Submission Requirements:
OVERVIEW:
-Projects must be filmed and delivered in vertical (9:16) format.
-Each submission must include 6–10 episodes.
-Recommended episode length: 1–3 minutes.
-Total runtime should not exceed 45 minutes.
-HD resolution required (1080x1920 minimum).
-Filmmakers must own or control all rights.
-Premiere status is not required.
DETAILS;
1. Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for consideration, all submissions must meet the following criteria:
Projects must be filmed and delivered in vertical format (9:16 aspect ratio).
Each filmmaker must submit a microdrama series consisting of 6–10 episodes.
Episodes must be narrative-driven (fictional storytelling). The submitting filmmaker must hold the rights to all content submitted.
All submissions must be submitted through filmfreeway
All participants must be 18 years or older
Applicants may submit a maximum of 3 separate projects
2. Episode & Format Guidelines
Episode Requirements:
Minimum episodes per submission: 6
Maximum episodes per submission: 10
Recommended episode length: 1–3 minutes each
Total runtime per submission should not exceed 45 minutes.
Technical Requirements:
Aspect Ratio: 9:16 vertical
Resolution: Minimum 1080x1920 HD
File Format: .MP4 or .MOV preferred
Subtitles strongly encouraged (English required if dialogue is in another language)
3. Premiere Status
Premiere status is not required. Projects that have been released online or screened elsewhere are eligible, provided the creator retains submission rights.
4. Rights & Permissions
By submitting, filmmakers confirm:
They own or control all necessary rights, including music, performances, and locations.
Atlanta Vertical Film Festival may use clips, stills, or excerpts for promotional purposes.
Filmmakers retain full ownership of their work.
5. Judging Criteria
Projects will be evaluated based on (but not limited to):
Vertical storytelling innovation
Narrative strength and originality
Performance and direction
Technical execution
Audience engagement potential
6. Selection & Screening
Selected filmmakers will be notified via email.
The festival may screen:
Individual episodes
Curated episode blocks
Full series depending on programming needs
Filmmakers agree to provide screening files upon acceptance.
7. Content Guidelines
The festival celebrates bold storytelling; however, submissions may be disqualified if they contain:
Unlicensed copyrighted material
Hate speech targeting protected groups
Non-consensual explicit content
Unsafe or illegal production practices
8. Creator Opportunities
Selected filmmakers may be invited to:
Industry panels
Networking sessions
Development discussions with vertical distribution companies
Participation in festival programming does not constitute a distribution agreement.
9. Submission Fees
All submission fees are non-refundable
Early-Bird Fee - $10
Regular Fee - $25
Late Fee - $35
10. Submission Agreement
By submitting, filmmakers agree:
The information provided is accurate.
They have authority to submit the work.
Festival decisions are final.
11. Festival Discretion
The Atlanta Vertical Film Festival reserves the right to:
Modify categories or awards
Adjust screening formats
Update guidelines as the vertical storytelling space evolves
12. Vertical Specific Rules:
Vertical Integrity Clause
Submissions must be originally composed for vertical viewing or intentionally adapted. Horizontal content simply cropped to vertical may be deprioritized.
Mobile Storytelling Emphasis
Projects should demonstrate storytelling optimized for mobile audiences, including pacing, framing, and engagement techniques.
Series Continuity Requirement
Episodes must function as a cohesive narrative arc — not standalone short films packaged together.
Production Development Eligibility
Submission does not guarantee platform acquisition, but selected filmmakers may be considered for future development opportunities.
13. Hold Harmless Agreement
Hold harmless the Atlanta Vertical Film Festival and their subsidiary, parent and affiliated companies, prize contributors, judges, analysts, sponsors, and any other organizations responsible for administering, advertising or promoting your submission of material, and every one of their respective members, directors, employees, agents and representatives (collectively, the “Released Parties”) past and present from and against any and all claims, expenses, and liability, including but not limited to damages and negligence to property and persons, including but not limited to invasion of privacy, defamation, slander, libel, violation of right of publicity, copyright, infringement of trademark or other intellectual property rights relating to a participant’s submission of materials and/or acceptance or use or misuse of prize.
Agree to receive emails containing updates and news surrounding this competition
All entries must be received by the submission deadline
Projects/Scripts with any affiliation with a major studio, or having secured U.S. distribution or films in development, produced, financed or initiated by a major film studio or television network are ineligible.
