VERZA TV Supports Inaugural ALZA Festival Celebrating Vertical Storytelling
News related to:VERZA TV · 1 min read
VERZA TV, a platform dedicated to microdramas and creator-driven original programming, celebrated the inaugural ALZA Festival as a co-sponsor of the opening night party. The festival, which took place from October 16 to 18, 2026, at AMC 19th Street East 6, honored the best in vertical storytelling.
ALZA Festival, produced by Torres Live, a company founded by Pete Torres, former COO of Tribeca Enterprises, and Rita Vinnik and Katie Korfhage, brought together a community of creators and industry professionals to celebrate the format of vertical storytelling. The festival featured premieres of vertical series, creator spotlights, cinema-quality screenings, industry conversations, and immersive activations.
VERZA TV, known for its commitment to mobile-first entertainment, joined forces with ALZA as a co-sponsor.
The inaugural ALZA Festival was a landmark event, with several awards presented to outstanding creators. The Best Vertical Series award went to "RelationShiTs," directed by Carlos Cardona and Lacy Marie Meyer. "Voicemails From My Neighbor," directed by Sydni Beaudoin, won the Best Vertical Short award. The Innovation in Vertical Storytelling award was given to Jan Latto and Hannah Rose Doherty for their work on "Newborn." The One More Episode Award was awarded to "The Count," created by Gary Entin and Edmund Entin. Romel Rodriguez, a Bronx filmmaker, was the recipient of the Made in NY Award for his work on "The Super NYC."
VERZA TV, which partners with independent creators and studios to bring microdramas, vertical series, and original programming to audiences everywhere, looks forward to continuing its work with the ALZA Festival community. The platform aims to support and promote the creators shaping the future of vertical storytelling, ensuring that their work reaches a wider audience.