Lifetime’s Reunion Island, vertTV’s Bite Club and More Added to ALZA Festival’s World Premieres Lineup

Posted by Justin D Williams

ALZA Festival, the inaugural one-of-a-kind event celebrating microdramas and vertical storytelling, today announced additional programming ahead of its October 16-18 debut in New York City. Nine world premieres are joining the previously announced lineup including Lifetime’s Reunion Island starring Felix Merback (Billionaire Daddy: The Hunt is On!) and Eric Guilmette (Love & Blood) and vertTV’s supernatural horror Bite Club featuring horror legends Barbara Crampton (Re-Animator) and Russell Todd (Friday the 13th Part 2) – reuniting them on the 40th Anniversary of their cult classic, Chopping Mall – and new South African dramedy Confessions of a Gold Digger. Plus Bandana Besties has been added to the “Keeping it NY” themed program, and Reelarc presents a trio of thrillers, Fatal Match, Splitlight, and Zero Point.

Complementing the Festival’s robust slate of premieres are insightful conversations with entertainment industry experts, talent, creators and brands as they examine the format, business opportunities, and the future of vertical storytelling. The weekend also includes a special Meet the Men of GammaTime: A Conversation with Five Vertical Actors where the leading men of microdramas share behind-the-scenes secrets from set and introduce an exclusive sneak peek of The Summer I Turned My Sexiest 2.

“Our excitement is reaching new heights with the announcement of these captivating premiere additions to our lineup, as well as the informative conversations with the people on the frontlines of this quickly evolving format,” said Pete Torres, Founder and CEO of ALZA Festival. “There is no better place than ALZA to hear directly from the people who are helping shape the way we consume entertainment as they share the lessons they’ve learned along the way and forecast what the future holds." 

2026 ALZA FESTIVAL PROGRAMMING ADDITIONS:

11 Blocks to Go (World Premiere)

Samantha and Drew are co-dependent best friends with messy lives and one brilliant idea: a 12-step bet to fix themselves. But becoming better people may prove easier than surviving what it does to their friendship. Starring Jack Utrata-Claridad, Ashley Alexander, Gabriel Diego Hernández, Melanie Johnson and Lennox T. Duong. Directed by Ashley Alexander and Jack Utrata-Claridad.

Bandana Besties (World Premiere) *Part of the “Keeping It NY” Program previously announced

Bandana Besties follows Samantha on her journey to land a job. What would otherwise be a mundane task turns into an adventure as we view her odyssey through anime-inspired story-telling. Starring Samantha Nugent, Louis Gutterman and Daniel Huang. Directed by Samantha Nugent.

Bite Club (World Premiere) 

Their motto is “The first rule of Bite Club is: You do not talk about Bite Club.” A scholarship student is investigating the suspicious murder of her best friend at the prestigious Weddington University. Her search leads her to The Crimson Circle, a secret society hiding centuries-old vampire bloodlines, where she finds herself torn between a fellow student with secrets of his own and a magnetic insider whose connection to the society runs far deeper than she realizes. Starring Casie Maghran, Barbara Crampton, Jonah Walker, Kyle Michael and Russell Todd. Directed by Sam Irvin.

Caldwell Academy 

At an elite boarding school, student president Eden Clarke has her future all figured out until she lands a month of detention with lacrosse star Beckett Langford. Falling for him could cost her more than her reputation. And at Caldwell, everyone’s watching. Starring Noah Fearnly. Directed by Thomas Pallier.

Confessions of a Gold Digger (World Premiere)

When Shoki Makeba, a broke hustler on the brink of losing everything, accepts a one-million-rand contract from billionaire tech CEO Sbu Buthelezi, she believes she's taking the job that will save her life. What she doesn't realize is that Sbu has spent years waiting for the perfect opportunity to take revenge on the woman who publicly humiliated him in college. Starring Amohellang Magane, Wonder Ndlovu, Phalang Phale and Armstrong Koko.

Next Session (World Premiere) 

A Gen-Z woman processing love, adulthood and becoming herself — one therapy session at a time. Starring and directed by Milky Tran.

Reunion Island (World Premiere)

Five former contestants from the hit dating show Isle of Venus reunite at a secluded Maui mansion for a $250,000 reunion competition, only to discover they have been trapped inside a deadly psychological game where every secret from their lives has been meticulously orchestrated by someone determined to destroy them. Starring Felix Merback, Kiley Pearson, Jake Hobbs, Samantha Trumbo, Jess Adams, Tabiyus Nah, Kiera Brown and Eric Guilmette. Directed by Gary and Edmund Entin. 

