Vertical Shorts Festival
First Festival for Vertical Cinema. Celebrating bold, mobile-native storytelling in 9:16 format.
What is Vertical Shorts Festival?
Vertical Shorts Festival is a global celebration of short-form films created specifically for vertical screens. Our mission is to elevate mobile-first storytelling and redefine how cinema is experienced in the 21st century.
Festival Highlights
Prizes & Awards
Recognition, visibility, and real rewards for top entries.
Made for Mobile
Films that look best the way we watch most — on our phones.
Worldwide Exposure
Screen your work for a global audience, both in-person and online.
How It Works
Submit your vertical drama or short film.
Get featured in the official Festival’s app – VertiView
Get reviewed by viewers, jury of creators & industry pros.
Join us at our Live Streaming Event and Awards Ceremony!
About Us
Our Mission
Vertical Shorts Festival was founded to celebrate a new generation of filmmakers. In a world where stories are consumed in portrait mode, vertical cinema is not a trend, it’s a movement! Above all, we spotlight creators who are shaping the language of modern storytelling.
Why Vertical?
Over 80% of media is viewed on phones. From TikTok to Reels to YouTube Shorts, vertical is the native format of this era. VertiView, in addition to VSF, is the first platform built to legitimize vertical storytelling as an artform.
Who We Are
We are filmmakers, creators, and tech-lovers passionate about visual storytelling. Our team brings together talent from digital media, mobile filmmaking, and traditional cinema to curate a unique experience for both creators and audiences.
Submit Your Vertical Short Film
Have a story to tell… vertically? Submit your short film to the Vertical Shorts Film Festival 2025 and showcase your talent in front of a global mobile-first audience.
How to Submit
Eligibility & Format
- Length: All accepted
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16 vertical (1080×1920 or higher)
- Language: All welcome; subtitles (in built) preferred
- Genres: All accepted
Submission Deadlines
| Type | Date | Standard Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Early Bird | November 30, 2025 | $25 |
| Regular | March 1, 2026 | $30 |
| Late | June 1, 2026 | $35 |
| Extended | July 20, 2026 | $40 |
Notification Date: July 31, 2026
Categories
Genres Awards
- Drama
- Romance
- Thriller
- Comedy
- Fantasy
Artistic Performances Awards
- Actor
- Actress
- Director
- Production Design
- Screenplay
Spotlight Awards
- Love Story
- Love Triangle
- On Screen Chemistry
- Audience Favorite
- App of the Year
Visionaries Awards
- Micro Short
- AI / Visual
- Script
Questions?
See our [FAQs] or contact us at submissions@verticalshortsfestival.com
Testimonials
Explore Our Categories
Vertical Shorts – Genre Awards
Drama
Emotional and character-driven stories that explore real-life challenges, relationships, or inner conflict.
Romance
Heartfelt tales centered on love, attraction, and the complexities of human connection.
Thriller/Horror
Tension-filled narratives designed to keep viewers on edge with suspense and high stakes.
Comedy
Awkward moments, sharp wit, or absurd twists. Stories that bring humor to life in bold and unexpected ways.
Fantasy
Dark, eerie stories featuring otherworldly beings, mythical creatures, and phenomena.
Vertical Shorts – Artistic Performance Awards
Actor
A performer whose talent, depth, and emotional range brought their character to life in a way that defined the story and captivated audiences.
Actress
A standout performance that embodies authenticity, power, and nuance. a portrayal that leaves a lasting impression long after the screen fades.
Director
The visionary filmmaker whose creative leadership and artistic direction shaped the film’s identity and elevated it to new heights.
Production Design
Exceptional visual craftsmanship, from set design and color to detail and atmosphere, that immerses audiences in the film’s world.
Screenplay
Outstanding writing that weaves emotion, structure, and originality into a compelling story that defines the heart of the film.
Vertical Shorts – Spotlight Awards
Love Story
A heartfelt tale of connection, passion, and emotion, a story that reminds us why we fall in love with love itself.
Love Triangle
A captivating clash of hearts where desire, conflict, and choice intertwine in unforgettable romantic tension.
On Screen Chemistry
The undeniable spark between performers whose connection lights up the screen and draws audiences in completely.
Audience Favorite
Chosen by the viewers, this award celebrates the project that captured the hearts and excitement of audiences everywhere.
App of the Year
The creative platform or production tool that pushed the boundaries of vertical storytelling and empowered filmmakers to innovate.
Vertical Shorts – Visionary Awards
Micro Shorts
Under 3 minutes. Fast, powerful, and to the point.
AI / Visual
Push the boundaries of storytelling with AI, animation, or abstract form.
Script
Demonstrate a strong structure, compelling characters, and innovative narrative techniques.
Not sure where you fit?
We’ll help place your film in the right category. Submit your work and let your vision speak.
VSF – Screenings
Friday, February 20th, 2026
Join us for an exclusive Vertical Shorts Festival Screening, showcasing a compiled selection of the most exciting vertical short films from creators around the world. Experience vertical storytelling, fresh voices, and cinematic innovation, designed for the vertical format and made to be seen on the big screen.
