No Fee
Submissions deadline
06 Nov 26
0€
The Fantastic Vertical Challenge is one of the calls for entries that MVW launches as a challenge for those who aren’t afraid of rallies and teamwork against the clock, and who are willing to film, edit, and showcase their stories as part of MVW, taking responsibility for their own travel arrangements and the formation of their own teams.
Why a Fantastic Vertical Challenge:
Genre cinema—horror, suspense, thriller, sci-fi, fantasy—has fearlessly embraced the new narrative grammar proposed by vertical cinema to transform the way stories are viewed and the challenges of telling them in a native vertical format (9:16) and, alongside serialized micro-dramas, has become a leader in vertical production and consumption, thanks to its high impact on audiences and its ability to build communities of viewers.
At Medellín Vertical Week, genre stories—horror, suspense, thriller, sci-fi, fantasy—play a leading role in every aspect of its programming, training, industry, and experiential events, and the challenges are no exception.
In this context, Medellín Vertical Week has partnered with the Fantastic Pavilion at the Cannes Film Market and Grupo Mórbido so that the works completed as part of this challenge will automatically become eligible for the Fantastic Vertical Cinema Showcase at the Fantastic Pavilion during the 2027 Cannes Film Festival.
The Fantastic Vertical Challenge accepts submissions from any Latin American and/or Caribbean country in the genres of fantasy, horror, suspense, and sci-fi, conceived for the native vertical format (9:16), with clear cinematic value and a runtime of no less than 30 seconds and no more than 4 minutes. Submissions must not have begun filming at the time of entry and must be filmed entirely in the city of Medellín, in accordance with the specifications detailed below.
The stories selected for the Fantastic Pavilion showcase will be announced, during the MVW.
GENERAL RULES FOR PARTICIPATION
What types of projects are eligible to apply?
Genre: Horror, suspense, thriller, sci-fi, and fantasy.
Duration: 30 seconds to 4 minutes.
Format: Native Vertical 9:16.
Authorship: Projects must be original and unpublished.
Use of AI: Selected projects may use artificial intelligence tools, provided that such use is justified and serves as a complementary support to the footage shot in Medellín.
Who can apply?
Film production companies or individuals from any Latin American and/or Caribbean country (including Puerto Rico) who have a genre project (horror, suspense, thriller, sci-fi, fantasy, and/or related genres) ready to be shot in vertical format in Medellín, Colombia, during Medellín Vertical Week (November 23–29, 2026).
Applicants must form their own teams and have the capacity to meet both the technical and personnel requirements for production and filming, as well as for the subsequent editing and delivery of the finished piece, although the organization will provide facilities for work.
Projects participating in this category must submit their edited proposals no later than November 27, 2026, to be screened at MVW and considered for the Fantastic Vertical Cinema Showcase at the Fantastic Pavilion Marché du Film—Cannes 2027.
Conditions of Participation
Transportation and Lodging: All participants must cover their own lodging, round-trip transportation to Medellín, Colombia, as well as all other costs associated with their stay in the city and participation in the challenge.
Accreditation: The organization will issue Medellín Vertical Week accreditation to registered members of the participating team (a list of which will be requested in a second phase, only if their project is selected). If new people join the team during the project’s implementation and wish to participate in other event activities (panels, masterclasses, networking sessions, screenings, etc.), they must register separately.
Documents and Materials Required for Submission
To submit your project, you must complete the registration form, in which—in addition to general information—you will be asked to submit a short deck which must include:
A director's statement explaining the creative approach to the genre in a vertical format.
A production proposal demonstrating the feasibility of filming during the festival.
Selection Criteria
Narrative strength and mastery of the genre
Understanding and creative use of the vertical format (9:16)
Originality of the authorial proposal
Realistic feasibility of production using the applicant’s own resources
Medellín Vertical Week’s Commitments
To provide accreditation to the team registered for the project.
To promote, publicize, and raise the profile of the selected applicants and their projects.
Additional Benefits
Strategic visibility within the Medellín Vertical Week ecosystem.
Participation in the event’s program with access to networking opportunities.
Opportunity to participate in the Fantastic Vertical Cinema Showcase at the Fantastic Pavilion Marche du Film during the 2027 Cannes Film Festival, an international showcase dedicated to fantasy cinema in vertical format.