Reelarc Spotlight Lineup (Back-to-Back Premiere Event):

Fatal Match (World Premiere) 

When Detective Amy Kraus goes undercover on a dating app to catch a killer preying on singles, each new persona pulls her deeper into a conspiracy that leads straight back to her own precinct. Starring Mariana Novak, Maurice Kerry, Melanie Sutrathada, Chris LeMonda, Katherine Renee Cortez, Sofia Harmanda, Alex Bourne and Sarah Pribis. Directed by Britain Lonie.

Splitlight (World Premiere) 

Zara thinks she’s finally found something real with the charming and attentive Lucien. But as small contradictions become harder to ignore, she begins questioning who he really is and whether the relationship she believed in was ever what it seemed. Starring Asia Gordon, Matthew Taylor Zuniga, Jasmine Ruiz and Jeff Gorti. Directed by Britain Lonie. 

Zero Point (World Premiere)

When a string of zero-point energy physicists are systematically murdered, a renegade ex-scientist is drafted by the Feds, only to discover that the killer is deploying the world-altering equation that drove her out of science- one capable of shattering space time, and reality itself. Starring Kristine Covillo, Clifton Samuels, Ben Davis, Kim Hoffman and Mike Holt.  Directed by Vanessa Butler. 

PANELS AND CONVERSATIONS:

Masterclass: 10 Laws of Vertical Storytelling

What makes a story truly work on a vertical screen? Richard Lawson and Denee Busby of Hyperlens Studios break down 10 practical principles in a masterclass on creating stories built for the format.

Panelists: Richard Lawson and Denee Busby, co-founders of Hyperlens Studios. Moderator: TBA

Meet the Men of GammaTime: A Conversation with Five Vertical Actors

GammaTime presents its leading actors for a performer-led exploration of vertical storytelling. With standout scenes, trailers, and exclusive first looks from five GammaTime series spanning romantic comedy, YA romance, dark romance, and drama, they'll share their experiences working in the fast-evolving format. The session also features an exclusive teaser for The Summer I Turned My Sexiest 2.

Panelists: Amy Sullivan, Head of Development, GammaTime, Actors Seth Edeen, Volodymyr Pielikh, Shayne Davis, Cayman Cardiff and Luke Dodge. Moderator: Molly Anderson, Actor/Writer/Producer.

What Does Creator Even Mean: Investigator, Investigator & Next Session

What is a "creator" when the lines between creator, filmmaker, actor, producer and studio are increasingly blurred? Special screenings of Investigator, Investigator and Next Session set up a look at how the role is evolving and what creators become when traditional labels no longer define the work.

Panelists: Creators O’Neil Thomas, Milky Tran, Sarah Pribis and Melissa Becraft. Moderator: TBA.

From Rico's Tacos to a New Media Model: Retail, Faith and Family on the Vertical Screen

Blending storytelling, commerce, and values-driven programming, Rico's Tacos is a brand-supported vertical series that offers a real-world case study. Learn how the series came together, what made its model distinctive, and lessons from its launch before expanding to the larger opportunities around retail media, brand-supported entertainment, and faith-and-family programming. 

Panelist: Manny Ruiz, CEO of Minivela. Moderator: TBA

Who Survives the Vertical Boom? Building the Business of Vertical Drama

A candid executive conversation explores the economics and evolution of the format, from financing, ownership, and distribution to the changing roles of creators, studios, and platforms. It also examines what creator-led models can teach the industry about audiences and creative control, whether vertical can stand as a lasting format, and how companies are building sustainable models around a rapidly expanding global audience.

Panelists: Jeffrey Schenck, Co-Founder, vertTV, Todd Spicer, Independent Executive Producer, Jay Blumenfield, CEO, Jay & Tony Studios. Moderator: Amanda Needham, Managing Director of the Telly Awards.

Casting the Vertical Screen: Finding The Next Generation of Stars

Microdrama stars need to stand out on screen in two minutes or less. This panel of experts reveals what it takes to cast the right performer in the ever-evolving format – what qualities make talent particularly compelling in vertical storytelling, and how casting professionals and creators are identifying the next generation of stars built for the small screen.

Panelists: Paul Ruddy, Casting Director at DramaBox, Candace Mizga, Co-Founder and VP of Production & Development, Chera TV, Kylie Karson, Co-Founder and Sr. VP of Production, Chera TV,  Jasmine Ruiz and Salvador Paskowitz. Moderator: TBA

When a Brand Becomes a Studio: Bilt’s Roomies Story

What happens when a brand moves beyond advertising and starts creating entertainment of its own? Bilt did exactly that with Roomies, its popular vertical mockumentary. Learn how the series came together, from concept through production, and what vertical series offer brands that want to connect with audiences through original entertainment.

