The following is a question that relates specifically to Canada, but I'd be
curious to hear if the situation is different elsewhere.

First, the predicament: This week I began to suspect a planned film festival
in Canada had not received authorization to screen a number of films on its
schedule. I started by contacting the major studios in question, such as
Paramount and Fox, and worked my way down to smaller suppliers. Most had not
heard of the festival, nor gave permission to screen their films -- and
obviously hadn't sent prints.

Near as I could figure the festival organizer was planning to show the films
via dvd and video projection (possibly even using bootleg videos) charging
about $5/film up to festival passes in the amount of $200. In one case of a
supplier I contacted, they verified a vhs screener was sent to the festival
for preview purposes, but the film was never booked. Yet it was on the
schedule.

The suppliers I contacted immediately made "cease and desist" calls and the
titles were dropped. Meanwhile the theatre that was booked turned out not to
have properly reserved (no deposit was made for example), so the festival is
now cancelled anyway. But I have good reason to believe the chief organizer
will try to pull a similar stunt again.

My question is: Is there a specific crime or offence for attempting such a
blatant abuse of copyrighted material (beyond the warnings posted on all
videos) that relates specifically to Canada? What are the restrictions
elsewhere? Has anyone heard of such a practice before? In particular I
wonder about those who may have travelled to this festival, booked hotel
rooms, bought tickets -- and are now out-of-pocket hundreds of dollars.

----
To sign off Screen-L, e-mail [log in to unmask] and put SIGNOFF Screen-L
in the message.  Problems?  Contact [log in to unmask]