Vertex Micro Fest Launches as First National Vertical Film Festival in the U.S., Starting in Atlanta
Vertex Micro Fest becomes America's first national vertical film festival, dedicated to mobile-first storytelling and micro dramas, launching in Atlanta before expanding to other major cities.
Vertex Micro Fest today announced its official launch as the first national vertical film festival in the United States, introducing a platform dedicated entirely to vertical storytelling, micro dramas, and mobile-first filmmaking. The festival will begin in Atlanta this July before expanding to Los Angeles, Dallas, New York, Miami, and Chicago.
The festival celebrates short-form vertical films between three and eleven minutes long, created in 9:12 and 9:16 format for smartphone audiences. According to the announcement, the festival is built around the belief that great storytelling no longer requires a studio, development deal, or traditional gatekeeper. Creators are invited to make films using any device available to them, from smartphones to professional cinema cameras.
“The most powerful stories in the world are being told right now by people who were never given permission to tell them. Vertex exists to change that,” said Yvette Moise, Founder, President and Artistic Director of Vertex Micro Fest.
At the center of the festival is the Vertex Micro Fest 30-Day Challenge, a national filmmaking competition where creators have one month to write, shoot, edit, and complete an original vertical short film. The Challenge is open to solo creators, students (both high school and college), full production teams, animated projects, AI and hybrid productions.
Selected films will be featured on the official Vertex Micro Fest website, showcased across the fest’s creator network, and screened during live events and award ceremonies throughout the national tour. Entries will be reviewed by a panel of filmmakers, producers, directors, editors, and entertainment industry professionals, with awards presented across multiple creative and technical categories.
The Vertex Micro Fest national tour officially begins July 17, 2026. Brands, sponsors, speakers, and creative partners interested in participating are encouraged to connect through the official festival website.
Filmmakers can register for the Vertex 30-Day Challenge and review official submission guidelines, deadlines, and runtime requirements at www.reelverts.com.