Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia (SSFF & ASIA) has partnered with SHOWROOM Inc., the developer of the vertical theater app "smash", to offer anyone anywhere in world the opportunity to compete with other filmmakers for a chance to win up to ¥1,000,000 ($9568 USD).

Audiences are hungry for content that is more convenient to watch and content creators of all experience levels are filming their work on their smartphones—suffice it to say that vertical storytelling is more popular than ever, and the Vertical Theater Competition supported by “smash”. is looking for talented creatives with an eye for it.

Participants with excellent short vertical films will be able to compete for a number of awards that offer big cash prizes. Here's a quick breakdown of each one:

  • Best Vertical Short Award: ¥1,000,000
  • Vertical Short Award: ¥600,000
  • U-18 Vertical Short Award: ¥400,000
  • Encouragement Award: ¥100,000 (awarded to max. 10 vertical short films)

What's even better is all vertical shorts that are selected for competition will be screened worldwide on the “smash” app during SSFF & ASIA 2021.

Entries are open from Nov. 26, 2020 until Feb. 28, 2021. This competition is free and open to all countries. All genres are welcome

All short films must have a vertical aspect ratio of 1080 x 1920 and have a 25-minute maximum runtime. No subtitles are required for films in English or Japanese, but if your film is in any other language, include subtitles.

Entering your film is easy! Just fill out the online submission form, wait for the confirmation email, and then upload your movie.

Be sure to read the rules, conditions, and requirements to ensure that your vertical short film is eligible.

Source: Vertical Theater Competition

Short Shorts Film FestivaladVertical Theater CompetitionVertical Entertainment
Grants, Contests, & Awards