Be a defining voice in vertical storytelling. LA Vertical Fest (LAVF) is a brand-new celebration of vertical narratives. LAVF champions both emerging and established filmmakers from Los Angeles and around the world, inviting them to shape the next era of narrative expression through vertical film and series.

JOIN US FOR THE 1st EDITION OF LA Vertical Fest

When: Sunday, March 15th, 2026 from 3pm in Culver City, California

LAVF’s inaugural festival brings together filmmakers, producers, executives, actors, and creatives for a dynamic afternoon of screenings, conversation, celebration, and discovery.

What is a "Vertical"? A vertical is one narrative story cut into1-3 minute episodes filmed in a 9:16 aspect ratio and traditionally viewed on a smartphone. The dramatic style is usually similar to telenovela, soap opera, or K-Dramas. However, this festival is about all of us expanding that definition together!

Your submission to LAVF:
Whether this is your first vertical project or the latest in your body of work, LAVF is designed to ensure your vertical film, vertical series concept, or screenplay is seen, supported, and taken seriously. As a first-year festival, we’re creating an intimate, high-impact experience where filmmakers have direct access to the emerging vertical space.

Built for connection, professional exposure, and creative momentum, at LAVF, we elevate artists exploring vertical narratives, who are ready to show what vertical storytelling can do.

Our inaugural festival will feature:

A Screenplay Competition for Vertical Series: supporting the next wave of writers exploring storytelling in a new format.

Awards Ceremony: recognizing excellence in vertical filmmaking across multiple categories.

Industry panels and moderated Q&A

After-Party Mixer: celebrating actors and filmmakers with opportunities for photos, meet and greets, and industry networking.

What We Offer Filmmakers & Screenwriters:

A curated program of vertical narrative films
Direct engagement with industry professionals working actively in the vertical space.
Moderated Q&A's and panels
A celebratory awards ceremony highlighting standout filmmakers, actors, and writers.
An after-party designed specifically for networking, collaboration, and community-building.
A dedicated Screenplay Competition for Vertical Series with recognition for finalists and winners.

Premium Festival Passes include access to all festival programming (subject to seating), the panels, screenings, awards ceremony, and the celebratory mixer.

Our aim at LAVF is to help filmmakers gain visibility in the vertical ecosystem and help shape the future of the medium.

Follow us on Instagram and at laverticalfest.com for the latest.

Awards & Prizes

Prizes:
Grand Prize – Best Vertical Storytelling
Audience Award
Best Vertical Short
Official Selection
Best Vertical Screenplay
Best Actress
Best Actor
Best Ensemble Cast
Jury Mentions in categories: Writer, Director, Producer, Cinematography, Production Design, Sound Recordist, Post Sound, Innovation

Rules & Terms

LA Vertical Fest
By submitting a project to the LA Vertical Fest (“Festival”), all submitters (“Entrants,” “Filmmakers,” or “Applicants”) agree to the following Terms and Conditions:
1. Eligibility & Rights
1.1 By submitting, the Entrant affirms that they are the rightful owner of the submitted project and hold all necessary rights, licenses, and permissions to the film, including but not limited to music, images, performances, scripts, and any other copyrighted materials.
1.2 The Entrant confirms that the submission does not infringe upon any third-party rights (including copyright, trademark, privacy, or publicity rights). The Festival assumes no responsibility for any claims made against the project by third parties.
1.3 The Entrant shall indemnify and hold harmless the Festival, its affiliates, partners, staff, and sponsors from and against all claims, damages, liabilities, and expenses arising from any breach of warranties or misrepresentations in relation to the submission.

2. Screening & Exhibition Rights
2.1 By submitting, the Entrant grants the Festival the non-exclusive right to screen their project at the LA Vertical Fest live event(s).
2.2 The Entrant may request to withdraw their project from live screening, but such requests must be made in writing no later than 14 days before the Festival date and no refunds on submission fees will be given.
2.3 The Festival reserves the right to include submitted projects in Festival-related promotional activities (including teasers, trailers, still images, and editorial coverage), unless otherwise restricted by the Entrant in writing 14 days before the Festival date, in all media hereto known and to be known.

3. Attendance & Awards
3.1 Entrants who wish to attend the live Festival must notify the Festival organizers in advance so preparations can be made, including the production of any physical awards.
3.2 Physical awards are only guaranteed for winners who either:
Attend the live Awards Ceremony in person; or
Notify the Festival in advance and specifically request shipping.
3.3 Awards may be shipped anywhere within the United States upon request. International shipping may be considered at the Entrant’s expense.

4. Festival Decisions
4.1 The Festival reserves the right to change the status of any project at any time, including but not limited to:
Acceptance or non-acceptance into the program,
Category placement,
Awards consideration, and
Any other curatorial decisions.
4.2 All decisions made by the Festival jury, programmers, and organizers are final and binding.
4.3 The Festival reserves the right to not present an award in a given category if the jury determines no project meets the standard of excellence.

5. Submissions & Format
5.1 All projects must be submitted in vertical (9:16) format unless otherwise specified. Submissions not meeting technical requirements may be disqualified or reformatted at the Festival’s discretion.
5.2 Submission fees (if applicable) are non-refundable, regardless of acceptance or screening status.

6. Liability & Responsibility
6.1 The Festival is not responsible for technical issues, corrupted files, or improperly formatted submissions. Entrants are encouraged to double-check their submission before finalizing.
6.2 The Festival is not liable for any costs associated with producing, submitting, or attending the Festival, including travel, lodging, or promotional expenses.
6.3 In the event of unforeseen circumstances (natural disasters, venue closures, pandemics, force majeure etc.), the Festival reserves the right to alter, reschedule, or cancel the event without liability.

7. Publicity & Promotion
7.1 By participating, Entrants grant the Festival the right to use their film title, stills, trailer segments, and press materials for publicity purposes in connection with the Festival and its promotion.
7.2 Entrants agree that their project may be featured on the Festival’s official website, social media, and press outlets for the purpose of festival coverage and for future festival cycles.

8. General Provisions
8.1 By submitting, Entrants agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions in full.
8.2 The Festival reserves the right to update, amend, or modify these Terms & Conditions at any time without prior notice.
8.3 Any disputes arising under these Terms & Conditions shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, USA, and subject to the jurisdiction of courts located therein.
1 Review
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jonathan Turner Smith

    This is a terrific Festival. They communicated with me every step of the judging process, far more than many established Festivals. The Festival itself was short and sweet and the Organizers, Missy and Nancy could not have done a better job of making everyone feel welcome and valued. It was an honor to be a small part of the 1st LA Vertical Fest.

    March 2026
    Helpful