Introduction
Welcome to Hiike! Hiike Distribution Inc. ("Hiike," "we," "us," or "our") provides a platform that lets filmmakers discover the right festivals, manage submissions, and access data-driven tools while helping festivals streamline calls-for-entries and strengthen their communities. These Terms of Service ("Terms") form an agreement between you and Hiike. They are divided into three parts:
- Terms for Filmmakers & Other Non-Festival Users («Filmmaker Terms»)
- Terms for Festivals & Events («Festival Terms»)
- General Terms (Applicable to All Users)
By using any part of our website or related services (collectively, the "Services"), you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the Services.
Filmmaker & Non-Festival Terms
1. Acceptance & Modification
1.1 Overview. These Filmmaker Terms govern your access to and use of the Services as a filmmaker, screenwriter, artist, attendee, sponsor, or any other non-festival user ("Filmmaker" or "you"). Additional operating rules, policies, and procedures posted on the Services are incorporated by reference.
1.2 Updates. We may update these Filmmaker Terms at any time by posting a revised version and updating the "Last updated" date. Changes become effective 30 days after posting. Continued use after that date constitutes acceptance.
1.3 Language. These Terms are drafted in English. Translations are provided for convenience only; the English version controls.
2. Description of Hiike
Hiike provides a quick, secure way for registered film festivals ("Festivals") to collect submissions and payments, and for Filmmakers to discover festivals, submit works, and purchase optional tools (e.g., our recommendation engine and personalized services). Hiike uses Mux, Inc. ("Mux") to handle secure ingestion, transcoding, storage, and playback for user-submitted works. By uploading or streaming any media through the Services, you acknowledge that the file and associated metadata will be processed by Mux and that your use of Mux services is also subject to Mux's terms of service. These Terms govern your relationship with Hiike; Mux's terms govern your relationship with Mux. All monetary transactions are processed exclusively via Stripe, Inc. ("Stripe").
3. Your Use of the Services
3.1 License. We grant you a personal, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to access and use the Services solely for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms.
3.2 Restrictions. You agree not to (a) copy, modify, or create derivative works of the Services; (b) reverse-engineer or attempt to discover source code; (c) rent, lease, or sell access; (d) interfere with the Services; or (e) engage in fraudulent or infringing activity.
4. Payments & Fees
4.1 Payment Processing. All fees (submission fees, recommendation-engine charges, etc.) are processed by Stripe. By paying through Stripe, you agree to its terms, including any applicable Stripe Services Agreement and Stripe Privacy Policy. Hiike acts as the Festival's limited payment agent for the sole purpose of accepting fees on the Festival's behalf.
4.2 Hiike Fees.
- Recommendation-engine credit (3 uses): US $19.99 (paid to Hiike).
- Hiike collects 10% of each submission fee (or 9% for designated Founding Festivals).
4.3 Refunds. Festivals—not Hiike—set and administer refund policies. If you desire a refund, you must contact the Festival directly. Hiike is not liable for any refunds, errors, or lack thereof.
5. Accounts & Security
You must provide accurate information, keep it current, and safeguard your password. You are responsible for all activity under your account.
6. Content
6.1 Site Content. All text, graphics, software, and other content provided by Hiike ("Hiike Content") is protected by intellectual-property laws. You may not use Hiike Content except as permitted.
6.2 Your Content. You retain ownership of content you submit (films, scripts, images, etc.). You grant Hiike and the specific Festivals you choose a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to host, transmit, and display that content solely for operating the Services. Hiike does not claim any copyright in your work.
7. Conduct
You agree not to upload or transmit unlawful, harmful, or infringing material; impersonate others; violate privacy; distribute malware; or otherwise misuse the Services.
8. Indemnity
You agree to defend and indemnify Hiike and its affiliates against claims arising out of your content, conduct, or violation of these Terms.
9. Disclaimers & Limitation of Liability
THE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND. Hiike is not responsible for the acts or omissions of Festivals or other users. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, Hiike's AGGREGATE LIABILITY TO YOU WILL NOT EXCEED US $100.
10. Termination
We may suspend or terminate your account at any time for any reason. Sections that by their nature should survive will survive.
Festival Terms
1. Acceptance & Modification
These Festival Terms apply when you register an event, festival, or contest ("Festival" or "you"). By creating a Festival account, you accept these Terms.
2. Your Use of the Services
You may create event pages, collect submissions, and manage data only in compliance with (a) these Terms and (b) all applicable laws.
3. Payments & Payouts
3.1 Stripe Connect. Festivals must connect a valid Stripe account. Stripe will collect submission fees from Filmmakers, deduct Hiike's commission, and hold the balance.
3.2 Hiike Commissions & Platform Fee.
- Annual Platform Fee: US $199 per Festival account (waived until your first call-for-entries opens).
- Submission Commission: 10% of each paid submission (or 9% for "Founding Festivals" as designated in writing by Hiike).
3.3 Payout Schedule. You may choose:
- Monthly Payouts – Stripe remits net proceeds on the 10th business day of each calendar month; or
- Final Payout – one lump-sum transfer within 10 business days after submissions close.
3.4 Refunds & Chargebacks. You are solely responsible for setting your refund policy and issuing refunds through Stripe. All chargebacks are your responsibility. Hiike may offset future payouts to cover chargebacks, refunds, or disputes.
4. Taxes
You are solely responsible for determining, collecting, and remitting any taxes due on submissions or other sales.
5. Content & Conduct
You represent that Your Content (festival logos, descriptions, photos, etc.) is accurate, lawful, and non-infringing. You must not solicit or process submissions for events that are unlawful or that you do not intend to host.
6. Indemnity & Liability
You agree to indemnify Hiike for claims arising from your event, content, or breach of these Terms. Hiike's liability to you is capped at US $100 in aggregate.
7. Termination
Hiike may suspend or terminate your Festival account for non-payment, violation of these Terms, or perceived risk. Upon termination, outstanding balances become immediately due.
General Terms (Applicable to All Users)
1. Entire Agreement.
These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and Hiike.
2. Governing Law.
Delaware law (excluding conflict-of-laws rules) governs these Terms.
3. Arbitration.
All disputes shall be resolved by binding arbitration in Wilmington, DE under AAA Commercial Rules, on an individual basis (no class actions).
4. Limitation Period.
Any claim must be brought within two (2) years.
5. Severability & Waiver.
If any provision is unenforceable, the remainder remains in effect. No waiver is effective unless in writing.
6. Notices.
Notices to you may be sent via email or posted on the Services; notices to Hiike must be sent to support@hiike.com.