August Showcase 2026

Cigarettes

Director/Writer/Producer: Jules Jeffers
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Genre: Shorts
Synopsis:
Alice and Megumi are two completely different individuals. One work focused and subdued, the other bold and spontaneous. They appear to be nothing alike at all - and yet they wake up in the same bed. The situation is awkward for them both, and their differences become even more apparent as the morning stretches on. They share a cigarette - a bad habit of theirs - and reflect on their time together as the sun rises. Megumi is comfortable in their identity. Is Allce?

Stress Doll

Director: Ajit Dnyanobha Gadekar
Writer: Hannah Goldsmith
Producer: Aurele Tourres
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Genre: Sci-Fi, Horror

Synopsis:
Following the sudden loss of of their young daughter, a scientist and his psychologist wife cope up with grief in opposite ways. The wife processes her emotions, through her knowledge of stress, trauma and depression, while the
scientist becomes consumed by denial, constructing a machine he believes can take them to happier reality. When his device malfunctions, it kills his pregnant wife and sends him into an alternate reality consumed by depression.

The Crab Cake Kid

Director/Writer: Kirill Teslia
Writer: Rob Auton
Producer: Ross McCall
Country of Origin: United Kingdom

Synopsis:
In a sleepy restaurant in York, 16 year old Rob lands his first job in a kitchen that's as far from fine dining as you can imagine.
His dad, a local plumber, finds him a gig heating up microwaved vegetables, but it turns out the kitchen crew's job training involves equal parts initiation rituals, questionable life advice, and, yes, the kind of "banter" that's borderline survival training.
Despite the madness, Rob finds himself growing fond of the chaotic kitchen and the unpredictable staff. Through hilarious misadventures and kitchen wisdom Rob's coming of age journey is wrapped in all the awkwardness and affection only a kitchen full of misfits could offer. After all he's here for the human experience.

Witness

Director/Writer: Harvey "Frzy" Daniels
Country of Origin: United States
Genre: Historical Fiction, Music Video, Drama

Synopsis:
Strip music down to its bones — remove the melodies, the harmonies, the drums, the studio gloss — and what remains is the purest element of the art form: the story. The heartbeat. The truth an artist dares to speak. Only a rare kind of creator can take a story the world believes it already knows and reveal it again as if for the very first time.

But what happens when that story is the story — the tragedy that reshaped Hip Hop forever? The night two giants fell. A tale recited, debated, mythologized, and dissected by every MC, DJ, journalist, fan, and historian on Earth. Could anyone possibly tell it in a way that feels new on attempt number 1,001?

FORWARD

Director/Writer/Producer: Chad A. Rivera
Producers: Morty Pjerrou, Ben Lithgow
Country of Origin: United States
Genre: Drama, Music

Synopsis:
“Forward” by ØUTLR is a powerful reflection on resilience in the face of internal battles. Blending raw emotion with subtle influences of CHamoru Pacific Islander culture, the song carries a message of endurance, identity, and strength. It explores the weight of mental health struggles while emphasizing the importance of continuing to move forward, even when progress feels impossible. Through its sound and storytelling, “Forward” becomes both a personal release and a universal reminder that growth often comes from the darkest moments.

Lift-Off Network

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Talent spotlight

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Market Representation

Thank you to all the filmmakers who participated in the 2026 August Lift-Off Showcase!

We want to extend a giant thank you to everyone who took part and a special congratulations to all the incredible talent that went into making these projects.