VERTICAL FESTIVAL
A festival purpose-built for vertical & mobile-first storytelling.
VERTICAL FESTIVAL is a dedicated film festival celebrating vertical films, micro-dramas, vertical series, and mobile-first storytelling created in the 9:16 format.

Formerly the West Palm Beach Independent Film Festival, VERTICAL FESTIVAL has evolved to focus entirely on professionally produced vertical content, including narrative shorts, episodic microdramas, social-first stories, and experimental vertical cinema.
This is not a traditional film festival adding vertical categories.
Vertical storytelling is the core of our programming.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
We actively seek submissions in the following formats:
Vertical Films (Narrative & Experimental)
Micro-Dramas & Episodic Vertical Series
Social-First Narrative Content
Vertical Storytelling for Mobile Platforms
Genre Projects (Drama, Romance, Thriller, Comedy, Horror)

Projects should be shot and edited specifically for vertical viewing.
Creators working on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and premium vertical platforms like DramaBox and ReelShort are strongly encouraged to submit.

WHY SUBMIT
VERTICAL FESTIVAL is designed for creators who want their vertical work:
Taken seriously as cinema
Viewed in a curated festival setting
Evaluated by programmers who understand the vertical format
Positioned within the growing vertical storytelling ecosystem

We prioritize story, originality, and format-conscious execution over budget or follower count.
FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE
Official selections receive:
Curated screenings as part of the festival program
Recognition across competitive vertical categories
Industry-facing visibility for emerging creators
A festival environment where vertical storytelling is not secondary
This is a festival where vertical creators are the main event.

WHO SHOULD SUBMIT
We welcome submissions from:
Independent filmmakers exploring vertical formats
Gen Z and emerging creators
Teen / YA storytellers
Creators transitioning from social platforms to narrative work
Both new and experienced creators are encouraged to submit.

📍 Location: South Florida
WELCOME TO THE NEXT FORMAT
Vertical storytelling is no longer experimental, it’s established, global, and growing.
VERTICAL FESTIVAL exists to give it the dedicated platform it deserves.

You Create Academy Studio @ The Peach
3950 Georgia Ave., West Palm Beach, FL 33405

Operated by industry veteran Dominic Giannetti, with decades of experience in festivals, live events, and production.

🎉 What Selected Filmmakers Can Expect

Screenings
In-person vertical showcase on a custom-built 9:16 vertical screen inside the studio.
Curated blocks (Comedy, Romance, YA Thrillers, etc.)
Creator intros, influencer commentary, and live audience reactions.
Panels & Talks
“How to Monetize Your Vertical Series”
“From TikTok to Netflix: Scaling Your Vertical Success”
“Pitching to DramaBox & ReelShort”
Creator Meetups
Daytime networking lounges
Creator photo ops, content booths, and pop-up collaborations
VIP Creator Mixer (invite-only)
Awards Night
Red carpet arrivals
Live award ceremony with trophies, surprise guests & press
After-party with drinks, and content-worthy backdrops

Awards & Prizes

Awards & Prizes
Vertical Festival celebrates the innovation, creativity, and bold storytelling that define the future of vertical filmmaking. As we relaunch in our new direction, this year’s awards will recognize standout creators and projects that push the boundaries of format, emotion, and visual storytelling.

Awards will include:
⭐ Best Vertical Film
⭐ Best Micro-Drama Series
⭐ Best Director – Vertical Format
⭐ Outstanding Emerging Creator
⭐ Audience Choice Award
⭐ Best Actor – Vertical Performance
⭐ Best Reel / Short-Form Clip
⭐ Best Bite-Size Comedy
⭐ Best Small Business Branding Video
⭐ Best Social Awareness Piece

Additional categories, special recognitions, and partner-driven awards will be announced throughout the season as we continue to expand programming and collaborate with new industry partners.

Vertical Festival is committed to honoring the next wave of groundbreaking storytellers with more exciting award opportunities coming soon.

Rules & Terms

Vertical Festival accepts submissions of vertical films, micro-dramas, reels, branded content, and short-form social stories created in a 9:16 aspect ratio or designed primarily for mobile viewing. All genres, themes, and creative styles are welcome.

By submitting, you confirm that you hold all necessary rights to the material and grant the festival permission to screen your work as part of our online event. Submission fees are non-refundable, and selections are made at the discretion of the festival programming team.

Projects may be created on any device, including phones and may have premiered online. There are no restrictions on prior online posting, as we support the evolving nature of social-first storytelling.
Additional rules, screening details, and partnership announcements will be released as the festival continues to expand.
Vertical Festival is committed to fairness, creativity, and showcasing innovative voices shaping the future of entertainment.