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Film and Video Collections

A guide to audio-visual media collections at UCLA.

What is Kanopy?

Kanopy is a streaming video service that licenses access via libraries. Different library systems will have varying agreements with Kanopy, so the catalog of available titles may also differ depending on the individual license at a given institution. UCLA Library offers access to an academic version of Kanopy (Kanopy BASE/KBASE) for current students, staff, and faculty, including selected titles from the Criterion collection, A24, New Day, Kino Lorber, PBS, and other content providers.

Titles available in Kanopy can change over time depending on agreements with rights holders, including the addition of new titles and the removal of existing titles. Many titles are listed in the UCLA Library Catalog, but patrons are encouraged to search/browse Kanopy directly for the full range of offerings. Films on Kanopy must be viewed online, and cannot be downloaded. 

Accessing Kanopy

  • The LOG IN button on the Kanopy home page is optional for use on desktops and laptops, but required to log into mobile devices. It is a login that individual patrons sign up for with login information of their choice, but it is not tied directly to off-campus access. The login allows you to create playlists, clips, and ratings. HOWEVER, you still need to use the UCLA proxy server or VPN to access videos from off campus. If accessing from a mobile device, the VPN is compatible with iOS and Android enabled devices. The proxy server is not currently compatible with mobile devices.

Image of Log In button on Kanopy homepage

  • Tip: if using the proxy server and having trouble getting initial video access, it can be helpful to first log into another subscription database like JSTOR, then go to Kanopy. Refreshing your browser can also sometimes help.
  • Make sure you are accessing via the specific UCLA link at https://www.kanopy.com/en/ucla/, and NOT just kanopy.com
  • To check if you are logged in, look for the language, "University of California Los Angeles" at the top of the Kanopy home page.
  • If you get a message that your individual password has expired, you may need to reset it. You will still need to use the campus VPN or proxy to access videos from off-campus, since individual passwords are not tied to UCLA authentication.
  • The LOG IN button on the Kanopy home page is optional for use on desktops and laptops, but required to log into mobile devices. The login allows you to create playlists, clips, and ratings. HOWEVER, you still need to use the UCLA proxy server or VPN to access videos from off campus.

  • Kanopy labels videos that have public performance rights for films that can be shown at free public events with a "PPR" icon in the description. PPR tagged titles can be screened for group programming that doesn't charge admission. However, for virtual/online screenings, individual viewers must be logged into the UCLA VPN in order to view the video from off-campus. Because of this, virtual screenings in most cases will require an active UCLA affiliation. 

public performance rights icon

Connecting from Off-Campus: VPN and Proxy Tutorials

The Library's online subscription resources can always be accessed from computers and wireless networks on campus. However, off-campus access is restricted to current UCLA, students, faculty, and staff who have set up their computer using one of the methods below. Click on the other tabs to see how four Bruins got their computers set up and ready to go for remote access!

If you still need help, you can contact the UCLA IT Support Center at (310) 267-4357 or help@it.ucla.edu. They provide 24/7 phone support.

VPN on Mac with Natalie

"I chose VPN for my mac because I need to be able to access the full text of articles on different browsers." - Natalie, Environmental Science

Download a UCLA VPN 

VPN on Windows with Michael

"I chose VPN because I like the security it provides and the control it gives me as a user to manually enable or disable it when I'm browsing online." - Michael, Public Affairs

Download a UCLA VPN

VPN on Chromebook with Nadia

"I chose VPN because it is really simple to use!" - Nadia, Public Affairs

Download a UCLA VPN

Proxy on Mac with Kate

"I chose Proxy because I prefer logging in through a web browser without having to download any software on my computer." - Kate, Ethnic Studies

Proxy Server