Our festival mission is to create a community of area cinema enthusiasts and filmmakers of all experience levels for networking, support, and inspiration. Vortex showcases movies produced by regional Midwest filmmakers and filmed in South Dakota and neighboring states.
Join us for the 2nd Annual Vortex Film Festival, September 26–28, 20205. It’s a full weekend celebration of Midwest cinema and filmmakers, and it’s gonna be rad.
What to expect:
• Screenings of student films, shorts, documentaries, and feature films all created by local filmmakers
• Live Q&As and workshops with filmmakers
• Local food vendors and concessions
• Audience Choice Award & Jury Prize
• After-party with movie-talk, drinks, and good vibes.
Whether you’re a filmmaker, film-lover, or just looking for something different in Vermillion, this festival is for YOU. Come support creative talent and experience film the way it was meant to be seen—on the big screen, surrounded by community.
Tickets available soon! Follow @vortexfilmfest on Facebook and Instagram for updates, film lineup announcements, and sneak peeks. Interested in advertising or supporting the fest? Scroll down for how you can get in on the action.
Vortex Film Festival is supported in part by a grant from the South Dakota Arts Council. South Dakota Arts Council support is provided with funds from the State of South Dakota, through the Department of Tourism, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Vermillion is nestled in the southeast corner of South Dakota, not far from the Missouri River. It’s the 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. 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!
10 E. Main Street
A dedicated cinema for over a century, the Coyote Twin is an entirely nonprofit theater that screens current feature films and hosts special screenings and private rentals.
Our two auditoriums seat a combined total of 228 persons and feature industry standard digital projection and newly updated Dolby speakers. In 2023 we refreshed our lobby and concessions area for improved customer service, and as of 2025, our auditoriums both feature state of the art laser projection.
Click here for theater accessibility details.
Help promote the art and crafting of filmmaking! With 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.
Volunteer. We invite individuals and businesses to join the fun and help with the festivities. Sign up to work a festival day or just during your sponsored event block.
Contact us with your sponsorship level or an idea for how your business can be part of Vortex!
