# VerticalMovie festival in Rome

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/verticalmovie-festival-in-rome
> Updated: 2026-09-28T18:15:47.000Z. Sources: 25. Developments: 2.

The ninth edition of the VerticalMovie international festival is scheduled to take place in Rome at the Casa del Cinema from September 29 to October 1, 2026. Founded in 2018 by Salvatore Marino, the festival focuses on short films and videos in vertical format.

This year’s program includes masterclasses, screenings, and awards, with a new section titled ‘VerticalTalent Powered by Canon’. This practical training initiative allows selected filmmakers to produce works using specialized equipment. The festival is also expanding into series production, highlighted by a 24-episode vertical drama directed by Franco Bertini. 

Competition categories for the event include Vertical Voices, which focuses on human rights and equality, as well as Vertical Open, Vertical Green for environmental themes, and Vertical AI.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-28: VerticalMovie 2026 festival returns to Rome

The VerticalMovie 2026 festival returns to Rome from September 29 to October 1, featuring vertical format films, AI-themed categories, and a new talent program for emerging filmmakers.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/verticalmovie-2026-festival-returns-to-rome

### 2026-09-25: Rome Film Festival returns with expanded 21st edition

The 21st Rome Film Festival runs from October 13–25, 2026, featuring over 150 titles, a Career Award for Javier Bardem, and premieres like Taika Waititi’s ‘Klara and the Sun’.

20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/soundscreen-film-festival-returns-to-ravenna

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Cite as: VerticalMovie festival in Rome. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/verticalmovie-festival-in-rome