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.
The third annual Vortex Film Festival blows into town September 25–27, 2026. It’ll be a full weekend celebration of Midwest cinema and filmmakers. This year we have six blocks of short films, two not-to-be-missed documentary features, a sci-fi comedy Dakota Boys premiere, and three craft workshops.
Note! Weekend passes include admission to all three feature films. Individual feature tickets are $15—click the title to purchase.
Friday, Sept 25 • 7pm
Nine Little Indians, directed by Shannon Kring
Preceded by welcome reception at 5:30, featuring Indigenous American fare
Panel discussion to follow
Saturday, Sept 6 • 2pm
Imagining the Indian, directed by Ben West & produced by Yancey Burns
Q&A with the filmmakers to follow
Saturday, Sept 26 • 7pm
Alien Diner, directed by Carson Knecht
Q&A with director and the Dakota Boys to follow
Workshops
1) Film Fest Submission: Best Practices & DCP Creation with Casey Kelderman & Paul Ebsen
2) Intimacy Coordination with Emily Vortherms
3) Scene Lighting with Adam Dyess
Follow @vortexfilmfest on Facebook and Instagram for updates, film lineup announcements, and sneak peeks!
Reminder: Selected film teams receive two (2) complimentary weekend passes. Please RSVP to manage@vermilliontheaters.com.
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 almost 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.
