THE INVERTED.FILM INDIE VERTICAL FESTIVAL
Official Rules, Terms & Conditions
1. OVERVIEW
The Inverted.Film Indie Vertical Festival ("Festival") is an annual competition celebrating original vertical format content created by independent filmmakers worldwide. The Festival is produced and operated by Packed House Pictures Inc., dba Inverted.Film ("Organizer").
By submitting an entry, you ("Submitter" or "you") agree to be bound by these Official Rules, Terms & Conditions ("Rules"). Please read them carefully before submitting.
2. ELIGIBILITY
2.1 Who May Enter
The Festival is open to filmmakers, production companies, and content creators worldwide. There are no restrictions based on geography or professional status, but you must be at least 18 years of age to enter.
2.2 Language Requirement
All submissions must be filmed in English or include English dubbing. Subtitles alone do not satisfy this requirement.
2.3 Premiere Status
There are no premiere requirements. Eligible content may be previously screened, distributed, or made publicly available, but Finalists must agree to remove content from free public platforms (e.g., YouTube/TikTok) upon signing the Distribution Agreement.
3. SUBMISSION CATEGORIES & REQUIREMENTS
3.1 Format Specifications (All Categories)
All submissions must conform to the following technical requirements, all of which are manditory:
- for competition purposes, a password protected link to a third party site such as Vimeo is preferred. Should the piece be selected for distribution, please use the following guidelines.
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (vertical format)
- Resolution: UHD, 4K - 2160 pixels wide × 3840 pixels high
- Audio: Stereo. Dialog must be clear. Deliverables should have loudness normalized to -14 LUFS (if possible)
- Video: An .MOV file (uncomressed) made available through a downloadable link (password protected is permitted)
- Chapter Outline: A .TXT or .DOCX file with the chapter titles and corresponding timestamps in HH:MM:SS:FF format.
- Chapter Lengths: Individual chapters must be between 1 and 4 minutes in duration
- Runtime: From 14 minutes to 90 minutes, varying based on the Category of the episode.
To remove any ambiguity, submissions must be a single .MOV file. You must also provide a separate .PDF or .TXT 'Chapter Guide' listing start codes for each chapter in HH:MM:SS format. Note: Chapters must be distinct narrative blocks; do not simply chop a continuous scene randomly.
3.2 Categories
Category A: Vertical Feature (Drama/Horror/Sci-fi/Comedy/Musical/Documentary/Other)
Original narrative or documentary content presented as a single cohesive work broken into chapters.
- Total Runtime: Minimum 25 minutes / Maximum 90 minutes
- Structure: Content must be divided into chapters of 1–4 minutes each
Category B: Vertical Docuseries
Documentary content presented in episodic format.
- Total Runtime: at least 14 minutes of footage must be made available for contest judging.
- Structure: Content must be divided into chapters of 1–4 minutes each
Category C: Vertical Episodic Series (Drama/Horror/Sci-fi/Comedy/Musical/Documentary/Other)
Scripted or unscripted episodic content designed for serial storytelling.
- Total Runtime: Minimum 14 minutes of total episode content required for entry
- Structure: Content must be divided into chapters of 1–4 minutes each
The Organizer reserves the right to reclassify submissions into the most appropriate category.
4. ENTRY FEES
A non-refundable entry fee of $15.00 - $25.00 USD is required for each submission. Entry fees are non-refundable regardless of whether the submission is accepted, rejected, disqualified, or withdrawn.
5. HOW TO SUBMIT
5.1 Submission Process
All entries must be submitted through the official submission platform designated by the Organizer. Complete submissions include:
- Entry fee payment
- Completed submission form with all required information
- Final cut of the project in the required format
- Publicity materials (synopsis, key art, stills) as specified on the submission form
- AI Disclosure Form: A completed form identifying any Artificial Intelligence (AI) or generative tools used in the creation of the script, visuals, audio, or other primary elements of the submission, including the specific portions created by AI.
5.2 Key Dates
- Submission Deadline: Latest possible submission date is March 31st, 2026
- Finalist Notification: April 30th, 2026
- Festival/Screening Dates: June 1st on https://www.inverted.film
Late submissions will not be accepted. The Organizer is not responsible for technical failures, delays, or incomplete submissions.