Panelists: Zoe Oz, CMO of Bilt, Cyrus Ferguson, Sr. Content Director, Bilt and Brooke Brazer, Actor/Writer/Producer. Moderator: TBA

Building a Hit Vertical Series: From Concept to Screen

The team at Ninety Degree Films shares insights on building a vertical series from the ground up. Discover the complete creative and production journey, which includes developing a concept, crafting a story tailored for the vertical format, and navigating through production, post-production, and the release process.

Panelists: Gary and Edmund Entin, Co-Founders, Ninety Degree Films, Mark DiCristofaro, Producer, Ninety Degree Films and Colby Cote, Partner, Partner, Ninety Degree Films. Moderator: TBA

Made in New York: Building a Vertical Production Economy

What would it take to make New York a hub for vertical production? Bringing together creators, producers, and industry voices working across the city, this conversation reveals New York’s emerging vertical ecosystem, from its creative talent and production infrastructure to skilled workforce. Learn about the opportunities, challenges, and resources needed to build a sustainable vertical production economy and establish New York as a center for the format’s continued growth.

Panelists: Andrew Beck and Thom Woodley, Hudson Vertical; Beila Lameng Bei, LAT Entertainment; Mitchell Camarda, Open Gardens. Moderator: Jen Cooper, Vertical Drama Love.  

Brand Powered Entertainment: Vertical is a Canvas, Not a Compromise

Phones have become the primary entertainment screens, and vertical storytelling is rapidly evolving beyond social feeds. Explore the current state of this format and its future developments, including the emergence of micro-dramas, platform-native series, brand-powered entertainment, and how vertical storytelling serves as a bridge to film, television, and streaming. 

Panelists: Director Zane, Zane Productions / MOME. Moderator: TBA

Beyond the Ad: Building Branded Vertical Series Brand, Meet Development

Brands are moving beyond traditional advertising to create vertical series audiences actually choose to watch. Featuring short selections from projects created for Crocs, Audible, and birddogs, this session explores what it takes to turn brand goals into compelling entertainment. From creative development and production to talent and audience, the conversation will unpack where brands fit into the process and how story can build lasting engagement beyond a single post.

Panelists: Owen Gambill, Editor & DP, Jamin Studios LLC, Thomas Pallier, Director, Producer Enzyme Films, Grace Swanson, Head of Production and Development SuperOrdinary (SuperLab). Moderator: TBA

Small Screens, Big Reach: Africa Goes Vertical

Vertical microseries are reshaping global entertainment, and Africa is emerging as one of its most dynamic new markets. This conversation will reveal how mobile viewing is creating new opportunities for African talent and diaspora audiences,  and what's next for the continent's place in the space. Featuring a special screening of Confessions of a Gold Digger.

Panelists: Lavenna Peters, Co-Founder & CEO, CEEIT and Melissa O. Adeyemo, Ominira, Founder + Yetu (Un)Limited, Co-Founder and Co-Head of Studio. Moderator: TBA

When Hollywood Goes Vertical: Talent, Brands and  New Audiences

What happens when brands and established Hollywood talent enter the vertical space? Through two case studies, one brand-led and one celebrity-driven, this conversation explores different paths to creating premium vertical entertainment. Filmmakers, producers, and platform executives will unpack how each project came together and examine what brands, talent, and platforms can learn from one another as they experiment with new ways to reach audiences.

Panelists: Danny Farber, Director/Writer/Creator, Executive Producer Pretty Awesome Productions; Adriana Santos, Showrunner, Executive Producer, COO Fumero Films; Zheyu "Joy" Liang, Head of Production, Executive Producer COL Group co. ltd and FlareFlow; Dougie Cash, Producer Cash Kingdom Entertainment, Inc. Moderated by Alejandro Fumero, CEO /Executive Producer/Showrunner, Fumero Films.

One Story, Two Screens: What Changes When a Story Moves Between Vertical and Horizontal

Stories can work successfully in both 9:16 and 16:9. Learn the tricks from composition, blocking and cinematography to post-production and distribution across mobile, streaming, and theatrical screens.

Panelists: Phil Viardo, President and CEO, Former Prodigy Media;  Lenny Levi, CEO LoveHit; Rob McGillivray, Producer, Tip-Top Productions & Portrait Pictures; Alex Boi Director/Showrunner/Executive Producer, Former Prodigy Media. Moderator: TBA

To learn more about the ALZA Festival, visit ALZAFestival.com. For updates, follow on Instagram and Facebook.