With new online streaming services that seem to be popping up quite frequently these days, it’s becoming harder to determine which ones are right for you. Of course, there’s the big players like Netflix, who began the trend a few years back, and continue to give mainstream television a fun for their money, and various awards.

So as the market becomes more saturated, it comes to reason that services will begin finding their own niche and genre of offerings. Enter OVID.tv, that provides North American viewers with access to thousands of documentaries, independent films, and notable works of international cinema, largely unavailable on any other platform.

OVID’s initial offerings fall into roughly three categories: a) powerful films addressing urgent political and social issues, such as climate change, and economic justice; b) in-depth selections of creative documentaries by world-famous directors; and c) cutting-edge arthouse feature and genre films by contemporary directors as well as established masters. And new films in all three areas will be added to the OVID collection every two weeks.

Currently there are over 20 LGBT-themed films and documentaries to screen on the site, found simply by doing a search under “LGBT”. From the obscure 80s classic “Parting Glances“, to the latest documentaries. Also, be sure to check out Gunnin’ for that #1 Spot, a film directed by Adam Yauch from the Beastie Boys, that follows eight of the country’s premiere high school basketball players on the fast track to the NBA.  Featuring a mix of raw hip-hop, jazz, break beats, along with Yauch’s unique kinetic filmmaking.

These features can’t be found on any other platforms, as they were specifically sourced by one of the film producers listed below, who are now offering their product via Ovid.tv.

OVID.tv is an initiative of Docuseek, LLC, which operates Docuseek, an online streaming service for colleges and universities which was established in 2012, streaming a library of over 1400 titles.

The eight founding content partners are:

BULLFROG FILMS The leading U.S. publisher of independently produced documentaries on environmental and related social justice issues, in business for more than 45 years, it currently distributes over 750 titles.

THE DGENERATE FILMS COLLECTION dGenerate Films distributes contemporary independent film from mainland China to audiences worldwide. They are dedicated to procuring and promoting visionary content, fueled by transformative social change and digital innovation.

DISTRIB FILMS US An independent distributor of international feature films, Distrib Films US is known for its strong collection of French and Italian fiction feature films.

FIRST RUN FEATURES Founded in 1979 by a group of filmmakers to advance the distribution of independent film, First Run has been honored with a major retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art for its significant contributions.

GRASSHOPPER FILM A distribution company founded in 2015 by Ryan Krivoshey, dedicated to the release of independent, foreign, and documentary film.

ICARUS FILMS A leading distributor of documentary films in North America, with a collection exceeding 1000 titles. It recently celebrated its 40th anniversary.

KIMSTIM A distribution company dedicated to the release of exceptional independent, foreign, and documentary film.

WOMEN MAKE MOVIES Women Make Movies (WMM), a non-profit feminist social enterprise based in New York, is the world’s leading distributor of independent films by and about women.

OVID.tv is available now for $6.99/month. Sign up here.

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.