Vertical Film Festival
2026
10th April - 30th April
3 Categories + 1 Special Twist
Choose any one category to make your film on. Every film must feature its category's special item — organically, and not as an ad. The best integration wins an award.
01 — Photorealistic
Live-action quality.
Optical physics.
Cinematic camera.
02 — Art Stylised
Anime, animated.
ART styles.
Visual language.
03 — Experimental
Abstract, surreal,
never seen before
Genre-breaking.
Competition Roadmap
1
Register for the competition
2
Attend the online webinar
3
8th - 17th April
Make and submit your film
4
17th–18th April
Internal review + Top 10 announced
5
19th April
Banaglore
Live premiere + winners announced
FAQs
Is this really free to enter?
Yes. No entry fee, no hidden costs, no paid tiers. Submit your film and that's it.
Do I need professional equipment to enter?
No. Shot on a phone, a mirrorless, a DSLR, or generated entirely with AI tools — the equipment doesn't matter. The film does. If it looks and feels cinematic, it qualifies.
Can I use any AI tools to make my film?
Absolutely. What matters is the result, not the process.
If I'm shortlisted, do I have to attend in person?
Yes. The screening on 12th April is a live, in-person event in Bangalore and we expect all finalists to be there. In very exceptional circumstances — think: you're based outside the city and genuinely cannot make it — a virtual premiere may be considered on a case by case basis. Reach out to us directly if that's your situation and we'll see what we can do. That said, if you're in Bangalore, there are no exceptions. Be there.
Will my film be shared publicly?
Finalist films may be featured on our channels around the event. Poster submissions from all entrants may be shared as part of our pre-event promotion. By submitting you're giving us permission to do that — but you retain full ownership of your work.
I have a question that isn't answered here.
Reach us at kanishya@aeoscompany.com or DM us on Instagram @verticalfilmfestival26. We'll get back to you.
