ALZA FESTIVAL 2026

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Katie Korfhage, Pete Torres and Rita Vinnik, the co-founders of Alza Festival.

The next generation of storytelling belongs here.

Submit your project for the opportunity to premiere at ALZA Festival in New York City, October 16-18, 2026. https://www.alzafestival.com/submissions

TORRES LIVE (Copy)

ALZA Festival is New York City's first festival dedicated exclusively to vertical storytelling. We invite creators from around the world to submit projects conceived and crafted for the vertical frame—stories that embrace mobile-first viewing through bold ideas, compelling characters, and exceptional creative vision.

Selected projects will screen alongside outstanding work from leading creators, studios, and emerging voices during three days of premiere screenings, industry conversations, masterclasses, networking events, and red carpet celebrations.

Whether you're an established studio, an independent filmmaker, or a first-time creator, ALZA Festival is your opportunity to premiere your work, connect with industry leaders and fellow creators, and help shape the future of vertical storytelling.

Created in NY Showcase

The Created in NY Showcase, presented by the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) and ALZA Festival, celebrates exceptional vertical storytelling created by New York City's filmmakers, creators, studios, and production community.

The program recognizes projects that exemplify creative excellence while highlighting New York City's growing role as a global hub for vertical storytelling and mobile-first entertainment.

Five selected projects will screen as part of a dedicated Created in NY Showcase during ALZA Festival, with one project receiving the Made in NY Award.

ALZA Festival by Torres Live

info@torreslive.com

Alza Microdrama Festival Partners With NYC Mayor’s Office For October Debut

Alza Festival is set to take place in New York Oct. 16-18 alongside the launch of the Created In NY program.

By Caitlin Huston

July 16, 2026 7:00am

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/alza-microdrama-festival-partners-with-nyc-mayors-office-for-october-debut-1236649503/

A microdrama festival is set to take place in New York City this October, with a newly announced partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment.

Alza Festival is scheduled for Oct. 16 through Oct. 18 with premieres and screenings of microdramas, industry conversations, networking events, masterclass and brand activations. Per the partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, the festival will also feature the launch of the Created in NY program, which will feature educational panels and workshops, inclusion in a Created in NY showcase (a screening block for finalists in the program), and the opportunity to win a Made in NY Award, which would mark the first time this award is presented to a content creator.

“New York has always defined what’s next in media, and vertical storytelling is no exception,” said Commissioner Rafael Espinal of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment. “The launch of ‘Created in NY’ alongside the ALZA Festival is about recognizing that the next generation of filmmakers and creators is already here. Our job is to help open doors, develop talent, and make sure New York remains the best place in the world to build a creative career.”

The festival was created by Pete Torres, the former COO for Tribeca Festival, along with Rita Vinnik, a former TikTok executive and Katie Korfhage, who previously served as Tribeca Festival’s Vice President of Development. The founders have put out an open call for submissions.

“Vertical storytelling has evolved into one of the fastest-growing forms of entertainment in the world, yet until now it hasn’t had a dedicated cultural home – so we created ALZA to change that,” said Pete Torres, Founder and CEO of ALZA Festival. “Our goal is to bring together creators, platforms, studios, brands, and audiences to celebrate this incredible new medium while helping shape its future. There is no better place than New York City to launch that conversation, and we’re proud to work with the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment to spotlight the city’s next generation of storytellers.”