Feature films present unique problems for instruction as few film companies offer streaming rights for their films.
Digitizing a film from DVD produces a complete copy of the film. Without permission from the copyright holder, such duplication might be a violation of copyright law.
Solutions for incorporating feature film in your courses include licensing films through Swank Digital Campus, providing course reserve, Pay-per-View options for students, or applying fair use and the TEACH Act to use portions of films.
The TEACH Act permits streaming portions of film content.
TEACH Act (included in Section 110(2)) - The "Technology, Education and Copyright Harmonization" Act allows instructors to perform or display copyrighted works in distance education environments. However, there are a number of restrictions. Here are some useful resources specifically related to the TEACH Act: