Help & FAQ

Find answers to commonly asked questions

Account & Authentication

How do I create an account?

Creating an account is simple! Click "Sign In" in the top navigation, then enter your email address. We'll send you a secure one-time code (OTP) to verify your email. Enter the code, and your account will be created automatically. You can also sign up using Google or Facebook OAuth for even faster registration.

How do I sign in if I don't remember signing up?

No worries! Simply enter your email address on the sign-in page. If you have an existing account, we'll send you a secure one-time code to access it. If you don't have an account yet, the same process will create a new one for you. Our passwordless system makes it impossible to get locked out - just use your email to get a fresh access code anytime.

How do I change my email address?

You can update your email address through your Account Settings. Navigate to Account > Email Settings, enter your new email address, and we'll send verification codes to both your current and new email addresses to confirm the change. This ensures your account security during the transition.

How do I update my profile information?

Access your profile settings through the Account menu (click your profile icon in the top navigation). From there, you can update your display name, profile picture, and other personal information. Changes are saved automatically and will be reflected across the platform immediately.

How do I delete my account?

To delete your account, go to Account > Profile Settings and look for the "Delete Account" option. This action is permanent and will remove all your data including favorites, watchlist, and viewing history. If you have an active subscription, it will be cancelled as part of the deletion process. Consider downloading any data you want to keep before proceeding.

Subscriptions & Billing

What subscription plans do you offer?

We offer two simple subscription options:

Monthly Plan: $15/month with full access to all content
Annual Plan: $120/year (save $60 compared to monthly billing)

Both plans include identical features with unlimited access to our complete documentary library, HD streaming, and all platform features. The annual plan offers a 33% discount for subscribers who prefer to pay yearly.

How do I upgrade or change my subscription?

You can switch between monthly and annual billing anytime through Account > Subscription. Changes take effect at your next billing cycle, and you'll receive a confirmation email with the updated billing details. If you switch from monthly to annual, you'll start saving immediately on your next charge.

How do I cancel my subscription?

You can cancel your subscription anytime through Account > Subscription. Click "Cancel Subscription" and follow the prompts. Your access will continue until the end of your current billing period, after which your account will revert to a free tier with limited access. You can reactivate your subscription anytime before or after cancellation.

Can I reactivate a cancelled subscription?

Yes! You can reactivate your subscription anytime through Account > Subscription. If you reactivate before your current period expires, your service continues uninterrupted. If you reactivate after expiration, billing will resume immediately and you'll regain full access to all content and features.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) through our secure payment processor Stripe. Payment information is encrypted and securely stored by Stripe - we never store your payment details on our servers. Billing is processed automatically according to your chosen subscription plan.

What is your refund policy?

We offer refunds on a case-by-case basis for technical issues or billing errors. If you're experiencing problems with our service or were charged incorrectly, contact our support team within 30 days of the charge. We'll work with you to resolve the issue, which may include account credits, partial refunds, or full refunds depending on the circumstances.

Content & Features

What content is available on Docunight?

Docunight features a carefully curated collection of high-quality documentaries with a focus on Iran and Iranian filmmakers. Our library primarily consists of documentaries either about Iran or made by Iranian directors, exploring the cultural, historical, social, and political landscape of the country. We've recently begun expanding our collection to include documentaries from neighboring countries in the region, though this expansion is still in its early stages with a handful of regional films currently available.

How do I search for specific content?

Use the search bar in the top navigation to find films by title, director name, or topic keywords. You can also browse systematically using our Films page (with filtering options), Directors page (organized alphabetically), or Topics page (categorized by subject). Each page includes additional filters to narrow down your search results.

How do I add films to my favorites?

Click the heart icon that appears when you hover over any film poster, or use the "Favorite" button on individual film pages. Favorited films are immediately saved to your account and can be accessed anytime through Account > My Favorites. The heart icon will be filled in red when a film is in your favorites list.

What is the watchlist feature?

Your watchlist is a personal collection of films you want to watch later. Click the plus (+) icon on film posters or the "Watchlist" button on film pages to add content. The icon changes to a checkmark when a film is in your list. Access your complete watchlist through Account > My Watchlist, and quickly see how many films you've saved in your account overview.

How often is new content added?

We continuously expand our library with new documentaries from various sources including licensing partnerships, and direct submissions from filmmakers. New additions are featured on our homepage and can be found in the Films section sorted by newest first. Follow our updates for announcements of major new releases.

Can I request specific documentaries?

While we can't guarantee specific acquisitions due to licensing complexities and availability, we absolutely welcome your suggestions! Contact our support team with your recommendations including the film title, director, and any additional details. We consider all user requests when planning future content acquisitions.

Video Playback

What video quality is available?

