Welcome to the 2021 Gold Coast International Film Festival. This year’s Festival includes an exciting slate of VIRTUAL, IN PERSON and OUTDOOR film screenings and filmmakers Q&As and events. Below is a list of frequently asked questions that will help you through all aspects of the Festival – from purchasing your tickets to streaming your films. Should you need further assistance, please email info@goldcoastarts.org with your name and phone number and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
Want to test out our system in advance? Click HERE and add our Test Event to your cart and see how it all works!
HOW CAN I PURCHASE A TICKET TO THE FESTIVAL?
All Festival tickets can be purchased directly on our website. Click HERE to see a list of all of this year’s offerings. When you find a film or event that sounds interesting, click the VIEW MORE button for more info about the film, including any geographic or date restrictions. Then, to purchase a ticket, just press BUY TICKETS to add the film to your cart.
Note: Members and Pass holders must sign in with their member or pass number first to receive their discount.
Tickets to Virtual Films: $15 ($12 for members)
*You can also purchase an All Access Pass! See below
All in-person screenings (unless otherwise noted) will be held at the Manhasset
Cinemas, 430 Plandome Road, Manhasset NY 11030
WHAT IS AN ALL ACCESS PASS?
We offer an ALL ACCESS PASS that gives you access to all Virtual & In Person screenings and filmmaker Q&As (excludes drive-in screenings) and a VIRTUAL ALL ACCESS PASS that gives you access to all Virtual films and filmmaker Q&As at the Festival. To purchase a Pass click HERE
*Please note – for virtual film screenings, there may be some limitations on the films you can stream with your Pass. For example, some films have geographic limitations (i.e. can only be viewed by people in New York) and some have date restrictions (i.e. must be watched on a certain date). Some films also have a LIMITED number of tickets available and can “sell out”– even for Pass holders. We recommend that you log in prior to the start of the festival and reserve your tickets in advance to each film you want to stream so you don’t get shut out.
You can reserve your Pass tickets as follows:
After you purchase your Pass, log in with your PASS ACCOUNT NUMBER. Your Pass Number will appear on your confirmation once you have completed your Pass purchase. Your Pass Number is different than your Member Number. Then, click HERE to visit each film’s page that you want to reserve and click on the CLICK TO PURCHASE (EVEN THOUGH IT SAYS “BUY TICKETS” YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED FOR THE TICKET). You will then get a pop-up screen with two prices. Choose the PASS REDEMPTION option ($0), add the film to your cart and check out. The film will be added to your Pass.
I BOUGHT MY TICKETS & PASSES, NOW WHAT DO I DO?
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WHAT IS STREAMING?
In this case, streaming simply means watching a video over your internet connection (instead of downloading a file to your computer). It’s immediate and available on demand with any device that’s connected to the internet. Anytime you watch a film on Netflix, or a video on YouTube, you’re streaming!
HOW DO I STREAM A FILM AT THE FESTIVAL?
After you purchased your ticket, click the WATCH NOW button that appears on the confirmation page after purchase, in your confirmation email and on the film page. Can’t find your email? Go HERE and log in to your account. Then, go to the web page for the film you want to watch and press the WATCH NOW button.
Remember – You will be required to Sign In with your member or pass number, email address, or username. If you forgot your password just follow the prompts to re-set it.
I HAVE AN ALL ACCESS PASS. HOW DO I USE IT TO WATCH FILMS?
Once you have purchased your All Access Pass, you will receive a pass number in your confirmation email. When you are ready to watch, go to the film you want to watch, click the WATCH NOW button and either login to your account or enter the pass number and password when prompted.
NOTE: Some films have restrictions and a limited number of tickets available. That means they can “sell out” – even for Pass holders. We recommend that you log in prior to the start of the festival and reserve your tickets in advance to ensure that you are able to watch the films you want. This includes virtual and in person screenings.
HOW DO I RESERVE MY FILMS IN ADVANCE (IF I HAVE AN ALL ACCESS PASS)?
If you have an All Access Pass we recommend you reserve tickets to virtual and in person screenings in advance. You can reserve your Pass tickets as follows:
After you purchase your Pass, log in with your PASS ACCOUNT NUMBER. Your Pass Number will appear on your confirmation once you have completed your Pass purchase. (Your Pass Number is different than your Member Number. If you are asked to choose between logging in as a Member or a Pass Holder, choose Pass Holder) Then, click HERE to visit each film’s page that you want to reserve and click on the BUY TICKETS (EVEN THOUGH IT SAYS “BUY TICKETS” YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED FOR THE TICKET) . You will then get a pop up screen with two prices. Choose the PASS REDEMPTION option ($0), add the film to your cart and check out. The film will then be added to your Pass.
WHAT DEVICE SHOULD I WATCH MY FILMS ON?
COMPUTER, MOBILE PHONE OR TABLET
What are the requirements for Windows computers?
Windows 7, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10
Supported browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera. We recommend using the latest version of your browser.
***Internet Explorer is NOT supported.
What are the requirements for Mac computers?
Mac OSX 10.12 or later
Supported browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Opera. We recommend using the latest version of your browser. ***Internet Explorer is NOT supported
Can I watch content on my iPhone/iPad?
Yes, you can watch content using Safari on iOS 11.2 or later. Please note that you must have “Screen Mirroring” turned off for content to play.
Can I watch content on my Android Device?
Yes, you can watch content using Chrome on Android 6.0 or later.
TELEVISION
Screen Sharing (Chromecast & Apple TV)
You can stream films on Chromecast or Apple TV (all generations) by screen sharing your smartphone, tablet, or computer on the same Wi-Fi network.
