Free Filmstream channel now available in all homes with a Freeview Play compatible device, featuring classic and contemporary films from the past century.
- SPI International, part of Canal+, has launched a new service on connected Freeview devices.
- Filmstream now available on channel 269
- Channel features a range of award winning films and independent world cinema
Filmstream popped up in last week’s Freeview channel update and is available in homes with a compatible Freeview device.
Now its owners, SPI International, a Canal+ company, have shared more information as to what viewers can expect on the new free, ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channel.
Filmstream offers audiences a collection of films unavailable on mainstream movie channels. These are movies celebrated at international film festivals, and those that have won some of the industry’s most prestigious awards: the Oscars; Palme d’Or in Cannes; Golden Lion in Venice, and the Golden Bear in Berlinale.
Film highlights
From independent world cinema gems to timeless classics, the channel line-up features titles such as:
- A Farewell to Arms (1932), a poignant adaptation of Ernest Hemingway’s novel with Gary Cooper;
- Charade (1963), featuring Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant in a thrilling pursuit in Paris,
- the Academy Award-winning Cyrano de Bergerac (1950), showcasing Jose Ferrer’s charismatic portrayal of the swordsman-poet aiding a lover’s quest.
In addition to classic films, Filmstream features critically-acclaimed contemporary titles from around the world including:
- Attila Szász’s The Ambassador to Bern (2014),
- Anca Miruna Lazarescu’s That Trip We Took with Dad (2016).
How to access
Filmstream is available on any Freeview Play device, connected to the internet, via channel 269. It arrived on Freeview in March, so you may need to retune your TV.
A small number of older Freeview HD devices may also display the channel, but compatibility varies greatly.
The picture quality, as with any streaming channel, will be based on your broadband connection speed.
If you don’t have a compatible Freeview device, you can stream Filmstream via an alternative platform. While the channel is new to Freeview, it’s been around for some time on various streaming services. Notably, the channel is available on Rakuten TV and Plex.
Corporate comment
Georgina Twiss, MD Western Europe and Africa at SPI International commented:
“We are excited to introduce Filmstream to Freeview users, providing an unparalleled entertainment experience to 15 million households with our curated selection of films. This partnership, facilitated by Global Distribution Services with Axiom managing advertising sales, marks a significant milestone in our mission to expand our global footprint in the FAST realm and provide premium, exclusive content across a variety of platforms.”
Marc Thornham
[Image: SPI International]