All subscribers receive the same high-quality video experience with HD (1080p) streaming where available. Video quality adapts automatically to your internet connection speed to ensure smooth playback without buffering. All content is delivered through a global CDN for optimal performance regardless of your location.

Why is my video buffering or loading slowly?

Video buffering is typically caused by internet connection speed or network congestion. Try refreshing the page, checking other devices on your network, or restarting your router. For persistent issues, try switching to a different browser or clearing your browser cache. Our videos are delivered through a global CDN for optimal performance.

Can I download videos for offline viewing?

Offline downloads are not currently available. All content must be streamed online with an active internet connection. This allows us to ensure content security and provide the best streaming experience through our global CDN. Make sure you have a stable internet connection to enjoy uninterrupted viewing.

Are subtitles and captions available?

Almost all documentaries on Docunight include English subtitles unless mentioned otherwise in the film details. We provide subtitles rather than closed captions, and subtitle availability is clearly indicated on each film's page. For films in languages other than English, subtitles help make the content accessible to our global audience.

Can I cast videos to my TV or other devices?

Yes! You can cast videos to compatible devices like Chromecast, Apple TV, or smart TVs using your browser's built-in casting features. Look for the cast icon in your browser or use keyboard shortcuts. Our web-based player is compatible with most casting technologies supported by modern browsers.

Technical Support

What browsers and devices are supported?

Docunight works on all modern browsers including Chrome (recommended), Firefox, Safari, and Edge. The platform is fully responsive and optimized for desktop computers, tablets, and smartphones. For the best experience, ensure your browser is updated to the latest version and has JavaScript enabled.

I'm having trouble signing in. What should I do?

First, ensure you're entering the correct email address. If the verification code isn't arriving, check your spam/junk folder and ensure emails from our domain aren't blocked. Try clearing your browser cache and cookies, or use an incognito/private browsing window. You can also try the "Resend Code" option on the verification page.

The website isn't loading properly. What can I do?

Try these troubleshooting steps: refresh the page (Ctrl+F5 or Cmd+Shift+R), clear your browser cache and cookies, disable browser extensions temporarily, try a different browser, or restart your router. If problems persist, check if JavaScript is enabled in your browser settings, or contact support with your browser and device information.

How do I report a bug or technical issue?

Contact our support team with detailed information: describe what you were trying to do, what happened instead, your browser and version, your device/operating system, and steps to reproduce the issue. Screenshots or screen recordings are extremely helpful. Include any error messages you see exactly as they appear.

Why aren't my favorites or watchlist saving?

This usually indicates a sign-in issue or browser storage problem. Ensure you're signed in (check for your profile icon in the top navigation), try refreshing the page, or sign out and back in. Clear your browser cache if the problem persists. Your lists are stored in your account and should sync across all your devices when signed in.

Privacy & Security

How is my personal data protected?

We use industry-standard security measures including encrypted data transmission (HTTPS), secure authentication via PocketBase, and encrypted password storage. Payment processing is handled by Stripe with PCI DSS compliance. We never store payment card information on our servers. Read our Privacy Policy for comprehensive details about data collection, usage, and protection.

Do you share my data with third parties?

We only share data with essential service providers (like Stripe for payments) and as outlined in our Privacy Policy. We never sell your personal information to marketers or advertisers. Any data sharing is limited to what's necessary to operate the platform and provide our services.

How does the passwordless authentication work?

Instead of passwords, we use secure one-time codes (OTP) sent to your email for authentication. This eliminates the risk of password breaches and makes signing in more secure. Each code is unique, expires quickly, and can only be used once. You can also sign in using OAuth providers like Google or Facebook for additional convenience.

Contact & Support

How do I contact customer support?

You can reach our support team through the contact form on our website. We aim to respond to all inquiries within 72 hours.

What are your support hours?

Our support team operates during business hours, Monday through Friday. While we may not respond immediately outside these hours, we review and respond to all messages promptly.

Do you have a community forum or social media?

Follow us on social media for updates, news, and community discussions. Links to our social media profiles can be found in the footer of our website.

I have a business inquiry. Who should I contact?

For business partnerships, licensing inquiries, or other commercial questions, please use our contact form and specify that your inquiry is business-related. For institutional account inquiries, see the section.

Institutional Accounts

What are institutional accounts?

Institutional accounts are specially designed for universities, libraries, schools, and other institutions that need to provide Docunight access to multiple users. These accounts offer enhanced features specifically tailored for institutional use and educational environments.

What features are included with institutional accounts?

Unlimited User Seats: No limits on the number of users who can access your institutional account.

Single Sign-On (SSO): Seamless integration with your existing authentication system (SAML/Shibboleth) for one domain, allowing users to access Docunight with their institutional credentials.

