Fantastic Pavilion Vertical Cinema

1. Category and Theme
Works from all continents, belonging to the horror, fantasy, and science fiction genres, including their subgenres and experimental crossovers (folk horror, techno-horror, dark comedy, etc.), may participate. Live action, animated, or hybrid works are accepted.

2. Format and Duration
● Mandatory format: Vertical 9:16 (minimum resolution 1080x1920).
● Duration: Between 30 seconds and 4 minutes. Works outside this range may be considered exceptionally by the curatorial committee.
● Accepted files: Digital files (.mov or .mp4) encoded in ProRes, H.264, or H.265.
● Audio: Stereo mix (48 kHz / 24-bit).
● Subtitles: Mandatory English subtitles in .srt format.
● In the case of a television series, a maximum of five (5) episodes may be submitted, which must comply with the vertical format (9:16), duration, and technical specifications established in this call. Selection will consider the narrative coherence of the set and the strength of the project as a whole. The overall strength and narrative coherence of the complete project will be the basis for the selection.

3. Status and Eligibility
● Works must be completed at the time of submission.
● No premiere status is required. They may have been exhibited on networks or at festivals, provided authorization is granted for their screening within the Marché du Film framework.
● Works by professionals, students, or independent teams are accepted.
● Minimum age to participate: 18 years.
● AI-generated will be eligible to participate

4. Submission
Submissions will be made via: FilmFreeway
Each participant must attach:
● Private viewing link (Vimeo, YouTube, Frame.io, or similar) with password.
● Logline (max. 140 characters) and synopsis (max. 120 words).
● Director's bio (100 words).
● 3 frames or stills.
● Vertical poster 1080x1920 px.
● Confirmation of music and image rights.
● (Optional) Vertical promotional clip of 10-15 seconds.

5. Selection and Exhibition
● Up to 30 works will be selected to form part of the international showcase of FANTASTIC VERTICAL CINEMA Cannes 2026, presented within the activities of the Fantastic Pavilion (Marché du Film).
● Selected works will be screened for industry professionals, programmers, buyers, and specialized press.
● The presentation will be in a loop or curated block format, projected on screen within a Marché du Film venue in Cannes.
● Participation in the showcase does not imply selection in any section of the Cannes Film Festival.

6. Rights and Usage
● Submission implies non-exclusive authorization to screen the work within the framework of FANTASTIC VERTICAL CINEMA Cannes 2026 and associated activities (non-commercial showcases or screenings).
● Intellectual property rights remain at all times with the author(s).
● The use of fragments, stills, or promotional materials for dissemination and press purposes is authorized.
● Selected works may be considered for future screenings at Mórbido Film Fest 2026 and other venues or partner festivals of the Fantastic Pavilion and Blood Window.

7. Calendar
● Call for entries opens: From now.
● Submission deadline: March 31, 2026.
● Selection announcement: April 15, 2026.
● Delivery of final materials: April 29, 2026.
● Showcase in Cannes: May 2026.
(Dates may be adjusted according to the official Marché du Film calendar.)

8. Submission Fee
● The submission fee for this first edition is 25 €.
● The proceeds will be used entirely for operational and exhibition expenses in Cannes.

9. Curatorial Committee and Jury
● Curation will be handled by the team from the Fantastic Pavilion, Mórbido, and Blood Window.
● The jury will be composed of programmers, filmmakers, and representatives of the international industry, appointed by the organizers.
● The jury may award a FANTASTIC VERTICAL CINEMA Cannes 2026 Special Mention to the work most innovative in vertical language and narrative.
● Selected works will receive a FANTASTIC VERTICAL CINEMA Cannes 2026 Certificate, accrediting their participation in the international showcase.

Selected projects may receive a daily pass to attend the official showcase and participate in Marché du Film – Cannes Film Festival activities. This accreditation allows access to the professional environment of Cannes and the Fantastic Pavilion on the event day. This call does not include transportation, accommodation, or per diems, which must be covered in full by each selected participant.

10. Final Provisions
Participation in this call implies full acceptance of these rules and conditions. The organizers reserve the right to interpret any aspect not foreseen by them.