Alza Microdrama Festival Partners With NYC Mayor’s Office For October Debut
New York City will host a new festival dedicated to short-form vertical video content this October, supported by the city's Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment. Running October 16-18, Alza Festival will feature screenings, industry panels, networking events, workshops, and brand partnerships, plus a new 'Created in NY' program offering educational opportunities and a Made in NY Award—the first time this recognition is being awarded to digital content creators.
The festival was founded by three industry professionals: Pete Torres (former Tribeca Festival chief operating officer), Rita Vinnik (former TikTok executive), and Katie Korfhage (former Tribeca development vice president). Their stated goal is to create the first major cultural institution dedicated to vertical storytelling, a rapidly growing entertainment format, whilst positioning New York as a centre for developing emerging creators and media talent.
- NYC hosting new festival for vertical video content in October with Mayor's Office partnership
- Festival offers first-ever Made in NY Award for content creators, including workshops and industry networking
- Founded by veterans from Tribeca Festival and TikTok to establish a cultural home for growing vertical storytelling medium