Did you make a vertical film? Then this festival is for you!

DO NOT SUBMIT A FILM IF IT IS NOT IN A VERTICAL ASPECT RATIO (9x16) OR YOUR FILM WILL BE IMMEDIATELY DISQUALIFIED.

The Vertical Vision International Film Festival is a groundbreaking event that signifies a pioneering shift in the film industry. As the ONLY active vertical format festival in the United States, we are dedicated to continue showcasing films created specifically for the vertical or 9x16 format. We believe this format is and will be the future of cinema and we want you to be a part of the revolution. We aim to expand the horizons of cinematic possibility by inviting you to help us pioneer this exploration.

Unlike traditional film festivals, VVIFF focuses on a new wave of storytelling, acknowledging the unique narrative techniques, creativity, and engagement fostered by the vertical format. It serves as a platform for filmmakers who leverage the power of platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and others to craft compelling, concise, and innovative narratives tailored for digital consumption.

Visual art prior to cinema didn’t adhere to a single orientation or aspect ratio, favoring vertical framing in Asian and pre-Renaissance European art while paintings varied in shape and size. Cinema’s early battles over screen geometry birthed diverse historical formats, with Sergei Eisenstein advocating for adaptable geometries, losing to commercial pressures that established Academy Ratio. In the 1960s, the Expanded Cinema movement rebelled against cinema’s norms, seeking immersive experiences beyond the traditional horizontal frame. Today, digital formats like 16:9 persist, but portable devices encourage vertical orientation, aligning somewhat with Eisenstein’s vision.

The festival embraces content diversity across genres and welcomes short films, documentaries, animations, experimental works, horror, sci-fi, romance, religious pieces, action films, comedies, Asian, African, underground, LGBTQ, Latino, dance, indigenous, and Native American productions. Each creation is crafted to captivate audiences within the dynamic landscape of vertical filmmaking.

Through this pioneering festival, VVIFF aims to recognize the talent, creativity, and impact of filmmakers who are redefining storytelling norms in the digital age. It provides a space for these creators to gain recognition, share their work, and inspire a new generation of filmmakers to explore the endless possibilities of storytelling through the vertical format.

Point Park University will host the inaugural festival at the GRW Theatre in beautiful downtown Pittsburgh on October 5th, 2024.

Awards & Prizes

BEST FILM (Juried Competition)
AUDIENCE AWARD
BEST STUDENT FILM

Rules & Terms

1.1 Competition Categories:

"Tall Tales" is a structured competition spanning contemporary international narrative, documentary and animated vertical works.

"Tall Orders" is a non-competitive screening of vertical creations, encompassing fiction, documentaries, experimental films or music videos.

Students-only section includes any fiction, documentaries, experimental films, animations or music videos.

A valid student ID or school e-mail address is required for student submission category.

1.2 Chronology:

The scheduling of events, inclusive of film sequencing and selection across all sections is the exclusive purview of the festival organizers.

1.3 Festival Organization:

VVIFF administration is overseen by Power Plant Films, LLC., with Jason Georgiades serving as sole managing member.

1.4 Temporal and Geographical Parameters:

Event schedules and venue information are publicly disclosed via www.vertivalvisioniff.com and various social media platforms. This schedule is subject to change.

1.5 Submission Prerequisites:

Eligibility is restricted to films with a minimum duration of 60 seconds, adhering to the 9:16 vertical image format with a minimum resolution of Full HD (1080x1920) and audio formatted for stereo, mono or 5.1 mixes. Silent films are acceptable. Films may be shot using any camera of choice.

1.6 Submission Procedures and Legal Compliance:

Films may only be submitted by the producer or co-producer, obliging the applicant to affirm compliance with applicable legislation in their home country and the state of Pennsylvania where the festival will be held. The festival organizers and any associated parties are absolved of liability concerning any legal implications arising from the public exhibition of submitted works. Where applicable, VVIFF festival organizers may request additional supporting legal documentation with respect to licensing the film for public viewing. If, for any reason, the festival asks the producer(s) to provide additional legal documentation in support of the public exhibition of the film it is the sole responsibility of the producer(s) of the film to send this documentation in a timely manner (no more than 14 days after a request is made by the festival) or producer(s) forfeit the right to screen the film without reimbursement of submission or associated fees.

Filmmakers submitting their work to the Vertical Vision International Film Festival acknowledge and confirm that they are solely responsible for ensuring that they have obtained all necessary rights, licenses, and permissions for any copyrighted material included in their films. In the event that any parties associated with the submitted film pursue legal action related to copyright infringement or any other legal matters, filmmakers take full responsibility for such claims.

