Vertical Vision Micro Filmmaking Challenge to be Held Dec. 18

Vertical Vision: Nevada Filmmakers Redefine Cinema in a Mobile-First World

By Debbie Hall

The Vertical Vision Micro Filmmaking Challenge awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, Dec. 18, at the Future of Film Association headquarters in Las Vegas. The evening begins with a red-carpet event at 6 p.m., followed by screenings at 7 p.m. and the awards ceremony at 8:30 p.m.

The Future of Film Association (FOFA) is putting Nevada at the forefront of a cinematic evolution with the announcement of sponsored gift awards for the winners of its inaugural Vertical Vision Micro Filmmaking Challenge—a first-of-its-kind festival in the state dedicated exclusively to vertical cinema.

Presented by OPTIX and hosted on FilmFreeway, the competition challenged Nevada filmmakers to create original 9:16 vertical films of up to 90 seconds, designed for mobile, immersive, and short-form platforms. With $10,000 in total prizes on the line, the challenge celebrates micro-dramas that deliver emotional impact, visual innovation, and cinematic storytelling—reimagined for how audiences increasingly consume content today.

A New Frontier for Storytelling

Vertical Vision marks a bold step forward for Nevada’s creative community, showcasing filmmakers pushing beyond traditional frames and shaping the future of entertainment. This event celebrates innovation and invites Nevada’s talent to join a pioneering movement, fostering pride and enthusiasm.

To support and celebrate this emerging medium, Nevada-based companies, organizations, and artists have stepped up as sponsors, creating opportunities for industry professionals to connect, collaborate, and grow within Nevada’s vibrant film scene.

• A two-night suite stay at SAHARA Las Vegas, plus a $200 resort credit

• A four-week class of choice at Goldman Penn – Actors Academy, along with self-tape services (a $1,000+ value)

• A professional headshot photography session by renowned Las Vegas photographer Bob Shindelar of Shindelar Studios for Best Actor and Best Actress winners

• A Full Improv Experience (Levels 1–4) at Mom’s Basement Theatre for the Best Performance winner (valued at $1,100)

• A pair of 2026 Nightmare In Vegas Horror Convention Weekender Tickets

Each sponsored award honors the growing film and creative industry in Nevada while providing tangible career-building opportunities for emerging talent.

Awards and Recognition

The festival’s top honor, the OPTIX Visionary Award, includes a $5,000 grand prize, selected by an esteemed panel of industry professionals:

• Chris Reis, FOFA Founder

• Javier C. Ortiz, FOFA Co-Founder

• Adam Paul, UNLV Assistant Professor and Head of the UNLV Filmmaker Vision Lab

• Willem van Bergen, Founder of Behind The Scenes Las Vegas (BTSLV)

• Rachel Smith, FOFA Advisory Committee member and Emmy Award-winning TV host

In addition to the grand prize, five $1,000 awards will be presented for:

• Best Vertical Micro Drama – Outstanding narrative storytelling

• Best Cinematography – Visual creativity and production value in a 9:16 frame

• Best Performance – Acting excellence in vertical format

• Best Vertical Brand Spot – Story-driven advertising in vertical form

• Audience Choice Award – Fan-voted favorite

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Las Vegas’ premiere entertainment information source, Behind The Scenes Las Vegas (BTSLV), is also serving as a promotional media partner for the event.

Nevada as a Creative Catalyst

FOFA and OPTIX continue to advocate for Nevada as a serious Hollywood contender by championing innovation in film and media. Following their successful 2025 VIP Launch Event at SAHARA Las Vegas—featuring an advance screening of Waltzing with Brando—the Vertical Vision challenge represents their next ambitious step.

“Las Vegas is where entertainment reinvents itself,” said FOFA Founder Chris Reis. “Vertical film is the next evolution, and OPTIX is leading the charge.”

To preserve authenticity and originality, AI-generated filmmaking is prohibited in the competition, reinforcing FOFA and OPTIX’s commitment to human-driven storytelling that meets the same creative standards audiences expect from traditional cinema.

The Future of Film Association (FOFA) is a Las Vegas-based platform shaping the next era of cinema through immersive events, exclusive premieres, visionary showcases, and high-impact industry networking. Serving as a hub for IP licensing, rights acquisition, career development, and the revitalization of legacy content, FOFA connects filmmakers, studios, investors, and brands to unlock new creative and commercial potential.

OPTIX, FOFA’s flagship platform, unites audiences, creators, and brands through an integrated ecosystem that includes screenings, education, live events, and original content. Through initiatives such as OPTIX Film Series, OPTIX Academy, OPTIX Live, OPTIX Productions, and the annual OPTIX Film Festival, the platform supports creators at every stage of the pipeline.

The Vertical Vision Micro Filmmaking Challenge is Nevada’s first competition dedicated entirely to vertical cinema—setting the stage for a future where storytelling evolves alongside technology and bold new voices rise to meet the moment.

The Vertical Vision Micro Filmmaking Challenge is Nevada’s first vertical cinema competition, inviting filmmakers and audiences to be part of this historic event. Join on Thursday, Dec. 18, at FOFA & OPTIX Headquarters, 3075 Palms Center Drive, to celebrate innovation and storytelling-your presence makes a difference. For more info, visit optixfest.com/vertical.