UK Vertical Film Festival Launches in London

Raindance is launching Raindance Vertical, a dedicated one-day festival and financing market in London for vertical film and series. This significant event is scheduled for December 4th, strategically positioned between Content London and the British Independent Film Awards, and will be held at Soho's Karma Sanctum Hotel. The festival will feature two competitive categories: Vertical Short Film and Vertical Series. Filmmaker submissions are now being accepted via FilmFreeway and will remain open for both U.K. and international creators until November.

Raindance founder Elliot Grove emphasized the importance of embracing new screen formats, stating, "The British film industry needs to stop sneering at the shape of the screen and start watching what's on it." The festival aims to discover talent and connect filmmakers with crucial financing opportunities. Beyond the competitions, Raindance Vertical will host panels and workshops, alongside a unique vertical mini-market designed to match producers with financiers, platforms, commissioners, and brands. This initiative directly addresses the need for more accessible funding routes for U.K. filmmakers producing professional-standard vertical content.