April 2027 | El Paso, Texas
In the rugged heart of the Chihuahuan Desert, where the Franklin Mountains cut against the Texas sky, the El Paso Vertical Film Festival is putting West Texas on the global map for a new generation of bold, fearless filmmakers. This is not your typical film festival. We celebrate vertical cinema , stories shot and designed vertically, made for the phones we all carry in our pockets. Whether you filmed your project on an iPhone with zero crew, a professional RED camera with a full team, or anything in between, if it’s vertical and it’s powerful, we want it.All genres. All levels. All welcome.Narrative, Documentary, Horror, Comedy, Sci-fi, Experimental, Music videos, Student work, First-time filmmakers

We’re not here to gate keep. We’re here to discover the next wave of creative voices coming from around the world, and to show the world what happens when raw talent, grit, and vertical storytelling collide. Why you won’t want to miss it: Be part of the first major vertical film festival in the Southwest. Screen your work on a platform built for the way audiences actually watch today. Network with innovative filmmakers, vertical content creators, and industry pros who are redefining cinema. Put El Paso on the map as a real destination for bold, independent, and experimental storytelling. Join a movement that proves you don’t need Hollywood budgets or permission to create something unforgettable.

This is where phone-shot masterpieces stand next to pro-level productions. Where first-time directors share the stage with veterans. Where the desert itself becomes part of the story. El Paso Vertical Film Festival, because the future of film isn’t horizontal anymore. It’s vertical. It’s raw. It’s ours.

Awards & Prizes

Prizes:
Grand Prize – Best Vertical Storytelling/ a one on one meeting with CEO/Founder Wally De La Fuente of VerticalCinema.TV platform
Official Selection-
Audience Award
Best Vertical microShort 10mins or less
Best Vertical short - 45 mins or less
Best Vertical series 30 episodes or more
Best Original Vertical Screenplay
Best Horror Vertical
Best Comedy Vertical
Best Thriller Vertical
Best Music Video Vertical
Best Drama Vertical
Best Silent Film Vertical
Best Actress
Best Actor
Best Ensemble Cast
Best Cinematography
Jury Mentions in categories: Writer, Director, Producer, Cinematography, Production Design, Sound , Innovation

Rules & Terms

El Paso Vertical Film Festival

By submitting a project to the El Paso Vertical Film(“Festival”), all submitters (“Entrants,” “Filmmakers,” or “Applicants”) agree to the following Terms and Conditions:
1. Eligibility & Rights
1.1 By submitting, the Entrant affirms that they are the rightful owner of the submitted project and hold all necessary rights, licenses, and permissions to the film, including but not limited to music, images, performances, scripts, and any other copyrighted materials.
1.2 The Entrant confirms that the submission does not infringe upon any third-party rights (including copyright, trademark, privacy, or publicity rights). The Festival assumes no responsibility for any claims made against the project by third parties.
1.3 The Entrant shall indemnify and hold harmless the Festival, its affiliates, partners, staff, and sponsors from and against all claims, damages, liabilities, and expenses arising from any breach of warranties or misrepresentations in relation to the submission.
2. Screening & Exhibition Rights
2.1 By submitting, the Entrant grants the Festival the non-exclusive right to screen their project at the El Paso Film Festival live event(s).
2.2 The Entrant may request to withdraw their project from live screening, but such requests must be made in writing no later than 14 days before the Festival date and no refunds on submission fees will be given.
2.3 The Festival reserves the right to include submitted projects in Festival-related promotional activities (including teasers, trailers, still images, and editorial coverage), unless otherwise restricted by the Entrant in writing 14 days before the Festival date, in all media hereto known and to be known.
3. Attendance & Awards
3.1 Entrants who wish to attend the live Festival must notify the Festival organizers in advance so preparations can be made, including the production of any physical awards.
3.2 Physical awards are only guaranteed for winners who either:
Attend the live Awards Ceremony in person; or
Notify the Festival in advance and specifically request shipping.
3.3 Awards may be shipped anywhere within the United States upon request. International shipping may be considered at the Entrant’s expense.
4. Festival Decisions
4.1 The Festival reserves the right to change the status of any project at any time, including but not limited to:
Acceptance or non-acceptance into the program,
Category placement,
Awards consideration, and
Any other curatorial decisions.
4.2 All decisions made by the Festival jury, programmers, and organizers are final and binding.
4.3 The Festival reserves the right to not present an award in a given category if the jury determines no project meets the standard of excellence.
5. Submissions & Format
5.1 All projects must be submitted in vertical (9:16) format unless otherwise specified. Submissions not meeting technical requirements may be disqualified or reformatted at the Festival’s discretion.
5.2 Submission fees (if applicable) are non-refundable, regardless of acceptance or screening status.
6. Liability & Responsibility
6.1 The Festival is not responsible for technical issues, corrupted files, or improperly formatted submissions. Entrants are encouraged to double-check their submission before finalizing.
6.2 The Festival is not liable for any costs associated with producing, submitting, or attending the Festival, including travel, lodging, or promotional expenses.
6.3 In the event of unforeseen circumstances (natural disasters, venue closures, pandemics, force majeure etc.), the Festival reserves the right to alter, reschedule, or cancel the event without liability.
7. Publicity & Promotion
7.1 By participating, Entrants grant the Festival the right to use their film title, stills, trailer segments, and press materials for publicity purposes in connection with the Festival and its promotion.
7.2 Entrants agree that their project may be featured on the Festival’s official website, social media, and press outlets for the purpose of festival coverage and for future festival cycles.
8. General Provisions
8.1 By submitting, Entrants agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions in full.
8.2 The Festival reserves the right to update, amend, or modify these Terms & Conditions at any time without prior notice.
8.3 Any disputes arising under these Terms & Conditions shall be governed by the laws of the State of Texas, USA, and subject to the jurisdiction of courts located therein.