Access to all films: Complete access to our entire documentary library for all users during the subscription term.

Who is eligible for institutional accounts?

Institutional accounts are available to universities, colleges, libraries, K-12 schools, research institutions, and other educational organizations. We also consider other types of institutions on a case-by-case basis. Contact our team to discuss your organization's specific needs and eligibility.

How does SSO integration work?

Our SSO integration supports SAML/Shibboleth and connects with most institutional identity providers (e.g., Shibboleth, Azure AD, Okta). Users sign in with their institutional credentials—no separate Docunight accounts are required. Our technical team exchanges metadata with your IdP and completes configuration during onboarding.

How much do institutional accounts cost?

Institutional accounts cost $5,000 annually (aligned to the calendar year), which includes unlimited user seats and access to all films in our complete documentary library. This flat-rate pricing makes budgeting simple and provides exceptional value for institutions of any size, from small colleges to large universities.

What are the usage restrictions for institutional accounts?

Institutional accounts are designed for individual and internal use only within your organization. This includes personal viewing by students, faculty, and staff, as well as use in classrooms and internal educational settings. However, institutional accounts cannot be used for public screenings or events that include attendees from outside your institution. For public exhibition rights, please contact our team to discuss separate licensing arrangements.

How do I set up an institutional account?

To get started with an institutional account:

1. Contact our support team through our contact form, specifying "Institutional Account Inquiry"
2. Provide details about your institution, estimated number of users, and technical requirements
3. Our team will schedule a consultation to discuss your needs and provide a customized proposal
4. Upon agreement, we'll handle the technical setup and SSO integration
5. We'll provide training and onboarding support for your administrators and users

Can individual users still create personal accounts if my organization has an account?

Yes, individual users can still create personal accounts and subscribe individually if they prefer. However, users with email addresses from your organization's domain will have the option to access Docunight through your institutional SSO, which provides the same full access without requiring a personal subscription.

Where can I learn more about institutional access?

Visit our Institutions page for features, pricing, and setup details, or contact us for assistance.

What support is available for institutional accounts?

Institutional accounts receive priority support including dedicated account management, technical assistance for SSO setup and maintenance, user onboarding resources, and direct communication channels with our support team. We also provide training materials and can arrange orientation sessions for your users.

For Filmmakers & Producers

How can I submit my documentary to Docunight?

We welcome submissions from filmmakers and producers! You can submit your documentary using the "Submit Your Film" link located in the footer of our website. This link will guide you through our submission process where you can provide details about your film, upload materials, and begin the review process with our content team.

What types of documentaries are you looking for?

We primarily focus on documentaries either about Iran or made by Iranian filmmakers. We're also beginning to expand our collection to include documentaries from neighboring countries in the region. We look for high-quality documentaries that showcase cultural, historical, social, or artistic perspectives from these regions. All submissions are carefully reviewed by our content curation team.

What rights do you require for films on your platform?

We only require non-exclusive rights to distribute your documentary on our platform. This means you retain full ownership of your film and can continue to distribute it through other channels, platforms, or methods. You maintain complete control over your intellectual property while partnering with us to reach our audience.

Can I remove my film from the platform?

Yes, absolutely! You can remove your film from our platform at any time by providing us with a 90-day notice. This notice period allows us to properly transition any ongoing promotions or features of your film and ensures a smooth removal process. After the notice period, your film will be completely removed from our platform.

How do I access my partner dashboard?

Once you're signed in as a partner, you'll see a link to your partner dashboard in the user dropdown menu (click on your profile icon in the top navigation). This dashboard provides access to all your partner tools, reports, and account management features. If you don't see this option, contact our support team to verify your partner status.

What can I see in my partner dashboard?

Your partner dashboard provides comprehensive insights into your film's performance on our platform. You can view detailed reports including viewing statistics, audience engagement metrics, revenue reports, and other performance data. The dashboard gives you full transparency into how your content is performing and being received by our audience.

How and when do I get paid?

Payments are processed annually. Once per year, you can request payment through your partner dashboard. The dashboard will show your accumulated earnings and provide a simple process to request your payout. Payment details, including revenue sharing percentages and payment methods, are outlined in your partnership agreement.

What support is available for partners?

We provide dedicated support for our filmmaker and producer partners. This includes technical assistance with the submission process, guidance on optimizing your content for our platform, help with the partner dashboard, and prompt responses to any questions about reports, payments, or partnership terms. Contact our support team with any partner-related inquiries.

How long does the review process take?

The review process timeline varies depending on submission volume and the complexity of your project. Our content team carefully evaluates each submission for quality, relevance to our platform, and technical specifications. We aim to provide feedback as promptly as possible and will keep you informed throughout the review process. You can check the status of your submission by contacting our support team.