Help & Common questions

About Cineasterna

Cineasterna is a web and mobile streaming service for public libraries equivalent to other streaming services found on the market today. The main difference is that the service is only open for libraries and library users and our service is free of charge for all users. With Cineasterna and a valid library card, patrons can instantly stream movies via Cineasterna.se by using a computer, tablet or mobile device. Each month or week, you receive a set number of loans from your public library. Your loans reset on the first day of the month/week, and unused tickets don't roll over to the next month/week.

Getting started

1. To use Cineasterna on a computer, go to www.cineasterna.com/en. To use Cineasterna on a tablet or smartphone download the free Cineasterna app from App Store or Google Play and sign up in the app.

2. Choose your library from the populated list.

3. Find a moive you would like to watch

4. Enter your library card number (or social security number) and PIN. If you don't have a library card, apply for one online or at any hometown library.

5. Create a user account (optional)

To make each loan easier for you as a user you may create a user account. This is how it's done: Start with picking a film you wish to see then submit your library card number and PIN. Now you will be asked if you wish to create a profile. Fill out the form and press "save". Now you're logged in to Cineasterna and won't be asked to fill out your loan card number on each loan occasion. Your browser will save this information for a period and you won't be required to log in for each occasion. If you don't use the service for a while, then you should press "Log in" and use your username and password that you chose. You will not be able to login using your library card number and pin code. It is not required to register as a user, this is only offered as a service to make it easier for returning users.

If you are a user at the Filminstitutets bibliotek, log in with your social security number (ÅÅMMDDXXXX) and password.

Good to Know

• The service is free of charge for all users with a valid public library card

• You have two days (48 hrs) to watch a film and you can watch it as many times as you'd like in that time.

• Films are automatically returned after that time.

• Movies can be streamed via a web browser, smartphone, tablet or your television

• Cineasterna is available as an app on App Store (iPhone, iPad, Apple TV) and Google Play (Android-devices)

• Offline mode is not available due to rights reasons

• Kids Mode is available if you have a user account on Cineasterna

• Borrow limits reset on the first of each month

• Watching film trailers; If a movie has a trailer accessible, you will fint the trailer at the bottom of the title page. Watching a trailer does not expend any of your loans.

How do I find movies on Cineasterna?

Cineasterna uses a variety of methods to help you find movies. You can find movies through Search, Selected titles, All titles (A-Ö), or by browsing through categories. You can also search with filters (Genre, Year, Rating and Language).

Do Cineasterna have a mobile app?

Yes. To use Cineasterna on a tablet or smartphone download the free Cineasterna app from App Store or Google Play. We also have an app for Apple TV. Search for “Cineasterna” in App Store and download the app.

Why do I need to enter a PIN?

Your library require a PIN when using Cineasterna. A PIN helps confirm that the library card holder is the owner of the library card. This process is designed to protect the patron and ensure that no one misuses their library card account. When you received your library card, you were asked to enter a PIN, which is the one you should enter when you borrow films from our service. If you are unsure what your PIN is, please contact your library.

I can’t remember my library card number or PIN, and am unable to login to Cineasterna. What do I do?

In the event that you’ve forgotten your library card number and PIN, please reach out to your local librarian for support.

How many films may I borrow

Your local library decides this. Eventual limitations are set to ensure that the budget covers as many users as possible.

When you make a loan in our service, you will see how many remaining loans you have left. If you have borrowed your quota of movies, there will also be a date when you can make a loan next time. Each film is available for 48 hours after you have completed the loan. During this time you may watch it as many times as you like.

Borrow limits reset on the first of each month

Are there any fees involved?

No, Cineasterna is a free service to library patrons, provided by your public library.

What is the loan period?

The loan period for each movie is 48 hours.

Do I need to return borrowed movies?

No, the movies will return themselves automatically on the due date.

Are movies downloaded onto my computer or device?

No, all titles are only available for streaming.

How often does Cineasterna add new content?

Cineasterna adds new content on a weekly basis.

Is there anything that prevents younger users from borrowing movies over their age limit?

Yes, we have an age limit check in our service. We check if the borrower is old enough to see the film, this is done through a request that is sent to the librarysystem where the information is stored. We get an answer back if the borrower meets the age requirement or not. If the user meets the age requirement, the movie starts, otherwise an error message is displayed on the screen.

Do all libraries have the same movies?

The majority have our entire range of films, some public libraries has made their own selection of films though. This means that the supply can differ between different libraries. The selection and which movies are available are determined by your local public library.

Does Cineasternas content ever change?

Absolutely, the content is updated with about 5-10 new films on a weekly basis. Sometimes titles will be added for a limited time, so if you find movies that you like, check it out!

What is required too use Cineasterna?

Your local library must subscribe to our service Cineasterna (ask your local library if you are uncertain). You will need a valid library card and a PIN, once you have that you may watch films via your computer, tablet or phone.

What can I do if my library does not offer Cineasterna?

If your local library is missing on the list, we recommend contacting the staff at the library. You should express interest at your local library branch. As a library user, you can influence the supply.

It is also possible to obtain a library card at another library that offers Cineasterna. It's totally free. Read more about how to get a library card from the library's website.

Can I use your service without a library card?

No, at present, the service is only available at public libraries. You need to have an active library card at any of the public libraries that have chosen to offer our service. Visit one of the public libraries offering the Cineaster and get a library card, it's completely free and you can have a library card on more than one library.

