless barbs and copious afternoon cocktails, begins to toy mercilessly with the naïve young couple at their door. Rated R. 107 min. The rental is $5.99 and is active for 72 hours after the time of purchase. Trailer

Frequently Asked Questions & Tech Guide

Why do I have to register for new platforms to watch these films?
You need to have a login/id to create a secure viewing session for Magnolia, Neon, Kino Now, Oscilloscope, Film Movement Plus, or Vimeo (the underlying platforms powering the virtual screenings). The viewing of each film is account-based and limits the time available and limits streams for personal viewing. That’s all to say, it’s for the security of the film.

Why are these films on various platforms and why are they different prices?
Film distributors are teaming up with local theaters and festivals to provide access to new independent films and each distributor has its own unique platform and pricing. When you select a film, you’ll be taken to the distributor’s website to purchase and watch the film. You will be sent an email after your purchase with a streaming link for the film.

How does this help the Mendocino Film Festival?
Nonprofit film organizations, such as the Mendocino Film Festival, need your support now more than ever. By buying a virtual “ticket” to watch these films, you’ll be directly supporting the Mendocino Film Festival. All revenue is being shared between distributor and exhibitor (us) just as if you bought your ticket at the Mendocino Film Festival box office.

After I purchase the film, how long do I have to watch it?
Please review the rental period before making a purchase. Most films are available for 3 days after the time of purchase. You can start, stop, and rewind within the availability window.

Neon Guide to Viewing & Troubleshooting 

Neon FAQ’s for Customers

MFF User Guide & How to Watch on Your TV

If you are experiencing trouble viewing the film, please email virtualcinema@neonrated.com or info@mendocinofilmfestival.org