ABOUT

The VERT Film Fest (aka. VERT Film Festival) is a community-driven monthly competition that aims to inspire and motivate filmmakers to explore storytelling in the vertical format. By incorporating different forms of media, the festival encourages creators to push boundaries and discover new ways to tell stories in this unique format.

Each month (every three to four months during the launching period), filmmakers have the opportunity to compete for several awards across different categories, with cash prizes as an incentive. The festival offers a $500 VERT Grand Prize, along with additional awards across various categories, including a $500 Audience Award for the most popular film on social media. With just one entry, films are automatically considered for all relevant award categories.

The festival also aims to provide networking opportunities and may offer in-person events from time to time, allowing filmmakers to connect with professionals from the vertical mini-series industry and expand their creative networks.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

1. All films must be submitted in vertical (9:16) format.
2. Films must not exceed 10 minutes in length.

***Any film that does not comply with these format or time limit rules will be immediately disqualified upon submission.***

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to highlight the versatility and potential of vertical content, bringing together creators from all backgrounds to share their unique visions. The VERT Film Festival encourages filmmakers to break away from traditional formats and embrace new ways of cinematic storytelling.

LAUNCHING

We are currently in the launching phase of the VERT Film Festival. To ensure a strong start, the first few rounds of competition will last approximately 3-4 months, rather than the usual 1 month. This extended timeline allows us to receive more submissions to ensure the legitimacy of the award winners, while we build our website, grow our social media presence, and establish a solid audience base.

Filmmakers submitting during this phase will still be eligible for all awards and prizes, with the same opportunities for recognition and networking. Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare for an exciting launch!

ABOUT THE FOUNDER

Our founder is an experienced producer and director who has been the creative force behind dozens of projects, including multiple vertical mini-series. Despite the industry's bias against the vertical format, they firmly believe in its future and see exciting potential for vertical filmmaking to expand across both genres and mediums.

Genre-breaking films? How about medium-breaking films? Even more kickass, right?

They truly believe that the future lies in innovation, not in sticking to the old ways. That's why this festival is not just about traditional filmmaking—it’s about more! Even trolling is accepted. However, please note that the film must convey something, whether it's a story, a feeling, or an idea.

Awards & Prizes

The VERT Film Fest offers a range of exciting awards to recognize the best vertical films in various categories. Each month, filmmakers have the chance to compete for the following prizes:

VERT Jury Award (Grand Prize): $500
Awarded to the best overall vertical film of the month.

VERT Audience Award: $500
Awarded to the film (excluding the Grand Prize winner) that receives the most likes and engagement on the VERT Film Festival’s social media posts.

VERT Best Romance
Honoring outstanding storytelling in the romance genre.

VERT Best Montage
Recognizing the most compelling and artfully edited montage in vertical format.

VERT Best Horror
Celebrating the most thrilling and engaging horror film designed for the vertical screen.

VERT Best Comedy
Awarded to the funniest and most entertaining vertical short.

VERT Best New Media
Recognizing experimental and innovative storytelling that transcends traditional filmmaking through new media and interactive elements. Anything relating to innovative social media (instagram reel, tiktok, etc.) storytelling can be considered in this category.

VERT Best Cinematography
Recognizing exceptional visual storytelling and cinematography in a vertical format.

VERT Best Short Short
Highlighting the best film under 3 minute, demonstrating concise, impactful storytelling.

VERT Best Music
Awarded to the film with the most creative or effective use of music.

VERT Best Mood
Celebrating films that masterfully create and sustain a specific atmosphere or emotional tone throughout the vertical format.

Rules & Terms

To ensure a smooth and fair competition, please review the following rules and terms:

1. Vertical Format: All films must be submitted in a 9:16 vertical format and should not exceed 5 minutes in length.

2. Eligible Genres: We accept submissions from all genres, including fiction, documentary, animation, experimental, and more, provided they adhere to the vertical format.

3. Mobile-Friendly: All films shot on mobile devices or any professional equipment are welcome as long as the final product is in vertical format.

4. Originality: All submitted films must be original creations. By submitting, filmmakers confirm they hold all necessary rights to the content, including music, visuals, and any third-party material.

5. Submission Fees: Fees vary depending on early, regular, and late submissions. Please refer to our FilmFreeway page for details. All submission fees are non-refundable.

6. Submission Platforms: All films must be submitted via FilmFreeway.

7. Eligibility: The festival is open to filmmakers of all nationalities. Films in languages other than English must include English subtitles.

8. Rights to Use Awarded Films:
By submitting to the VERT Film Festival, filmmakers grant the festival permission to use their film for promotional purposes once it receives any awards. This includes publishing the film on the VERT Film Festival’s official website, social media platforms, and any related promotional materials.

9. Audience Award Voting:
The Audience Award is determined by social media engagement. Films will be posted on the VERT Film Festival’s social media platforms, and the film with the most likes and engagement (excluding the Grand Prize winner) will receive the Audience Award and its $500 prize.

10. Extended Launch Period:
For the first round of competition, the festival will operate under an extended timeline of approximately 3 months instead of the usual 1 month. This extended period allows for the submission of more films, ensuring a fair and legitimate selection of award winners while the festival establishes its website, social media presence, and audience base. All films submitted during this phase will be eligible for the same awards and prizes as future rounds.