For Chromecast, select the cast button () in the bottom right-hand side of the player. For information on screen sharing using your Chromecast, click here.
You can AirPlay from most browsers if you have Apple TV by selecting the AirPlay button () in the bottom right-hand side of the player. Instructions for screen sharing using your Apple TV using AirPlay can be found here.
Apple TV – via AgileLinkCinema App
Search for the AgileLinkCinema app on Apple TV – Generation 4 or higher only.
(If you do not already have the AgileLinkCinema app downloaded, search for AgileLinkCinema in the App store and click “Get the App.”
Then, on the GCIFF website, log into your account and go to the film you want to watch. Click on the WATCH ON ROKU OR APPLE TV button at the top of your stream page to access your 9-digit voucher code. Open the AgileLinkCinema Channel on your TV and enter the voucher code to stream the film.
ROKU via AgileLinkCinema App
Find the AgileLinkCinema app on your ROKU. (If you do not already have the AgileLinkCinema app downloaded, search for AgileLinkCInema in the Roku channel store and click “Add Channel.”)
Then, on the GCIFF website, log into your account and go to the film you want to watch. Click on the WATCH ON ROKU OR APPLE TV button at the top of your stream page to access your 9-digit voucher code. Open the AgileLinkCInema Channel on your TV and enter the code to stream the film.
HDMI
If you have a laptop or nearby computer with an HDMI port, you can connect it directly to your television, using it as a second monitor. That said, connection details will depend on your setup. We recommend referencing your television’s manual for more information.
WHEN CAN I BEGIN STREAMING MY FILMS?
Most films are available to stream beginning on the first day of the Festival (October 10, 2021). You can stream by clicking WATCH NOW in your confirmation email or on the film page.
HOW LONG AFTER MY PURCHASE DO I HAVE TO STREAM A FILM?
Most films can be streamed until midnight on the last day of the Festival (October 27, 2021), however there are some films with date limitations (i.e. – they are only available on certain days of the Festival). Any date restrictions are listed on a film’s webpage. PLEASE NOTE– You will have 48 hours from the moment you begin watching a film to finish watching. Make sure to watch the film within this time limit as it is often set by a film’s distributor and we cannot override that setting.
CAN I WATCH THE FILM FROM ANYWHERE? I AM NOT CURRENTLY AT HOME. IS THAT OK?
While most of our films are viewable anywhere within the United States, a few are only possible to stream within the state of New York or Nassau County.
IS CLOSED CAPTIONING AVAILABLE?
Closed Captioning is not currently available, but we are working hard to get this built into our platform in the near future.
MY MOVIE WON’T PLAY! WHAT DO I DO?
If you are having trouble watching a film, there are several things you can try to help troubleshoot.
- Try refreshing your browser first. There may be some lag time and refreshing your browser will generally fix the issue.
- Restart your computer
- Re-set your WIFI router or move closer to the router
- Make sure you are watching through an approved browser. If it is not working in one browser, try another! (remember – Internet Explorer is NOT supported)
- Is your device set to block popups? You might need to disable this.
- If all you see in the player window is a black screen, please click or tap on the window to activate the player controls.
- If the video is not playing smoothly – we use adaptive bitrate streaming which means the streaming quality will automatically adjust based on your internet speed. If your internet connection is poor or inconsistent and you are on wifi, try moving closer to your router.
- Why do I see a black screen if I am watching content with AirPlay on my TV? You likely have “Screen Mirroring” turned on in your device settings. Please turn off the screen mirroring setting and start AirPlay by selecting the AirPlay button () in the bottom right-hand side of the player.
TICKETING QUESTIONS
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DO I NEED A GCIFF ACCOUNT TO PURCHASE TICKETS AND STREAM VIRTUAL EVENTS?
Yes, you need a GCIFF online account. If you have purchased tickets online to any of our events or films you should already have an account. You can sign in with your member number, email address, or username. If you have forgotten your password, just follow the prompts to reset it.
If you do not have an account, you will be asked to create one during the checkout process. You must create an account even if you are viewing a free program.
DO GOLD COAST FILM SOCIETY MEMBERS RECEIVE MEMBER PRICING?
Yes! GCIFF Members receive discounted pricing on all Passes and individual film tickets. Remember to sign in before making a purchase. Member pricing options will not appear until you are signed in.
I HAVE NOT RECEIVED MY CONFIRMATION EMAIL, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Confirmation emails include instructions on how to stream virtual films as well as specific instructions for each drive-in venue. These emails are sent automatically once your purchase is complete. If you do not receive your email within a few minutes of completion, check your Spam and Junk Mail folders.
If you still cannot find the email, you can still access your virtual films. First, go HERE and log in to your account. Then, go to the web page for the film you want to watch and press the WATCH NOW button. You must be logged in to view the events.
ARE REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES AVAILABLE?
Once you have completed your purchase, refunds or exchanges are not available. Before completing your order, please ensure that you check your order is correct and that your browser and computer are compatible.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, receive a positive test, or have recently had close contact with someone with COVID-19, please stay home and self-isolate in order to ensure the safety of others. If you purchased a pass or ticket package and can no longer attend due to the above or GCIFF COVID Policies, please contact info@goldcoastarts.org. You will have the option to roll over purchased passes or ticket packages to the following festival or you can choose to make your purchase a tax deductible donation to Gold Coast Arts, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Refunds for single tickets purchased will be refunded for those showing proof of a positive COVID-19
WHAT ARE YOUR COVID GUIDELINES FOR IN PERSON SCREENINGS?
Click HERE to read our covid safety guidelines