Are there ads while I enjoy content on Cineasterna?

There are no commercials or ads while enjoying movies on Cineasterna.

Will the system remember where I stopped watching my latest film?

Yes, you will be able to resume watching just where you left off. Playback will start at the same marker assuming you're using the same device and browser. For the resuming function to work, you must have watched more than 10 seconds.

Can I see what movies I've borrowed?

Yes, under "Your Profile", you will see your previously borrowed movies (requires that you have previously created a profile). Movies that are active loans, ie within 48 hours, are marked with a gold frame around the film cover.

Do you have movies with support for synthesizing?

Yes, we have several films with support for syntax interpretation, clear language and speech synthesis, such as the movies 120 strokes in minute, Gordon, and Paddy, Border, Clan, Lady M, Lasse Maja's Detective agency, Life, Animated, Life after you, Loving Vincent, Modern Times, Boys, Småstad, Superswede, Svenskävel, The Death of Stalin, The Dressmaker, Every time I see you, reunion etc.

Can I favorite movies?

Yes, click on the heart-symbol "Mark as Favorite" displayed on the cover page or on the title page (requires you to login). Your favorite movies are now saved under "Your profile".

Are movies available in HD?

Yes, most of our films are available in HD (1080p). Some of our older films are only available in SD (standard definition video), also known as DVD quality.

Using Cineasterna on your TV

Apple TV: Download our Apple TV app in App Store, search for Cineasterna. We currently support Airplay, click here for instructions on using Airplay from your device. Lightning Digital AV Adapter: We support the official Lightning Digital AV Adapter from Apple. Chromecast: Cineasterna is Chromecast Compatible on desktop, Android and iOS Devices! To see a film through Chromecast on desktop, you are required to use Google Chrome browser. This browser is available free at www.google.com/chrome. Click the Cast button, which becomes available after you have chosen a film, logged in with your library card number and PIN. Smart TV: Cineasterna is mainly developed for Computers, tablet and mobile devices, not for Smart TV. We recommend that you test and see if Cineasterna works on your Smart TV.

How do I watch Cineasterna on my smart TV?

If you have a Smart TV (such as Samsung) it may not be possible to log in or play movies from the built-in internet browser. At the moment, we do not support Chromecast devices that some TVs have built-in.

Are there subtitles available?

The majority of films have Swedish subtitles available. Some films also have English, Norwegian, Danish and Finish subtitles as options. The films distributors control available languages. Unfortunately it is not possible to change the size of the subtitles.

Displaying subtitles

To enable subtitles while watching a movie, select the CC-icon in the bottom-right corner of the video player In normal cases, the Swedish subtitle automatically starts when you play a movie. If the subtitle, presumably, does not appear immediately upon playback, you can enable it by clicking on the "Subtitle" CC-icon located at the bottom right corner of the player.

Click on the desired language menu for subtitles. If you can not find the symbol, we recommend that you choose to play the movie in fullscreen mode, then you will be able to see the subtitle icon in the right-hand corner.

Enabling fullscreen mode in the video player

To activate the fullscreen mode during video playback, simply click the Fullscreen icon located in the lower-right corner of the video player.

How long can I watch the film?

Each film is available for 48 hours after you have completed the loan. During this time you may watch it as many times as you like.

How does Cineasterna handle my privacy?

Your privacy is very important to us, no one can see what movies you have borrowed but you. Your borrowing history and account information is private. All data is encrypted. For more information, please visit our privacy policy.

Where can I follow Cineasterna on social media?

Cineasterna can be found on Twitter (twitter.com/cineasterna), Instagram (instagram.com/cineasterna.se) and Facebook (facebook.com/cineasterna). Connect with us on these channels to be in the loop on content additions.

I want to find titles in a specific language.

Cineasterna has a large collection of foreign language movies (over 50 different languages). You can easyly filter your serach by language, simply click on the language-symbol and select the desired language.

Can I download content for offline viewing?

Currently, there is no option to download movies for offline viewing. You'll need an internet connection to watch films on Cineasterna. The video player adapts the video quality according to your internet connection's stability, which helps reduce disruptions during playback. We recommend streaming movies via a Wi-Fi connection to prevent excessive mobile data consumption.

How to watch a series

When you visit the detail page for a series you can select an episode from the menu (Select episode), scroll down and chose a episode that you would like to watch.

What is Kids Mode?

Cineasterna Kids Mode is very simple to activate. Once you are logged into your account, just go into your settings in the upper right. Then click/tap on "Yes" to activate Kids Mode, then click/tap "Save", and you're all set.

Who is behind the Cineasterna service?

Cineasterna is a service of FörlagEtt AB. FörlagEtt AB, based in Stockholm, is a library-dedicated media distributor providing physical and digital media. Cineasterna is a digital media service of FörlagEtt AB, a trusted partner of public libraries for over 30 years.

Why can I not log in?

If you can not borrow movies via Cineasterna, even though you have entered the correct credentials, you will need to contact your local public library and they will assist you.

Need additional support?

If you can’t find help for your specific need among the Help & Common Questions here, then you can email us at [e-mail]. Please include your library name, A Description of your issue or request. We will respont to you as soon as possible.

Can I request a movie?

Yes, we are happy to receive film requests, [e-mail].