Furthermore, filmmakers agree to indemnify and hold the Vertical Vision International Film Festival, its organizers, and affiliated entities harmless from any lawsuits, claims, damages, or liabilities arising out of any legal disputes associated with the submitted film. This indemnification ensures that the Festival is protected from legal repercussions, and filmmakers bear the responsibility for any legal consequences related to the rights, licenses, and permissions of copyrighted material within their films.

1.7 Adjudication and Awards:

An impartial jury, comprising distinguished figures within the cinematic domain, confidentially evaluates films selected for the competition, culminating in the presentation of an award for outstanding film in competition, student and audience award. The festival organizers reserve the prerogative to confer additional non- statutory awards, subject to mutual agreement. When applicable, festival will ship physical awards to filmmakers at no cost to the filmmakers.

1.8 Documentation and Film Screening:

Applicants are mandated to provide a completed application form and furnish a copy of the film with English subtitles, ensuring accessibility at least 14 days prior to the festival. Festival organizers may showcase films on any designated platforms with prior approval.

1.9 Digital Filmmaking:

The festival acknowledges the inclusion of films submitted as digital data files, adhering to specified technical parameters.

1.10 Prohibited Content:

Exclusion of films containing explicit content, racism, pornography, gratuitous violence, or promoting hatred in any form.

1.11 External Film Inclusion:

The festival program may encompass films requested by the organizers, provided by entitled producers or co-producers, absolving the festival organizers of any ensuing claims.

1.12 Liability Clause:

Festival organizers and any associated parties of the festival bear no responsibility for claims arising from the inclusion of films in the festival, whether through submission or explicit request.

1.13 Inclusion Agreement and Promotion:

Acceptance into the competition implies adherence to the stipulated rules, encompassing not only festival participation but also promotional activities across various media.

1.14 Liability Disclaimer:

Festival organizers and associated parties disclaim any accountability for indemnifying damages resulting from film inclusion in festival-related activities.

1.15 Participant Agreement:

Participation in VVIFF signifies unequivocal agreement with the stipulated rules. The festival and associated parties may remove a film from screening for any reason(s) they feel does not adhere to the rules and regulations of the festival.

1.16 Program Flexibility:

The festival organizers retain the prerogative to effect programmatic alterations as deemed necessary without consultation of the producer(s) of the films.

1.17 Digital Presentation Rights:

In consideration for the opportunity to submit a film to the Vertical Vision International Film Festival ("Festival"), the submitted film and associated producer(s) of film hereby acknowledge and agree that, in the event the submitted film is selected for exhibition at the Festival, no licensing fee or compensation shall be payable to the filmmaker or producer for the right to exhibit the film. By submitting the film, the filmmaker or producer expressly consents to exhibit the selected film at the Festival without any financial obligation or compensation. Furthermore, the filmmaker acknowledges that any revenue collected by the Festival, whether through ticket sales, sponsorships, or other means, is not entitled to be shared with the film's producer or director in any manner. This agreement underscores the understanding that the filmmaker or producer willingly and voluntarily agrees to showcase the film at the Festival without the expectation of financial remuneration, thereby contributing to the Festival's commitment to promoting and celebrating the vertical format without financial encumbrances on filmmakers. This provision shall be binding upon the official submission entry and is an integral part of the submission terms for consideration in the Vertical Vision International Film Festival.

1.18 Filmmaker's Rights:

By submitting a film to the Vertical Vision International Film Festival ("Festival"), the filmmaker affirms that they retain full ownership and copyright of the submitted film. The Festival acknowledges that it does not acquire any ownership rights or copyright interest in the film, and the filmmaker or producer maintains exclusive rights to the work. The Festival is granted the non-exclusive right to exhibit the film during the Festival, and any such exhibition is expressly understood not to transfer or diminish the filmmaker or producer's copyright ownership in any manner. This provision reinforces that the Festival, in showcasing the film, does not claim ownership or rights beyond the agreed-upon exhibition period. The undersigned filmmaker or producer acknowledges this understanding and grants the Festival the limited right to display the film solely for the purposes of the Festival. In addition, this provision emphasizes that the Festival's limited exhibition right and use for promotional materials are distinct and do not encumber the filmmaker or producer's broader ownership and usage rights of the film.

1.19 Marketing:

By submitting a film to the Vertical Vision International Film Festival ("Festival"), the filmmaker or producer grants the Festival unrestricted rights to use excerpts, stills, or any portion of the film for marketing and promotional purposes across any platforms without the need for prior consent. This includes, but is not limited to, the use of film content in promotional materials, advertisements, social media, and Festival-related communications. The filmmaker or producer acknowledges and agrees that such promotional use by the Festival does not infringe upon their rights, and they retain full ownership and control over the film itself. This provision ensures that the Festival has the flexibility to promote the film effectively across various channels without seeking additional approval from the filmmaker or producer.

