No one enjoys the first school days back from spring break. To cope during these difficult times, many turn to the same tried–and–true solution: Netflix. But what happens when you log on, only to realize that you binge–watched literally every appealing prospect over break?
But here’s a pro tip you cinema majors may already know: Penn Libraries has a solution to this problem. Originally created to serve as a resource for students in Cinema and Media Studies classes, Penn Libraries’ collection of subscriptions to over 30 different media streaming platforms is now accessible to every Penn student, regardless of major.
Anyone with a PennKey automatically has free access to several online streaming collections including the likes of Kanopy, Swank Digital Campus, Academic Video Online (AVON), and even East Asian anime and manga distributor CrunchyRoll. For members of the Free Library of Philadelphia, there are even more options—in addition to the aforementioned services, they can also take advantage of titles available on the streaming service Hoopla.
To soothe your post—spring—break depression, there’s a roundup of some of the best titles available via Penn’s online streaming database.
What it is: An on–demand streaming video service for libraries and educational institutions that provides library patrons and students with access to a large collection of films.
Who can watch: Anyone with an active PennKey.
What to watch: Girlhood
“A girl with few real prospects joins a gang, reinventing herself and gaining a sense of self confidence in the process. However, she soon finds that this new life does not necessarily make her any happier.”
Swank Motion Pictures, Inc: Digital Campus
What is is: An international, non–theatrical, film distributor that is licensed to distribute titles produced by both major Hollywood and independent movie studios.
Who can watch: Anyone with an active PennKey.
What to watch: Her
“A lonely writer falls for his computer's operating system, which has the voice of a woman and the ability to grow and learn. Meanwhile, he struggles with a difficult divorce from his childhood sweetheart.”
What it is: A streaming service that provides unlimited access to over 63,000 clips and titles, mainly focusing on educational and archival media content.
Who can watch: Anyone with library card to the Free Library of Philadelphia.
What to watch: Copenhagen
“After weeks of traveling through Europe, the immature William finds himself at a crossroads in Copenhagen, the birthplace of his father. When William meets pretty local girl Effy, they set off on an adventure to find his grandfather. Effy's mix of youthful exuberance and wisdom challenges William like no woman ever has. As the attraction builds and William finds himself truly connecting with someone for the first time in his life, he comes to this realization: if the girl of your dreams is half your age, maybe it's time to grow up!”
What it is: A website that offers over 5,000 advertising–supported documentary and independent films.
Who can watch: Anyone with an active PennKey.
What to watch: Betty Blue
“A lackadaisical handyman and aspiring novelist tries to support his younger girlfriend as she slowly succumbs to madness.”
