Past Events

VSF Screenings Love & Blood

First Official VSF Screening event

Vertical Shorts Festival Screenings - Love & Blood — *^{Molly Anderson, Eric Guilmette, Nick Ritacco, Brooke Moltrum}*

On February 20, 2026, Vertical Shorts Festival proudly hosted the first official screening of Love & Blood at Casa Noho, marking a major milestone for vertical cinema. For the first time ever, the project was showcased on a fully vertical big screen, delivering a cinematic experience designed specifically for the 9:16 format.

Q&A

The program featured a live Q&A with the cast of Love & Blood, hosted by Meagan Johnson from RealReelDrama, offering insight into the creative process and the growing influence of vertical storytelling. Representatives from leading streaming platforms, including AltaTV, Dramabox, ReelShorts, and others, were in attendance, alongside multiple media outlets covering the event.

The Reception

The evening was a true red (violet) carpet celebration, welcoming some of Los Angeles’ most recognized vertical stars, creators, and industry professionals. Guests enjoyed charcuterie, popcorn, drinks, and exclusive swag bags, creating a relaxed yet elevated festival atmosphere. Despite the cold weather, the turnout was exceptional, with attendees traveling from as far as Las Vegas to be part of this historic moment.

Live Stream

For audiences who could not attend in person, the entire evening was streamed live on our YouTube channel, expanding the reach of the festival beyond the venue and connecting viewers from around the world.

Red (Violet) Carpet

The energy in the room was undeniable. It was more than just a screening, it was proof that vertical cinema belongs on the big screen. And this was only the beginning.

VSF I Recap

A Historic Beginning for Vertical Storytelling

On September 25, 2025, the Vertical Shorts Festival proudly held its First Edition at the famous Skiptown Playhouse Theatre in Los Angeles. It was a day filled with creativity, connection, and a celebration of the vertical format that is transforming how stories are told and experienced.

The Awards Ceremony

The night concluded with a prestigious Awards Ceremony, honoring outstanding achievements across multiple categories.

Winners were presented with Plaques of Excellence, recognizing their creativity, innovation, and impact on this growing medium.

Eric Guilmette, Kasey Esser, Steven Morana

Community United

Beyond the films, the festival became a space for conversation, networking, and inspiration. Guests, including filmmakers, creatives, industry professionals, and film lovers, shared their passion for storytelling in a format that reflects the way audiences watch content today.

Eloise Lola Gordon, Christianne Cruz, Grace Swanson, Anna Greene

Looking Ahead

The success of the First Edition marks just the beginning. We are thrilled to announce that submissions for the Second Edition are now open! With even more stories to share and voices to highlight, the Vertical Shorts Festival is ready to continue its mission: celebrating the art of vertical filmmaking.

Stay tuned on VertiView, our official app, for updates, interviews, podcasts, and the upcoming submission window.