VORTEX FILM FESTIVAL
Our festival mission is to create a community of area cinema enthusiasts and filmmakers of all experience levels for networking, support, and inspiration. The Vortex Film Festival showcases movies produced by regional Midwest filmmakers and filmed in South Dakota and neighboring states.
Whether you’re a filmmaker, film-lover, or just looking for something different in Vermillion, this festival is for you. Mingle with creative talent and experience film the way it was meant to be seen—on the big screen, surrounded by community.
The 2026 Vortex Film Festival is planned for September 25–27. Film submissions will open on Film Freeway April 1.
Send us a message at events@vermculture.org to be a part of the only East River film festival.
ABOUT VORTEX
Vortex Film Festival is supported in part by the South Dakota Arts Council through funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Vermillion Cultural Association, and the Coyote Twin Theater.
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Join us in promoting the art and crafting of filmmaking! With your sponsorship or in-kind donation we can foster the creation and passion of filmmaking in South Dakota.
Become a Festival Sponsor Among other perks, our sponsors will receive great publicity before, during, and after our festival.
Sponsor an Individual Event The festival offers the opportunity for filmmakers to network during the opening reception, panel discussions, and workshops. You can sponsor a workshop or block.
Make an In-kind Contribution Your in-kind donation can assist in providing food and gifts to filmmakers, or offering attendees perks at local businesses throughout the weekend.
Email events@vermculture.org with your in-kind idea or sponsorship interest.
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In August 2023, we met Screams from the Basement Podcast hosts Casey and Sam who asked whether VCA had ever considered hosting a film festival at the Coyote Twin. We had, in fact, been dreaming of that since our early days renovating the theater. Exactly one year, one month, and one day later, we welcomed over 200 guests to the inaugural Vortex Film Festival with a lineup of 41 films, including the South Dakota premiere of nationally released Lost on a Mountain in Maine by South Dakota director Andrew Kightlinger.
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Homeland of the Lakota Wasé Wakpa community, seat of Clay County, and location of the National Music Museum and flagship institution University of South Dakota, Vermillion is nestled in the southeast corner of South Dakota, not far from the Missouri River. We are just 1 hour south of Sioux Falls, 40 mins from Sioux City, and an easy 2 hours from Omaha.
Vermillion’s bustling downtown features several local eateries, a lot of USD Coyote Spirit, and the Coyote Twin Theater, of course. Download the LiveVermillion mobile app to start planning your trip!