The 9:16 Creator Challenge is a curated vertical film and microdrama showcase presented as part of The 9:16 Playbook, a virtual conference for creators, filmmakers, writers, producers, actors, executives, and industry professionals exploring the future of mobile-first storytelling.

We are looking for bold, original, well-produced stories created specifically for the 9:16 vertical format. Submissions may include vertical short films, microdramas, pilots, proof-of-concept episodes, scripted series episodes, or other mobile-first narrative projects.

Selected projects will be screened virtually during The 9:16 Playbook Conference, giving creators the opportunity to showcase their work in front of an audience of filmmakers, producers, distributors, platforms, executives, talent, and other creators focused on the growing vertical content space.

From the official selections, one project will be named The 9:16 Creator Challenge Winner and will receive a $500 cash prize, featured recognition, and the opportunity to be considered for distribution on Vurt.

The $30 submission fee includes entry into The 9:16 Creator Challenge and a general virtual pass to The 9:16 Playbook Conference.

This is not a traditional film festival. It is a curated showcase for creators building stories for the way audiences watch now.

Submit your story. Screen your work. Get discovered.

Awards & Prizes

The 9:16 Creator Challenge is a curated showcase of standout vertical films, microdramas, pilots, and mobile-first stories created in the 9:16 format.

Selected projects will be screened virtually during The 9:16 Playbook Conference and will receive official The 9:16 Creator Challenge Official Selection laurels.

From the official selections, one project will be named The 9:16 Creator Challenge Winner.

The winner will receive:

The winner will receive:

$500 cash prize
Official Winner laurels
Featured recognition during The 9:16 Playbook Conference
Creator spotlight across The 9:16 Playbook digital and social channels
Opportunity to be considered for distribution on Vurt
Introductory conversation with the Vurt/Homestead team to discuss potential distribution or development opportunities

The showcase may also include an Audience Choice Recognition, selected by conference attendees from the official screening lineup.

All official selections and winners may be promoted across The 9:16 Playbook digital, social, email, and press channels.

Submission, selection, or award recognition does not guarantee distribution. Distribution opportunities are subject to review, rights clearance, platform requirements, and separate agreement.

Rules & Terms

The 9:16 Creator Challenge is open to filmmakers, creators, writers, producers, and content teams submitting original vertical films, microdramas, pilots, proof-of-concept episodes, or short-form scripted projects.

All submissions must be created in a vertical 9:16 format and must be suitable for virtual screening during The 9:16 Playbook Conference.

Submitted projects may be short films, microdramas, pilots, episodic concepts, or proof-of-concept videos. Recommended running time is 1 to 10 minutes, although longer projects may be considered at the discretion of the organizers.

By submitting, the entrant confirms that they own or control all necessary rights to the project, including but not limited to music, footage, images, story, script, performances, artwork, trademarks, and any third-party materials included in the submission.

Entrants are responsible for securing all permissions, releases, licenses, and clearances required for their submission. The 9:16 Creator Challenge, The 9:16 Playbook, Vurt, Homestead Entertainment, and their partners are not responsible for any rights, clearance, copyright, trademark, music, guild, or legal issues related to submitted projects.

Submissions must not contain unauthorized copyrighted material, hate speech, defamatory content, unlawful content, or material that violates the rights of any person or entity.

All submission fees are non-refundable.

Submission does not guarantee selection, screening, award recognition, distribution, or future development.

Selected films will be screened virtually during The 9:16 Playbook Conference. By submitting, entrants grant The 9:16 Creator Challenge and The 9:16 Playbook permission to screen the submitted project during the conference if selected.

Entrants also grant permission for The 9:16 Creator Challenge and The 9:16 Playbook to use the project title, filmmaker name, stills, clips, trailer, poster, logline, and related materials for promotional, marketing, press, social media, and conference-related purposes.

Winning projects may receive the opportunity to be considered for distribution on Vurt. Distribution is not guaranteed and is subject to further review, rights clearance, platform requirements, and a separate written agreement.

The submitter must be at least 18 years old or have permission from a parent or legal guardian.

Projects may be submitted from anywhere, but all submissions should either be in English or include English subtitles.

The 9:16 Creator Challenge reserves the right to determine eligibility, official selections, screening schedule, award categories, and winners at its sole discretion.

The organizers reserve the right to disqualify any submission that does not comply with these rules or that is deemed inappropriate for the conference.

By submitting, entrants agree to these rules and confirm that all information provided is accurate and complete.