At the American Library Association National Conference in 2024, Journeys in Film staff met so many incredible librarians, educators, and organizations including Benoît Calvez of myfilmfriend. Inspired by the work myfilmfriend is doing, Journeys in Film wanted to interview the organization’s CEO and COO and share their mission.
Highlighting Entertainment that Supports Education and Cultural Enrichment
What drew you to myfilmfriend?
Benoît: We started myfilmfriend in 2017, born out of a growing need to bridge the gap between what libraries could offer and what their users increasingly expected. As DVDs became outdated and streaming giants reshaped how people accessed media, we saw that libraries needed a digital alternative to stay relevant. Our goal was to provide entertainment as well as films that support education and cultural enrichment.
My idea to bring our service to North America gained momentum at a licensing conference in Denmark, where librarians from the U.S. responded enthusiastically. They appreciated our open, customer-oriented approach and mission to make film culture more accessible. That energy inspired the decision to bring myfilmfriend to North America.
Nora: As a lifelong lover of libraries and film, joining myfilmfriend felt like a natural extension of who I am. My mother instilled a deep appreciation for libraries early on. I still remember the barcode number on my childhood library card. That interest in books and learning led me to a career in special education. In my teaching, I used film to help deepen understanding across a wide range of topics, from life skills to the sciences. Through my students, I saw firsthand how powerful film can be, both in the classroom and in developing a sense of self. So, when I discovered myfilmfriend, a platform that celebrates both film and public service, it just made sense. It brings together everything I care about.
What makes myfilmfriend unique from other similar platforms/streaming services for libraries?
Benoît: We’re laser-focused on one thing: films for libraries. Unlike platforms that split their attention across eBooks, audiobooks, and other media, we specialize in high-quality cinema. This singular focus allows us to go deeper in curation and user experience.
Our catalog is truly global, featuring films from over 90 countries in more than 60 languages. Every title is carefully selected by our team of real film lovers, including critics, directors, and producers, prioritizing human curation over algorithms. We also provide background information and context to help viewers engage more meaningfully with each film.
Our model is built for libraries: unlimited streaming and downloads, all for a flat annual fee. No ticketing, no usage caps, no barriers; just equitable access. As a smaller company, we are highly responsive and collaborative, tailoring our service to meet the needs of libraries of all sizes.
Why is it important that libraries offer diverse film and video content to their users?
Nora: Libraries democratize access, making resources equally available to everyone in the community. People rely on libraries as trusted sources of knowledge and inspiration, offering materials that reflect a wide range of interests and viewpoints. When libraries show films from around the world, they help dismantle stereotypes and broaden horizons, making us better citizens and humans.
Diverse content also reflects the real world, not just the mainstream Hollywood lens. It’s about showing nuanced, multifaceted views of humanity. That’s especially important for young people learning about the world and their place in it.
We absorb so much through cinema; learning about culture, geography, social/emotional skills, and countless other topics. In an age of misinformation and AI-generated content, libraries remain trusted sources, and we’re proud to support that mission by providing reliable, meaningful film experiences.
What are some of your favorite films available through myfilmfriend?
Benoît: Two standout titles that come to mind are No Love Lost and I Am Leo.
No Love Lost really resonated with me as a parent, as it’s about a father-daughter relationship. It’s a subtle, sometimes playful study of how young people navigate loss and the search for connection, inspired by French New Wave with stylistic nods to Godard and Gondry.
I Am Leo remains one of my favorites, about gender identity and belonging. Despite its short runtime, it’s a beautifully told story that resonates with both teens and adults, making it an ideal conversation starter across a range of settings.
How are librarians and educators using myfilmfriend?
Nora: Librarians and educators are incredibly resourceful, and they’re using myfilmfriend in a variety of creative ways. Many curate themed film collections to go with in-library displays or events; for example, pairing environmental documentaries with Earth Day book exhibits. These collections are promoted through their newsletters, social media, and can even be featured directly on their myfilmfriend homepage using custom film stripes. Our team also updates the myfilmfriend homepage often with different, topical collections that librarians and educators can use to inspire a display or lesson; such as International Peace Month or Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Libraries can host public screenings using myfilmfriend, turning movie nights into community events. We support these efforts by providing complimentary marketing materials to help boost visibility and attendance.
In educational settings, myfilmfriend is a valuable tool for language and cultural learning, giving students access to global perspectives through film. Educators use it to show films that address social-emotional topics like bullying or mental health, sparking important classroom discussions. With permalinks, films can be embedded in syllabi or shared on class websites, allowing students to watch from home or in class, supporting flexible learning models.
Educators can access myfilmfriend through their public or university libraries, and K-12 schools can now also subscribe directly. We’re happy to provide test accounts so teachers can preview films- just reach out to us!
How does myfilmfriend support filmmakers?
Benoît: We are committed to supporting filmmakers, especially new and rising voices. We actively license debut films and work directly with directors, often discovering new talent at film festivals before they even have a distributor. We send letters of intent early in the process, giving filmmakers confidence and financial security as they seek funding.
Our platform spans 10 countries across two continents, giving filmmakers international visibility and income. We license student films, shorts, and independent projects- many of which wouldn’t find a home on mainstream platforms.
What sets us apart is our editorial approach. We don’t just host films; we write about them, promote them, and push them to the front. Distributors know that films on myfilmfriend actually get watched, which means more impact and better returns for creators. We’re proud to be a platform where filmmakers and audiences can truly connect.
What film did you watch recently that brought you joy or made you think or inspired you?
Nora: One short documentary that’s really stayed with me is Imalirijit, from Canada. It’s set in Nunavut and follows a young researcher who’s leading an effort to monitor water quality, something that feels urgent both locally and globally. What makes it especially powerful is how his work is inspired by his grandfather, blending modern science with traditional knowledge. It’s a beautiful example of environmental stewardship and intergenerational learning. Plus, you get to hear Inuktitut spoken throughout, a language that’s rarely heard in film.
To me, Imalirijit is a reminder of what makes diverse film so important, so exciting. It offers a glimpse into another world that may seem distant, only to show you how deeply connected we all are.
How can interested educators and librarians learn more?
Nora: It’s easy to connect with us! We work with institutions and consortia of all sizes. Visit us at myfilmfriend.org / .com / .mx, depending on your region, or email me directly at na*****@**********nd.com. We’re currently offering special pricing through Ontario Library Service and Bibliopresto, making it easier than ever to bring curated world cinema to your community.
Benoît Calvez
Benoît is the CEO of myfilmfriend, Inc and filmwerte GmbH. He previously worked with arthouse cinema associations in Germany and worldwide, and organized film festivals for the French Embassy, promoting independent and international cinema. He’s passionate about bringing diverse films to new audiences.
Nora Abbott
Nora is the Chief Operating Officer at myfilmfriend. Before joining the world of film and streaming, she worked as a middle school special education teacher. Her background in education and love for libraries shape her approach to making international cinema more accessible.
About myfilmfriend
myfilmfriend is a new video on demand service offering high quality content for library members in North America. Developed in Europe, the streaming platform provides library users with unlimited access to an expertly curated catalog of European & World Cinema, including great movies, series, concerts, and award-winning documentaries, with daily recommendations for users.