1.20 Travel Expenses and Liability Disclaimer:

Filmmakers submitting their work to the Vertical Vision International Film Festival ("Festival") acknowledge that the Festival does not provide financial assistance or cover travel expenses for filmmakers attending the event. Filmmakers attending the Festival do so at their own expense and assume all responsibility for their travel arrangements. The Festival is not liable for any injuries, accidents, or incidents that may occur during the filmmaker's travel to or participation in the Festival. Filmmakers agree that their attendance is voluntary, and they shall not hold the Festival responsible for any such occurrences. This provision underscores the understanding that filmmakers bear the responsibility for their travel-related arrangements and safety while participating in the Festival.

1.21 Conduct and Removal Policy:

Filmmakers attending the Vertical Vision International Film Festival ("Festival") are expected to adhere to all applicable laws and maintain a standard of conduct that aligns with accepted social norms and etiquette. The Festival reserves the right to remove any filmmaker from the premises if their behavior is deemed unruly, disruptive, or in violation of the law or Festival guidelines. This includes instances where a filmmaker appears intoxicated, engages in disorderly conduct, or behaves in a manner that disrupts the Festival environment. Filmmakers are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and professional manner throughout the Festival's duration. The Festival organizers hold the authority to make decisions regarding the removal of any individual exhibiting behavior contrary to these standards. Filmmakers removed from the premises under these circumstances shall not be entitled to any refunds or compensation. This policy is established to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants and attendees.

1.22 Cancellation Disclaimer:

In the unfortunate event that the Vertical Vision International Film Festival ("Festival") is canceled or postponed, the Festival organizers regret any inconvenience caused but explicitly state that they are not liable for any reimbursement of expenses incurred by filmmakers. This includes, but is not limited to, travel costs, accommodation, submission fees, or any other associated expenses. Filmmakers are responsible for their own financial arrangements and are advised to consider travel insurance or other protective measures to mitigate potential losses in the event of festival cancellation. The Festival organizers retain the right to cancel or postpone the event due to unforeseen circumstances without assuming responsibility for any financial implications borne by the filmmakers. This disclaimer serves as a notice that, under such circumstances, the Festival is not obligated to provide reimbursement for any expenses incurred by filmmakers.

1.23 Notification Process and Communication Policy:

Filmmakers submitting their work to the Vertical Vision International Film Festival acknowledge that notification of film selection or non-selection will be communicated by the Festival organizers within the timeframe specified by the submission deadlines. While the Festival endeavors to adhere to these timelines, filmmakers understand that circumstances beyond the control of the Festival may impact the notification schedule.

Additionally, filmmakers are advised that the Festival is not obliged to respond to individual emails or inquiries regarding the specifics of submissions, selection criteria, or other related matters. Any updates or announcements pertaining to the submission process, selection decisions, or festival details will be officially communicated through the Festival's designated channels, such as its official website, filmfreeway or email notifications. Filmmakers are encouraged to refer to these official communication channels for accurate and timely information. This policy is established to streamline communication processes and ensure that all filmmakers receive consistent and reliable information directly from the Festival organizers.

1.24 Venue Change Disclaimer:

In the event of inclement weather, unforeseen circumstances, or any other factors that may affect the suitability of the original venue, the Vertical Vision International Film Festival ("Festival") reserves the right to change the venue. The Festival organizers will make reasonable efforts to communicate any venue changes promptly through official channels, such as the Festival's website, social media, or email notifications. Filmmakers and attendees are advised to stay informed through these designated channels for the latest updates on venue details. The Festival appreciates the understanding of all participants in cases where venue adjustments become necessary, and assures its commitment to providing a seamless and enjoyable festival experience under such circumstances.

1.25 Legal Indemnification Clause:

Filmmakers submitting their work to the Vertical Vision International Film Festival hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Festival, its organizers, sponsors, partners, and any affiliated entities from any and all legal actions, claims, liabilities, damages, expenses, or demands whatsoever, including but not limited to those arising from copyright infringement, contractual disputes, or any other legal issues related to the submitted film. Filmmakers expressly acknowledge that they bear full legal responsibility for the content and rights associated with their films.

This indemnification extends to cover any legal costs, attorney fees, or settlements incurred as a result of legal actions brought forth by third parties associated with the submitted film. The Festival and its affiliated entities shall be indemnified and protected against any adverse legal consequences arising from the filmmakers' submission and participation in the Festival.

This clause is designed to safeguard the Festival and its associated parties, ensuring that they are held harmless from legal ramifications connected to the submitted films, and filmmakers bear the legal responsibility for their works throughout the Festival process.