Frequently Asked Questions

What is MyCinema?

MyCinema is a new video-on-demand platform, aimed at bringing a curated selection of the best European, international and independent films to Irish audiences. Unlike other digital distribution platforms, MyCinema is designed to help support your local arthouse cinema.

It’s also a place for local cinemas to promote and share their innovative in-cinema content, as well as share their own in-house content with wider audiences. You can find out about the exciting things planned in areas such as virtual reality, big screen gaming and event cinema, as well as special events such as audience choice screenings and Q&As with filmmakers.

You’ll also find a selection of great event cinema - such as concerts, filmed plays and exhibitions-on-screen - to rent and watch at home.

Regular MyCinema users will also be able to avail of offers and bonuses such as free cinema tickets.

How do I select which cinema to support?

If you’ve accessed MyCinema through your local cinema’s own website or social media feeds, your venue will automatically be selected when you make any purchases. You can also select your local cinema in your account settings. Alternatively, there is an option to choose which cinema to support on each film page.

You can change the cinema that will benefit from your rentals at any time under ‘MY PROFILE’.

A share of revenue from rentals will go towards your chosen cinema.

Why isn’t my local cinema on the list?

MyCinema is launching in its pilot phase in partnership with a number of independent cinemas and arts centres in Ireland. We plan to expand to more venues in the future. If you’d like us to consider your local venue, please contact us at support@mycinema.ie

Who operates MyCinema?

MyCinema is operated by access>CINEMA, the resource organisation for regional cultural cinema exhibition in Ireland. The website and platform is designed by Cologne-based VOD and digital distribution experts Rushlake Media.

The platform has been designed as part of the CINNOVATE project, an initiative designed at re-engaging audiences with the big screen experience and European cinema. access>CINEMA is collaborating with arthouse cinema networks in Slovenia and Sweden as part of this project.

What is the ‘Special Events’ section of the website?

‘Special Events’ highlights the new and innovative types of in-cinema experiences taking place in Irish independent cinemas. This may be the screening of a virtual reality short film, an afternoon of video games on the big screen, a workshop or Q&A, or a special screening of a filmed play or opera.

Check out this section of the website to find out what’s happening in MyCinema partner venues, and you’ll also find links to book tickets from the venues themselves.

How does the voucher scheme work?

MyCinema is a first for us as we are experimenting with linking the cinema-going experience and video on demand. Once a customer has rented five films on MyCinema.ie, they will receive a voucher for €5 off a ticket from their chosen cinema (valid for partner cinemas only). 

The voucher will be sent by email, and you can redeem it via our voucher redemption partners Acardo. If you have a voucher code, you simply buy your cinema ticket as normal and then follow the simple steps listed in the email you'll receive for a refund.

Please note: since this offer is operated by MyCinema directly, partner cinemas are unable to issue free tickets at point of sale. Offer applies for films rented until January 15th 2023. The code applies for the partner cinema you have selected on your MyCinema account. Unfortunately, we are unable to refund tickets bought from other cinemas.

Who can rent films on MyCinema?

MyCinema is available to customers in the Republic of Ireland. Due to rights and licensing agreements, we unfortunately cannot offer the films in other territories. Select bonus material and trailers may be available to view internationally.

How do I watch a film I have rented?

Any films you have been rented will be listed in the 'MY MOVIES' section of your profile. Make sure you are logged in and click your username section in the top right corner of the website.

Are films available in high definition?

Yes - all our content is made available in HD (1080p quality). If your film is playing at standard resolution or at poor quality, this may be an issue with your web browser or internet connection.

What devices can I use to watch MyCinema films?

MyCinema works on most computers and laptops (PC and Mac), as well as tablets and smartphones (Android and iOS).

PCs must meet or exceed the following requirements: x86 or x64 processor with 1.6 GHz or higher, 512 MB RAM.

Macs must meet or exceed the following requirements: Intel Core Duo processor with 1.83 GHz or faster, 512 MB RAM.

A broadband or fibre internet connection is required for HD streaming quality. If you would like to test the quality of the stream before renting a film, we recommend using one of the film trailers available on the site.

Can I watch MyCinema films on my TV?

Yes! There are three ways to watch MyCinema films on your TV:

▪ Stream the film from your laptop, smartphone or tablet to your TV using streaming sticks or in-built tools such as Chromecast, FireTV, AirPlay or Apple TV.

▪ Connect a laptop to the TV with a HDMI cable and play the film directly from the laptop.

▪ Visit www.MyCinema.ie in your TV's web browser and play the film there.

Some TV browsers and the browser pre-installed on the Fire TV Stick have problems displaying MyCinema movies correctly. If that is the case, please try one of the other two options mentioned above.

How do I pay for MyCinema content and are my details secure?

Payment is managed through PayPal, an established and secure provider. MyCinema does not handle or store any payment details such as credit card details. You can find out more via our privacy policy: https://mycinema.ie/privacy

Where can I find the films I have rented? How long is the rental period?

You can find any film you have rented under MY FILMS.

You will have 48 hours to watch the film. You can watch the film as many times as you would like within that 48 hour window.

Some films may have shorter rental windows, depending on licence terms. Any such cases will be clearly communicated in the film description.

A rented movie will not play or will not play correctly. What should I do?

Make sure to check the list of supported devices above.

If a film does not play as expected, please contact us via the contact form: ​https://mycinema.ie/contact_forms/new

Please include the following information:

• Your order number
• The film you’ve rented
• The browser and device you want to use
• A short description of the problem

We will respond to your query promptly. We typically respond to emails Monday - Friday, 9:30am to 5:30pm. Our partner cinemas are unable to offer customer or technical support for MyCinema so please contact MyCinema directly.

Are subtitles available?

Yes - there are English subtitles for all films. Closed captions will also be available when provided by the film’s distributor.

You can activate subtitles by starting the film and then pausing it. You will find the language options in the menu that then appears in the player.

Why do I have to create an account?

An account is required so rented films can be linked to the customer, and to ensure films are available for customers to watch for the correct amount of time.

How do I change my account information?

To change your account information, you can use the ‘My Profile’ section: https://mycinema.ie/profile

Please note you must be logged in in order to change your details.

You can find our full privacy policy here: https://mycinema.ie/privacy

How can I contact MyCinema?

If you have any further questions or suggestions around MyCinema, you can contact us using the contact form: https://mycinema.ie/contact_forms/new