Thank you to all the filmmakers who participated in the February edition of the First-Time Filmmaker Sessions!
The festival platformed hundreds of films, each project worthy of recognition and celebration. 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.
First-Time Filmmaker Sessions is designed to be the entry into the Lift-Off Global Network. A platform for the avant-garde, FT Sessions isn't about selecting the 'best' or most 'commercial' projects; it is about providing a screening opportunity for everyone, connecting these new and emerging voices with new audiences. An option we hope highlights and educates each month!
Jury's Overall Winner
Invasion 2020
Director/Writer/Producer: Romario Shevon Patrice
Producers:Jevon Patrice, Crystal Nicholas
Country of Origin: Trinidad and Tobago
Synopsis:
Invasion 2020 is a story about heroism and bravery in the face of adversity. It is the year 2020 and humanity has finally after decades of reaching out into space seeking life besides our own, encountered a new lifeform and they are on there way to earth, not seeking companionship but rather to declare war on humanity in an effort to extract the most valuable mineral to them, asphalt.
Season Award #16 Shortlist: Best First-Time Filmmaker
Audience Choice Winners
MAESTRO: THE PATH OF THUNDER
Director/Writer/Producer: Huseynaga Aslanov
Country of Origin: Azerbaijan
Synopsis:
This film takes us on a remarkable journey into the life of Fuad Ibrahimov. As a child, he grew up in Shusha (Karabakh), where the sounds of gunfire and helicopters were a constant backdrop, forcing him to seek refuge in basements. But despite this harsh reality, Fuad's passion for music led him to a different kind of sound—the sound of an orchestra. Today, he is not just a survivor but a celebrated conductor, leading the Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra, the Munich New Philharmonic, and the Baku Chamber Orchestra. This is the story of how one man transformed the noise of war into the harmony of music, proving that the human spirit can rise above even the most difficult circumstances.
First Run
Director/Writer/Producer: Alexander Ginsburg
Country of Origin: Germany
Synopsis:
The treasury reflects the reality of the country, a poor country with no record of having had any material wealth hidden in the past, yet a country with a large number of people who dig in this place for more than 23 years hoping to find treasure. This documentary shows the psychological aspect of people who illegally burrow into the mountains, not noticing the real beauty and treasure they possess – the natural beauty of the country.
11 Blocks To Go: The Bet
Writer/Producer: Jack Utrata,Ashley Alexander
Country of Origin: United States
Synopsis:
Samantha, a free-spirited hopeless romantic, discovers her 30-something year old BFF Drew, a gay high-functioning drug-addled sex addict, is hosting an orgy in lieu of honoring his personal commitments.
Floating Through Dreams
Director/Writer/Producer: Liviu Acasandrei
Country of Origin: Romania
Synopsis:
The animated story is reflected in the topic of the journey through dreams. Regardless of good or bad, we learn and try to be better. The dream is just an illusion colored in black and white in which we go through different phases and emotions.
Wieven
Director/Writer/Producer: Amber van der Brugge
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Synopsis:
Wieven is a 10-minute short film about the women in an old Dutch Folktale. This folktale is set in modern-day, and takes place at the moment Jane meets the Wieven when they rescue her from her abusive boyfriend.
Grandpa's Studio
Director/Writer: Benedetta Bellini
Country of Origin: Italy
Synopsis:
The story is about Marcello who returns to his grandpa's architecture studio for the first time, after a long time. He spent his childhood there. Once inside he finds a photocopy of an old drawing of his, which leads him to relive both sweet and sad memories. We will discover the controversial figure of the grandfather in a bittersweet story.
How Brazilian Art Portrayed World War I
Director/Writer/Producer: Jorge Rogelson da Silva
Country of Origin: Brazil
Synopsis:
In a minute, I will explain how the Brazilian press used cartoons and caricatures to portray the events of the Great War from 1914 to 1918. With such a dynamic conflict, the Brazilian press could not wait for photos that would take weeks to arrive in Brazil, so they turned to artists to illustrate the events of the war.
Brazil's participation in the conflict was small, but Brazilian artists left their mark on the history of the war.
Insomnia Coffee
Director/Writer/Producer: Samy Guémar
Producers:Pierre de Marin,Charles de Marin
Country of Origin: France
Synopsis:
The project "Insomnia Coffee" is a closed-door story set after the ecological collapse of our society. Individuals from diverse backgrounds find themselves in a café by chance, leading to exchanges that push them to their limits, forcing them to face a truth that is often difficult to accept.
A science fiction film with a touch of fantasy, this short film presents a range of characters who evoke their journeys and evolutions during the fall of civilization with emotion and sincerity.
Nakhatya
Director/Writer/Producer: Bishwas Bajracharya
Country of Origin: Nepal
Synopsis:
This is a short about young man who is beloved by his parents, family and community. Representing the young generation, his presence gives immense pleasure to people around. He decides to leave the country for foreign study. Doesn't come back.
Lift-Off Season Awards #16
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.