Vertical Shorts Festival (1)

Festival start: 22 August 2025      Festival end: 31 August 2025

Vertical Shorts Festival is the first international film festival dedicated exclusively to vertical filmmaking (9:16 aspect ratio) — a bold and modern format reshaping how stories are told and experienced. We celebrate creators who embrace the mobile-first world and use vertical video not as a constraint, but as a canvas for innovation.

Whether it’s a gripping drama, a supernatural thriller, a heartfelt romance, or a daring documentary, we’re looking for bold voices and fresh perspectives across genres — as long as they’re vertical.

Our mission is to spotlight emerging and established filmmakers who are pushing visual storytelling forward. We welcome smartphone filmmakers, experimental creators, and anyone exploring this unique format with purpose, passion, and cinematic craft.

Join us and be part of a new movement in cinema — where your vertical vision takes center stage.

Winners will be honored with our custom-designed Award of Excellence Plaques, combining modern design and symbolic recognition for artistic merit. Awards are handed in person during our Live Ceremony Awards in Los Angeles, California or shipped anywhere in US.

In addition to plaques, laurels will be awarded to all selected and winning entries. Select films will also receive special features on our website and VertiView app, where audiences can discover and vote for their favorites.

Rules & Terms – Vertical Shorts Film Festival

Format Requirement
All submissions must be created in a vertical format (aspect ratio 9:16). Films not adhering to this format will not be considered.

Length Requirements

Short Films: Maximum runtime of 3 minutes

Micro Shorts: Maximum runtime of 1 minute

Episodic: Submit as many episodes as you like edited in one video; please note if there are more episodes that aren't included in your submission

All genres must fall within their respective category guidelines.

Submission Guidelines

Non-English films must include English subtitles.

Filmmakers must have all necessary rights and permissions for submitted content.

We do not require premiere status, but previously distributed works may be considered case-by-case.

Rights & Usage
By submitting to the Vertical Shorts Film Festival, filmmakers grant the festival the rights to stream, upload, and share all submitted materials on our official platforms including (but not limited to) our website, mobile app, and social media channels for promotional and screening purposes. This includes films, episodes, trailers, stills, and film excerpts.
Submissions may also be used for public voting, featured playlists, and promotional campaigns. The submitter affirms they own the rights or have permission to submit the film and associated media.

Selection Process
All submissions are reviewed by a panel of industry professionals and festival curators. Entry does not guarantee selection. Entry fees are non-refundable.

Official selections will receive laurels. Category winners will receive an Award of Excellence Plaque and may be featured in special spotlight screenings.

Eligibility
Open to all filmmakers worldwide.

Other Terms
By submitting, you agree to all festival terms and certify that your work is original and does not infringe on the rights of others.