The MAiNframe Film Festival (10)

Winners in each category receive certificates of achievement and/or the coveted
MYTHoS © Award. Additional prizes may include sponsored gift packages from partners such as WriterDuet, ACT, FliQr and others (*subject to sponsor participation).

Attendees of in-person screenings also have the opportunity to network with local industry professionals and creatives. In addition, award recipients may be invited to join the MAiNframe Creative Lab—a mentorship and development initiative supporting the next generation of filmmakers in Beijing and beyond.

Winners in each category receive certificates of achievement and/or the coveted
MYTHoS © Award. Additional prizes may include sponsored gift packages from partners such as WriterDuet, ACT, FliQr and others (*subject to sponsor participation).

Attendees of in-person screenings also have the opportunity to network with local industry professionals and creatives. In addition, award recipients may be invited to join the MAiNframe Creative Lab—a mentorship and development initiative supporting the next generation of filmmakers in Beijing and beyond.

MAiNframe proudly accepts original screenplays that embody fresh perspectives, bold storytelling, and cinematic potential. We welcome feature-length screenplays across all genres—including drama, comedy, sci-fi, horror, action, and experimental narratives, as well as stories that explore Asian themes or global cultural perspectives. All submissions must be original, unpublished works. Co-written scripts are allowed. Submissions should be in industry-standard screenplay format (PDF), and in English or Chinese. Please note: Submissions containing defamatory, inflammatory, or overtly political content may not be considered. Outstanding screenplays will be recognized during the festival and may be invited to participate in the MAiNframe Creative Lab, where selected writers receive mentorship and development opportunities.

This category celebrates bold storytelling and inventive filmmaking—all packed into just sixty seconds. We honor short works that showcase outstanding creativity and technical skill in areas like cinematography, sound, editing, and performance. A one-minute film may be brief, but when done right, it can leave a lasting impression. We believe the best short films, no matter their length, carry the heart and quality of a much larger work. Here, less is more.

THE MANTRA AWARDS — VERTICALS & DIGITAL MEDIA (Celebrating new narrative forms in the mobile and algorithmic era) Best Vertical Drama Series: For creators pioneering cinematic storytelling within the vertical frame — redefining the visual language of modern drama. Best Director (Vertical Drama Series): Recognizing directors who turn vertical constraints into creative possibilities. For direction that redefines cinematic vision in the vertical age. Best Actor (Vertical Drama): For an actor whose performance commands the small screen with big-screen resonance. Best Actress (Vertical Drama) Honoring a performer whose emotion, nuance, and craft transcend format Best Social Media Influencer Award For creators who transform influence into art — merging authenticity, creativity, and connection to inspire global audiences. Best Viral Vertical Video Honoring creators who fuse immediacy with impact *Note: Single episode or social media clip under 5 minutes per submission