OPTIX Vertical Vision Micro Filmmaking Challenge

Optix Vertical Vision Micro Filmmaking Challenge

Official Rules & Terms

By submitting to the Optix Vertical Vision Micro Filmmaking Challenge, entrants agree to the following:

Eligibility

Entrant must be 18 years of age or older at the time of submission.

Open to residents of Nevada or actively enrolled students attending Nevada educational institutions.

Submissions must be made by the individual or team with full rights to the film. Multiple submissions are permitted; each submission is subject to fees. Films submitted as well as filmmakers with multiple submissions may potentially win more than one award.

Employees, contractors, or partners of Future Of Film Association (FOFA) or Optix and their immediate household members may not compete for prizes.

Submission Requirements

Vertical format only - 9:16 aspect ratio required. Horizontal content reformatted for vertical will be automatically disqualified.

Maximum duration is 90 seconds total, including any credits.

All genres accepted (narrative, comedy, thriller, docu-style, etc.).

Film must include original content shot for this challenge.

No AI-generated actors or content of any kind or use of likenesses of real individuals without explicit permission.

Entrant must ensure that all materials used (images, music, performance rights) are cleared for worldwide exhibition.

Future Of Film Association | Optix may disqualify any entry not meeting these specifications.

Rights & Permissions

Entrant retains full copyright to their film.

By entering, Entrant grants FOFA | Optix a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to:

Exhibit the film at FOFA | Optix events and screenings

Promote the film and challenge across media channels

Feature the film in compilations, highlight reels, and promotional content

Entrant grants FOFA | Optix the right to use poster frames, screenshots, and filmmaker likeness for promotional purposes.

Entrant confirms all cast, crew, and music are properly licensed or released for public showing.

Judging & Awards

Judging is based on creativity, storytelling, performance, cinematography, and overall execution.

Judges’ decisions are final and binding.

Audience engagement may influence spotlights but jury awards are not popularity-based.

FOFA | Optix reserves the right to award fewer or additional honors as deemed appropriate.

Prizes & Obligations

Prize values listed in USD.

Winners are responsible for all taxes associated with prize receipt.

Prizes are non-transferable.

Winners may be asked to sign:

Eligibility and Liability Affidavit

Publicity Release

Tax documentation (as applicable)

Failure to comply may result in disqualification.

Disqualification

FOFA | Optix reserves the right to disqualify any submission that:

Contains defamation, hate speech, or unlawful content

Appears to infringe on intellectual property or privacy rights

Includes non-cleared materials

Violates these rules or appears fraudulent

Key Dates

Submissions Open → Nov 3, 2025

Submissions Close → Dec 1, 2025

Finalists Announced → Dec 12, 2025

Winner Premiere Event → Dec 18, 2025

Dates subject to change. Any changes will be posted on the FilmFreeway page.

Legal & Governing Laws

Entrant agrees FOFA | Optix is not liable for lost, damaged, misdirected, or inaccessible entries.

Participation is voluntary and at Entrant’s own risk.

The challenge is governed by laws of the State of Nevada, USA.

Agreement

By submitting, Entrant acknowledges they have read and fully agree to these Rules & Terms.

Judging Panel

All submissions will be evaluated by a panel of five qualified industry professionals with experience in film, storytelling, production, and digital media.

Our judges include:

Professional filmmakers, actors, and producers
Influencers and content creators
Creative executives and entertainment industry leaders

Each judge brings a unique creative perspective — ensuring that films are evaluated on both artistic merit and innovation within the vertical frame.

Judging will be performed using a standardized scoring rubric evaluating:

Storytelling Impact
Visual Innovation in Vertical Format
Originality & Creativity
Performance Quality
Technical Execution

All decisions made by the judging panel are final and binding.