6. OWNERSHIP, RIGHTS & CLEARANCES
6.1 Ownership Warranty
By submitting, you represent and warrant that:
- You are the sole owner or authorized representative of the content submitted
- You own or have secured all necessary rights, licenses, and clearances for all elements of the submission, including but not limited to: screenplay, story, music, sound recordings, images, footage, trademarks, and the names and likenesses of all individuals appearing in the content
- The content does not infringe upon the copyright, trademark, privacy, publicity, or other intellectual property or proprietary rights of any third party
- You have obtained signed releases from all performers, crew, and any other individuals whose likeness or voice appears in the submission
6.2 Music & Audio Clearances
You are solely responsible for securing all synchronization, master use, and performance rights for any music included in your submission. The Organizer will not be held liable for any claims arising from unlicensed music or audio content.
7. SELECTION & JUDGING
7.1 Selection Process
All eligible submissions will be reviewed by a panel of judges selected by the Organizer. Judging criteria may include, but are not limited to: originality, storytelling, technical execution, creative use of vertical format, and overall quality.
7.2 Finalist Selection
Finalists in each category will be selected at the sole discretion of the Organizer and judging panel. All decisions are final and not subject to appeal.
7.3 Notification
Finalists will be notified via the email address provided in their submission. It is the Submitter's responsibility to ensure contact information is accurate and up to date.
8. PRIZES & DISTRIBUTION
8.1 Award
Finalists in all categories will be awarded distribution on the Inverted.Film platform.
8.2 Distribution Terms
Finalists will be offered to enter into a separate Distribution Agreement with the Organizer outlining the specific terms of distribution, including but not limited to: license term, revenue share, territorial rights, and exclusivity provisions.
Selection as a Finalist constitutes agreement in principle to negotiate such Distribution Agreement in good faith. The Organizer reserves the right to withdraw the distribution offer if mutually agreeable terms cannot be reached.
9. GRANT OF RIGHTS TO ORGANIZER
9.1 Promotional Use
By submitting, you grant the Organizer a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use clips, stills, trailers, synopses, and other materials from your submission for promotional and marketing purposes related to the Festival, including but not limited to: website, social media, press materials, and sizzle reels.
9.2 Screening Rights
You grant the Organizer the right to screen your submission, in whole or in part, during Festival-related events and programming.
10. INDEMNIFICATION
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Organizer and its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or related to:
- Your breach of any representation, warranty, or obligation under these Rules
- Any claim that your submission infringes upon the rights of any third party
- Your participation in the Festival
11. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Organizer shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or related to your submission or participation in the Festival. The Organizer's total liability shall not exceed the amount of the entry fee paid by you.
12. DISQUALIFICATION
The Organizer reserves the right to disqualify any submission that:
- Violates these Rules
- Contains false or misleading information
- Infringes upon the rights of any third party
- Contains content that is defamatory, obscene, hateful, or otherwise objectionable as determined by the Organizer in its sole discretion
13. MODIFICATION & CANCELLATION
The Organizer reserves the right to modify these Rules or cancel, suspend, or extend the Festival at any time for any reason. Notice of material changes will be posted on the official Festival website.
14. GOVERNING LAW & DISPUTES
These Rules shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any dispute arising out of or relating to these Rules or the Festival shall be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Travis County, Texas.
15. MISCELLANEOUS
15.1 Severability
If any provision of these Rules is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
15.2 Entire Agreement
These Rules constitute the entire agreement between you and the Organizer with respect to your submission and participation in the Festival, superseding any prior agreements or understandings.
15.3 Waiver
The failure of the Organizer to enforce any provision of these Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision or any other provision.
16. CONTACT
For questions regarding these Rules or the Festival, please contact:
- Packed House Pictures Inc., dba Inverted.Film
- 1920 E. Riverside Dr., Ste A120 #335, Austin, TX 78741
- filmfreeway@inverted.film
By submitting an entry to The Inverted.Film Indie Vertical Festival, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Official Rules, Terms & Conditions.
