TCFF Insider Series: What the Vertical?

TCFF Insider Series: What the Vertical?

Join us for an engaging online conversation exploring the rise of vertical filmmaking and the future of mobile-first storytelling with award-winning creators Zao Wang and Rachel Zilberg. Together, they’ll discuss storytelling for vertical formats, shooting for 9:16, audience behavior, branded content opportunities, monetization, and where the future of vertical film is headed.

Whether you're a filmmaker, content creator, student, consumer or simply curious about the future of digital storytelling, this virtual event lets you tune in from anywhere — no travel required. Grab your favorite drink, get comfortable, and join the conversation from home or wherever inspiration finds you.

Moderated by TCFF's Jatin Setia.

See panelist bios below.

When and Where:

Thursday, June 18, 2026

Online ZOOM event

Schedule:

7:00 - 8:00 pm - Panel discussion, followed by a short Q&A

(Zoom "doors" open around 6:45 pm)

Tickets:

Regular - $10

TCFF Members: Free!

(Not a TCFF member? Click here to learn more)

Zao Wang

Zao Wang is a Beijing-born writer and director whose psychological horror, thriller, sci-fi, and dark comedy projects blend a multicultural perspective with bold visual storytelling. A Tribeca alum and NYU Tisch MFA graduate, his acclaimed work includes Honeymoon Suite, Full Moon Club, 5 States of Fear, The Precipice Game, The Wandering Earth 2, and A Family Guide to Hunting. Handpicked by J.J. Abrams as a Directing Fellow at Bad Robot, Zao has collaborated with NBCUniversal, Sony, HBO, Tencent Pictures, and Tomorrow Studios, while also shadowing on hit series including 9-1-1: Lone Star, The Night Shift, The Purge, and Quantum Leap. Since 2023, Zao has been directing vertical microdramas. Office Enemies, a show he directed, just won the first Apollo Award for Best Vertical Drama of the Year.

Rachel Zilberg

Rachel Zilberg, Lead Writer at Shorts, is an award-winning vertical screenwriter and story developer. After graduating Stanford University with Honors in the Arts, she built her early career developing narratives for romance-centric mobile games at companies including Pixelberry Studios and Swag Masha. She entered the microdrama space in 2023 doing script localization and screenwriting at GoodShort. Since joining Shorts in 2024, she has led the development of more than 25 original series, including Oops! I Married My Enemy (Vertical Drama Love Fan Awards 2024 ‘Best Romantic Comedy’) and Office Enemies (Vertical Drama Love Fan Awards 2025 ‘Best Script’ and ‘Best Romantic Comedy’, Apollo Awards 2025 ‘Best Vertical Drama Series’). Her vertical projects span genres including romance, thriller, mafia, and young adult.

🎬 About TCFF: The Twin Cities Film Fest (TCFF) is a nonprofit arts organization in Minneapolis, dedicated to showcasing independent cinema from Minnesota and beyond. Each October, the 10-day festival features documentaries, narrative features, and shorts, both in-person and online, highlighting studio films and local talent while connecting filmmakers with audiences and industry professionals. TCFF also offers educational panels, a red carpet, filmmaker/celebrity guests, a lounge for mingling, sponsor activations, and more! Beyond the festival, year-round programs include educational initiatives, mentorship opportunities, and networking events. Committed to storytelling that inspires and fosters community, TCFF celebrates film’s power to provoke thought and spark conversation. Learn more at twincitiesfilmfest.org or become a member to access year-round perks!