Deadlines
MAY 31, 2026Earlybird
JUL 26, 2026Regular
About festival
DCP RequiredCompletion date requirement: 2024
Vermillion Vortex Film Festival
The Vermillion Vortex Film Festival is an independent film festival held in beautiful Vermillion, South Dakota, home to the University of South Dakota. This year's festival takes place September 25-27, 2026 at the downtown Coyote Twin Theater.
The Vermillion Vortex Film Festival seeks to create a community of area cinema enthusiasts and filmmakers of all experience levels for networking, support, and inspiration. Vortex will showcase movies produced by regional Midwest filmmakers and filmed in South Dakota and neighboring states (IA, MN, NE, ND, MT, WI, IL).
Submissions to the 2026 Vortex Film Festival are now open. The deadline for submissions is July 26, 2026.
Trailer
Festival Amenities
Swag BagsFilmmaker LoungeFilmmaker EventsAfter PartiesQ&A SessionsAll Access BadgesComplimentary TicketsSocial Media SpotlightFestival Catalog
Accepted Content
Genres:
ActionAdventureAnimationBiographyComedyCrime
DigitalDocumentaryDramaWarThrillerstudentScience FictionRomanceMysteryMusicalHorrorHistoryFantasyFamilyWesternbollywood
Sub-Genres:
Bio PicDetectiveEnvironmentalFantasy-ComedyFantasy-DramaFeminist
Horror ComedyHuman RightsMockumentaryPeriod PiecePoetryPoliticalPsychological ThrillerSuspensestudentSocial IssuesRomantic ComedyDark ComedyCyber Punk
Film Types:
NarrativeDocumentaryNon-FictionExperimentalAnimation
Categories:
DocumentaryFeature FilmShort FilmDigitalShot On Film
Festival Focus:
Regional
Submission Categories
Short Films
Fee: $20·Deadline: July 26, 2026
Feature Films
Fee: $30·Deadline: July 26, 2026
Festival Team
CK
Casey Kelderman
Event Coordinator
SL
Sam Lenz
Event Coordinator
SW
Shandra Wonnenberg
Theater Manager
SC
Shannon Cole
Executive Director, Vermillion Cultural Assoc.
AK
Ally King
Program Director, Vermillion Cultural Assoc.
Festival Rules
DCP RequiredCompletion date requirement: 2024
Eligibility:
Vermillion Vortex Film Festival is open to Midwest regional filmmakers of all experience levels. Films of all genres—including narrative, documentary, experimental, and animation—are accepted. Both short films (under 15 minutes) and feature films (40–90 minutes) are eligible. Films must have been completed after January 1, 2025.
Submission Guidelines:
Submission fees are non-refundable. Filmmakers may submit multiple films, but each entry requires a separate submission and fee. Submission to the festival does not guarantee a film will be selected for screening at the festival. By submitting, filmmakers confirm they have full rights to the film, including music, visuals, and other copyrighted materials. Filmmakers must provide a DCP file of the film within 48 hours of selection notice.
Rights & Permissions:
By submitting, filmmakers grant Vermillion Vortex Film Festival the right to screen your film, copy and/or reproduce, modify, adapt and any part thereof, up to one minute of the film submission. Festival organizers may also use your submission and any other promotional material submitted to communicate it to the public in all media, including via the festival website and publicity materials, or to advertise and promote Vermillion Vortex Film Festival events, it's products and services, and to showcase the film. The festival does not claim ownership of submitted films.
Selection & Screening:
Submissions will be vetted by a selection committee before being officially selected for the festival. Selection decisions are final and cannot be appealed. Festival organizers reserve the right to alter this schedule and venue at any time for any reason. Vermillion Vortex Film Festival does not accept any liability for any costs claimed to arise as a result of a change in the scheduling.
Awards & Recognition :
Films will be considered for the Somewhat Random Movie Award and People's Choice Award. The Somewhat Random Award is chosen by festival organizers to honor the eclectic spirit of independent filmmaking. The People's Choice Award will be determined by live voting during the festival. Winners will receive trophies and award laurels.
Attendance & Filmmaker Perks:
Filmmakers of selected titles are provided two complimentary weekend passes and a swag bag. Vermillion Vortex is a craft-centric event with a focus on networking, support, and inspiration. Filmmakers are highly encouraged to attend the festival Q&As, mixers, and workshops.
Disqualification:
Films containing hate speech, illegal content, or that infringe on copyright laws will be disqualified. Failure to comply with any of the festival’s rules may result in removal from the festival.
