LAST UPDATED MARCH 11, 2026

PRIVACY STATEMENT

Introduction

Hiike Distribution Inc. ("Hiike," "we," "us," or "our") operates the Hiike Independent platform (the "Services"), which enables filmmakers to discover film festivals, submit works, and manage submissions, while helping festivals manage calls for entries and their communities.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and share personal information when you use our Services.

By using the Services, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information that you provide directly to us, information generated through your use of the Services, and information from certain third-party providers.

Information You Provide

This includes information you provide when you:

  • create an account
  • submit films or projects
  • register a festival or event
  • communicate with us
  • make payments or receive payouts

Such information may include:

  • name
  • email address
  • phone number
  • username or account credentials
  • profile information
  • festival or project details
  • uploaded content (films, scripts, images, and metadata)
  • session recordings or product analytics data collected for product improvement

Media Content

When you upload films or other media to the platform, we collect and store:

  • the uploaded media file
  • related metadata
  • submission details
  • technical playback information

These files may be processed for secure streaming and festival review.

Automatically Collected Information

When you use the Services, we may automatically collect certain technical information, including:

  • IP address
  • browser type
  • device type
  • operating system
  • usage data and interactions with the platform
  • access times and pages viewed

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

  • provide, operate, and maintain the Services
  • allow filmmakers to submit works to festivals
  • allow festivals to manage submissions and review entries
  • process payments and payouts
  • communicate with users about accounts, submissions, or platform updates
  • improve and develop our platform and features
  • ensure the security and integrity of the Services
  • comply with legal obligations

3. Third-Party Service Providers

We use trusted third-party providers to operate certain parts of the Services.

Payment Processing

Payments and payouts on the platform are processed by Stripe. When you make payments or receive payouts, your payment information is collected and processed directly by Stripe.

Hiike does not store full credit card numbers or banking details. Such information is securely handled by Stripe according to its own privacy and security practices.

Analytics and Product Improvement

We use PostHog to analyze how users interact with the Services and to improve the functionality of our platform.

PostHog may collect certain technical and behavioral information, including:

  • pages visited
  • interactions with features
  • device and browser information
  • IP address
  • session activity and usage patterns

This information helps us understand how users use the platform, diagnose technical issues, and improve user experience.

PostHog processes this information on our behalf in accordance with its own privacy and data protection practices.

4. Information Sharing

We do not sell your personal information.

We may share information in the following circumstances:

With Festivals

When you submit a film or project to a festival, relevant information about your submission is shared with that festival.

With Service Providers

We may share information with service providers that help operate the platform, including payment processors and hosting infrastructure.

Business Transfers

If Hiike undergoes a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, user information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to operate and improve the Services.

These technologies help us:

  • maintain login sessions
  • remember user preferences
  • analyze how the platform is used
  • improve performance and features

Analytics tools such as PostHog may place cookies or use similar tracking technologies to collect usage data about how users interact with the Services.

You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings, although doing so may affect certain features of the platform.

6. Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to:

  • provide the Services
  • maintain user accounts
  • comply with legal and regulatory obligations
  • resolve disputes
  • enforce our agreements

If you close your account or request deletion, we will delete or anonymize your personal information within a reasonable timeframe, except where retention is required for legal, financial, or security purposes.

Some financial records related to payments may be retained for accounting and compliance purposes.

7. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure. While we strive to protect user information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information.

These may include the right to:

  • access the personal data we hold about you
  • request correction of inaccurate information
  • request deletion of your personal data
  • request restriction of processing
  • request a copy of your data in a portable format

You may exercise these rights by contacting us at support@hiike.com.

9. Account Deactivation and Deletion

Users may deactivate their account at any time through their account settings or by contacting us.

You may also request the permanent deletion of your account and associated personal data by contacting support@hiike.com.

After verifying the request, we will delete or anonymize personal data from our systems within a reasonable timeframe, except where retention is required by law or necessary for legitimate business purposes such as fraud prevention, accounting, or compliance obligations.

10. Children's Privacy

The Services are not intended for children under the age of 13.

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected such information, we will take steps to delete it.

11. International Data Transfers

Hiike operates internationally. Your information may be stored or processed in countries other than your own.

When transferring personal data internationally, we take reasonable steps to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect personal information in accordance with applicable laws.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.

When we make material changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date and may notify users through the Services or by email.

Continued use of the Services after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:

Hiike Distribution Inc.

Support: support@hiike.com