The Vermillion Vortex Film Festival is an independent film festival held in beautiful Vermillion, South Dakota (home to the University of South Dakota). This year's festival takes place September 25-27, 2026 at the downtown Coyote Twin Theater.

The Vermillion Vortex Film Festival seeks to create a community of area cinema enthusiasts and filmmakers of all experience levels for networking, support, and inspiration. Vortex will showcase movies produced by regional Midwest filmmakers and filmed in South Dakota and neighboring states (IA, MN, NE, ND, MT, WI, IL).

Submissions to the 2026 Vortex Film Festival are now open. The deadline for submissions is July 26, 2026.

Audience Choice Award
Somewhat Random Movie Award

PLEASE READ ALL THE RULES & TERMS

All filmmakers submitting a film to the Vermillion Vortex Film Festival, accept and agree to comply with the following Terms and Conditions

1. We accept films in any language. Films made in a foreign language must contain an English dub or English subtitles.

2. The person submitting a film to Vermillion Vortex Film Festival is agreeing your film may be screened at the Vermillion Vortex Film Festival if it is selected.

3. We only accept films that have been produced in 2024 or 2025.

4. All submission fees are non refundable.

5. How to Submit:

A) Submitting digitally through FilmFreeway is all you need to do.
B) Filmmakers submitting should also supply:
– Production credits and contact details
– Two photos for promotional purposes
– A short trailer of the film (Optional)
– If your film is selected, we require a DCP file, downloadable within 48 hours of notice

6. We reserve the right to alter this schedule and venue at any time for any reason. Vermillion Vortex Film Festival does not accept any liability for any costs claimed to arise as a result of a change in the scheduling.

7. By submitting a film, you grant us the right to screen your film, copy and/or reproduce, modify, adapt and any part thereof, up to one (1) minute of the film submission. We may also use your submission and any other promotional material submitted by you to communicate it to the public in all media, including via our website and publicity materials, or to advertise and promote Vermillion Vortex Film Festival events, it's products and services, or all, and to showcase your film.

8. You own the copyright to your film as its author and represent and warrant that you have, all necessary licenses, rights, consents, and permissions we need to use your film and you will provide evidence of such on our reasonable request.

9. Submission to the festival does not guarantee a film will be selected for screening at the festival. Submissions will be vetted by a selection committee before being officially selected to the festival.

10. You MUST have authority to submit your film to us. The film must be submitted by Director/Producer.

By entering you give the Vermillion Vortex Film Festival authority to use your provided press materials to promote the festival.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Reed Langer

    A fair and legitimate film festival. They are highly communicative and provide an awesome venue for their screenings.

    October 2025
  • Kai David

    Some great workshops and some great people in a fun environment with some fantastic crowds.

    October 2025
  • Dylan LaRay

    I did not have the opportunity to attend, but from my interactions with this festival, I can tell that they deeply care about film AND the impact that local cinema has on their community. They’re doing important work.

    October 2025
  • Chris Dasinger

    Great festival at a nice venue run by friendly people in a cool little town!

    September 2025
  • John Barnes

    Great fest! Fun to be exposed to films I would have never seen otherwise. Great people who care about films and filmmaking given the panels they had.

    October 2024