Thank you to all the filmmakers who participated in the 2026 February 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.

Reined In Film

Director/Writer/Producer: Richard Stride
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Genre: Shorts, Comedy, Romance

Synopsis: Reined In is a sharp-witted romantic comedy set against the rolling fields and stables of the English countryside. Archie, a nervous but well-meaning farmer in his forties, finally gathers the courage to propose to his glamorous neighbour, Amanda a social media savvy equestrian whose life revolves as much around TikTok as it does her horses.

Duck Duck Goose

Director/Writer: Harry Redding
Writer: Alexander Holley
Producer: Kevin Tasker, Izzy Thurston
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Genre: Shorts

Synopsis: While working as children’s entertainers to supplement their slow-moving acting careers, best friends Jack and Bill decide to rob a house during a 9-year-old’s birthday party. As they attempt to carry out the plan without drawing attention, tensions rise and their friendship is put under strain.

Dazzling: A Timekeepers Tale

Director/Writer: Jessica Gray
Country of Origin: United States
Genre: Short

Synopsis: Daz, a young Timekeeper, sneaks out of class to explore Tempus, ​a world full of magic. He drags his best friend, Kesi, along for the adventure ​but they find themselves in serious trouble when Daz accidentally opens ​a portal to another world beyond anything he could imagine.

Patient Expiration

Director/Producer: Bill Reilly
Writer/Producer: Steve Passmore
Country of Origin: Canada

Synopsis: Patient Expiration is a psychological drama centered on a war veteran who returns home carrying invisible wounds. After an apparent suicide attempt, he is admitted to hospital care, where his condition and the circumstances surrounding his injuries begin to raise unsettling questions among his doctors.

I Like This Boy

Director/Writer: Alex Mullet
Producers: Paula Szczyrba, George Clarke
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Genre: Thriller, Romance

Synopsis: A lustful girl spirals into an emotional and physical implosion after an obsessive crush on a boy who doesn't know she exists.

Georgia's Timeless Love Affair

Director/Writer/Producer: Rob Spencer
Writer: Blake Rea
Country of Origin: United States

Synopsis: Georgia, a charismatic watch influencer, lives and breathes horology. Over one thrilling weekend, the film follows her through exclusive galas and lively events, revealing her infectious passion, and the sense of community around it.

What I Wish You Knew

Director/Writer/Producer: Zac McKeown
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Genre: Short, Drama
Synopsis: A private eulogy from son to father.

All the Time We Had

Director/Writer/Producer: Romy Payne
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Genre: Coming of Age, Drama

Synopsis: In a quiet flat of old memories, Sophie lives through the VHS tapes her mum left before she died.

Stuck in routine, she clings to them for comfort, until one final, unseen message urges her to start living again.

All the Time We Had is a heartfelt short film about love, loss, the passage of time, and the quiet courage it takes to move forward.

The Scavenger

Director/Writer: Seth Savage
Producer: Gearlock Productions
Country of Origin: United States
Genre: Thriller, Drama, Horror

Synopsis: In the remnants of a ruined world, a weary scavenger searches what he thinks is an abandoned factory. With his health on the line, he desperately tries to scrounge up enough scrap to afford treatment. His fate takes a turn when he meets a friendly robot named F3LIX and learns that a valuable power core is held within the facility. With F3LIX leading the way, the two travel through the facility, only to find that the scavenger isn’t the only one struggling for survival.

Duck, Actually

Director/Writer: Hania Pikulska
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Genre: Romance, Comedy

Synopsis: Gaz and Katie have been dating for a few weeks now. Moonlit pond, flowers in hand, he is ready to take it to the next step... but why is Katie so nervous?

Obsolete

Director: Isaiah Salery
Writer/ Producer: Josh Lyles
Country of Origin: United States
Genre: Shorts, Drama

Synopsis: After getting laid off from his job at the hands of AI, a young man must confront the sudden loss of purpose while being deemed inefficient.

The Lift-Off Season Awards is an annual event that celebrates the very best of indie film. Following each Lift-Off film festival, films that have excelled in their respective category are short listed for a Season Awards Nomination.  At the end of the year, once all the 12 city-based festival have taken place, the shortlisted nominated films are reviewed again by the jury and Official Nominations are designated.  Click here for more information about the Lift-Off Season Awards.