SCHEDULE:
6:00 PM Doors Open
7:00 PM Red Carpet Arrivals
7:05 PM Cocktail Reception
8:15 PM Program Begins
8:25 PM Introduction
8:30 PM Official Screening
9:30 PM Fireside Chat
9:50 PM Audience Q&A
10:00 PM Post-Screening Mixer
12:00 AM Event Ends
FEATURES:
Red Carpet
Love & Blood on a Large Vertical Screen
Free Food & Beverage
SWAG BAGS
Access to LIVE CAM
Industry Mixer
Online Stream
First Edition Recap
A Historic Beginning for Vertical Storytelling
On September 25, 2025, the Vertical Shorts Festival proudly held its First Edition at the famous Skiptown Playhouse Theatre in Los Angeles. It was a day filled with creativity, connection, and a celebration of the vertical format that is transforming how stories are told and experienced.
The Awards Ceremony
The night concluded with a prestigious Awards Ceremony, honoring outstanding achievements across multiple categories.
Winners were presented with Plaques of Excellence, recognizing their creativity, innovation, and impact on this growing medium.
Eric Guilmette, Kasey Esser, Steven Morana
Community United
Beyond the films, the festival became a space for conversation, networking, and inspiration. Guests, including filmmakers, creatives, industry professionals, and film lovers, shared their passion for storytelling in a format that reflects the way audiences watch content today.
Eloise Lola Gordon, Christianne Cruz, Grace Swanson, Anna Greene
Looking Ahead
The success of the First Edition marks just the beginning. We are thrilled to announce that submissions for the Second Edition are now open! With even more stories to share and voices to highlight, the Vertical Shorts Festival is ready to continue its mission: celebrating the art of vertical filmmaking.
Stay tuned on VertiView, our official app, for updates, interviews, podcasts, and the upcoming submission window.
Oscar Martinez, Christianne Cruz, Steven Morana, David C. Hernandez
Thank you to all filmmakers, partners, and attendees who made the First Edition possible. Together, we’ve set the stage for a new era of cinema: tall, bold, and vertical.
Award Winners
First Edition, September ’25
BEST DRAMA
The Age Gap
BEST ROMANCE
My Husbands Nephew is my Guilty Pleasure
BEST THRILLER
The Diamond Rose
BEST COMEDY
Falling for a Superstar
BEST FANTASY
Red Talons
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
Designed for Desire
BEST SCREENPLAY
Love in the Shadows
BEST LOVE STORY
Campus Rivals
AUDIENCE FAVORITE
Brace Face Betty
APP OF THE YEAR
My Drama
BEST NARRATIVE
The Note
BEST AI / VISUAL
The Air Runner Girl
BEST COMEDY & SKETCH
No More “Ah”
BEST DOCUMENTARY
Refugees
Vertical Marketplace
The Future of Vertical Entertainment
Vertical Marketplace is the first digital hub built exclusively for the vertical content industry. A place where filmmakers, studios, and investors connect to buy, sell, and fund vertical projects, and the best thing – it’s FREE!
VertiView
Vertical Stories. Limitless Perspectives.
Live
We’re building a brand new way to experience bold, vertical storytelling, from shorts and series to groundbreaking new voices in mobile cinema.
Watch. Vote. Discover.
A fresh platform for vertical dramas and short films built for creators, loved by audiences.
Filmmakers:
Submissions for the next Vertical Shorts Film Festival are now open!
Submit Your Film
VertiView is launching soon on iOS & Android. Get ready to flip your screen and rethink storytelling.
FAQs
What is Vertical Shorts Festival?
Vertical Shorts Festival is a pioneering event celebrating the art of vertical filmmaking. In short, we showcase short films created in the 9:16 aspect ratio, optimized for mobile and vertical viewing.
What qualifies as a “vertical” film?
A vertical film must be shot and edited in a portrait orientation (9:16). Videos that are horizontal or square will not be accepted.
What format do you recommend for video uploads?
We accept all major video formats in full quality HD up to 10 GB. Maximum video bitrate: 2200 Kbps, H.264, mp4. Audio: 128 Kbps, AAC, 2 channel stereo.
What is the maximum runtime allowed?
There is no maximum runtime.
What is the maximum number of episodes I can submit?
There is no limit on how many episodes you can submit! However, we encourage you to submit 7 to 50 episodes, depending on duration.
What are the prizes?
Custom-designed modern plaque, custom made laurel, and featured placement on our website, VertiView app, and social media channels.
Is there a submission fee?
Yes, a small fee helps us run the festival, host screenings, and provide awards. However, we do offer discount codes and waivers for certain projects! Contact us to find out more. See the Submissions section for current pricing.
How do I submit my film?
You can submit directly through [FilmFreeway] or [FestHome]
Do you accept international submissions?
Yes! The festival is open to filmmakers from all around the world. We encourage you to add subtitles!
Can I submit more than one film?
Yes, multiple submissions are allowed. A separate form and fee is required for each.
What is the selection process?
Anyone can vote through our official VertiView app! Afterwards, our team of judges (comprising filmmakers, creators, and industry professionals) reviews highest voted entries for creativity, storytelling, vertical composition, and impact.
When will winners be announced?
Winners will be announced during the Festival Screening Ceremony in Los Angeles, California! Finalists will be contacted via email.
Do you host live screenings?
We host online screenings via our app and may include select in-person pop-up events depending on the year and location.
Can I promote my film?
Absolutely! We encourage you to share your selection laurels and celebrate your work!
Contact Us
We’d love to hear from you!
Whether you’re a filmmaker, sponsor, or media partner, get in touch.
General Inquiries: info@verticalshortsfestival.com
Submissions: submissions@verticalshortsfestival.com
Partnerships: partner@verticalshortsfestival.com
Vertical Marketplace: marketplace@verticalshortsfestival.com
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