TERMS OF SERVICE

This section explains how these Terms apply, how updates are published, and which language version controls.

These Filmmaker Terms apply to individuals using the Services as filmmakers, screenwriters, artists, attendees, sponsors, or other non-festival users ("Filmmaker" or "you").

Additional policies, guidelines, and operating rules published on the Services are incorporated into these Terms by reference.

We may modify these Terms at any time. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised "Last Updated" date. Changes will become effective thirty (30) days after publication.

Your continued use of the Services after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

These Terms are written in English. Translations may be provided for convenience only. In the event of any conflict, the English version will prevail.

Hiike Independent provides a platform where filmmakers can:

• discover film festivals and creative events
• submit films or creative works to festivals
• manage submission history and materials
• access recommendation tools and related services

Festivals can use the platform to manage calls for entries, review submissions, and communicate with filmmakers.

Media files uploaded to the Services may be processed, stored, and streamed using infrastructure provided by Mux.

Payment processing for submissions and other transactions is handled by Stripe.

Your use of these third-party services may also be subject to their respective terms and policies.

Hiike grants you a limited, personal, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to access and use the Services solely for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms.

This license does not grant any rights to copy, distribute, modify, or commercially exploit the Services or their underlying technology.

You agree not to:

• copy, modify, or create derivative works of the Services
• reverse engineer, decompile, or attempt to access source code
• rent, lease, sublicense, or resell access to the Services
• interfere with or disrupt the Services or their infrastructure
• upload malicious software or harmful code
• engage in fraudulent, unlawful, or infringing activity

This section describes how payments are processed, which platform fees may apply, and how refunds are handled.

All payments made through the Services are processed by Stripe.

By making payments through the Services, you agree to Stripe's applicable terms and privacy policies.

Hiike acts as a limited payment agent for festivals solely for the purpose of accepting submission fees on their behalf.

Hiike may charge certain fees for services offered on the platform, including:

Recommendation engine credit (3 uses): USD $19.99

Hiike also collects a commission from submission fees paid to festivals as described in the Festival Terms.

Refund policies are determined solely by the festival receiving the submission.

Hiike does not control or guarantee refunds and is not responsible for disputes between filmmakers and festivals.

To use certain features of the Services, you must create an account.

You agree to:

• provide accurate and complete information
• keep your account information up to date
• maintain the confidentiality of your login credentials

You are responsible for all activity conducted under your account.

This section defines ownership and permitted use of platform content and user submissions.

All text, graphics, software, design elements, and other materials provided by Hiike ("Hiike Content") are protected by intellectual property laws.

You may not use Hiike Content except as expressly permitted by these Terms.

You retain ownership of all films, scripts, images, and other materials that you upload to the Services ("Your Content").

By submitting content through the platform, you grant Hiike and the festivals you choose to submit to a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to host, process, transmit, and display that content solely for the purpose of operating the Services.

Hiike does not claim ownership of your creative works.

You agree not to use the Services to:

• upload illegal or infringing content
• impersonate other individuals or entities
• violate privacy or intellectual property rights
• distribute malware or harmful code
• engage in abusive or disruptive behavior

Hiike reserves the right to remove content or suspend accounts that violate these rules.

You agree to defend and indemnify Hiike, its affiliates, officers, employees, and partners from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from:

• your use of the Services
• your submitted content
• your violation of these Terms

The Services are provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind.

Hiike does not guarantee:

• acceptance of submissions by festivals
• festival operations or decisions
• uninterrupted or error-free service

Hiike may suspend or terminate your account at any time if:

• you violate these Terms
• your use poses a security or legal risk
• the Services are discontinued

Certain provisions of these Terms will survive termination.

These terms apply when you register an event, contest, or film festival ("Festival").

You agree that your event information is accurate and that you intend to host the event described on the platform.

Festivals may use the Services to:

• create event pages
• collect submissions
• manage submissions and review entries

You agree to comply with all applicable laws when operating your festival.

This section explains Stripe Connect requirements, commission structure, payout timing, and responsibility for refunds and chargebacks.

To receive payouts, festivals must connect a valid account with Stripe using Stripe Connect.

Stripe is responsible for payment processing, identity verification, compliance checks, and transferring payouts.

Hiike does not collect or store full banking or payout information.

Your use of Stripe Connect is subject to Stripe's own agreements and policies.

Hiike does not hold or control festival funds.

Hiike's standard submission commission is 10% of each submission fee. Special partner rates may apply for eligible festivals. For questions about fees, please contact us.

Funds are transferred to connected Stripe account immediately after each submission is received.

Festivals are solely responsible for:

• setting refund policies
• issuing refunds
• handling chargebacks

Hiike may offset future payouts to cover disputes or chargebacks.

Festivals are responsible for determining and remitting any applicable taxes related to submissions or other revenue.

Festivals represent that their event descriptions, logos, and materials are lawful and non-infringing.

Festivals agree to indemnify Hiike for claims related to their events or operations.

Hiike reserves the right to moderate and remove any content that violates its policies or is otherwise deemed inappropriate. At the request of a Festival Organizer, Hiike may also manually amend event data, including publishing a Festival listing once all data have been provided.

Hiike collects and processes certain information necessary to operate the Services.

To improve product functionality and understand platform usage, Hiike uses analytics tools provided by PostHog.

These tools may collect technical and usage information such as device data, feature interactions, and session activity.

Details about how personal information is handled are described in the Hiike Privacy Policy.

Users may deactivate their accounts at any time.

Users may also request permanent deletion of their account and associated personal data by contacting support@hiike.com.

Upon verification, Hiike will delete or anonymize personal data within a reasonable timeframe except where retention is required by law or necessary for financial, security, or compliance purposes.

These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and Hiike regarding the Services.

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

Any dispute arising from these Terms shall be resolved through binding arbitration in Wilmington, Delaware under the rules of the American Arbitration Association.

Disputes must be brought individually and not as part of a class action.

Any claim relating to the Services must be filed within two (2) years.

If any provision of these Terms is found unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in effect.

Notices to users may be delivered by email or through the Services.

Notices to Hiike must be sent to support@hiike.com.