Thank you to all the filmmakers who participated in the January 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
Mother
Director/Writer/Producer: Miruna Stanciu
Country of Origin: Romania
Synopsis:
For a bird born in a cage, flight is a distant luxury. This is the story of Ada—37 years old, a woman whose world has always revolved around her mother, confined to a wheelchair. But what happens when the bird, tethered by fear, dares to break free?!.
Season Award #16 Shortlist: Best First-Time Filmmaker
Audience Choice Winners
The Other Girls Go Dancing
Director: Justine Jahn
Country of Origin: Germany
Synopsis:
In the shadow of her renowned artist husband Günther Jahn, Gudrun Jahn´s life appears solely devoted to him. Granddaughter and filmmaker Justine Jahn seeks to unravel the mystery of her grandmother, exploring Gudrun´s identity beyond beeing a wife and mother. Despite significant sacrifices, Gudrun found contentment. However, the looming presence of the deceased artist reveals both his impact on the family and less pleasant memories tied to his artistic legacy.
TREASURY
Director/Writer: Arsim Fazlija
Producer: Drita Mamuti Fazlia
Country of Origin: North Macedonia
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.
Confusio
Director/Writer/Producer: Leonardo Marini
Country of Origin: Italy
Synopsis:
Confusio is a short film shot in a single continuous take, where the constantly blurred image transports the viewer into the protagonist's inner journey, whose life oscillates between reality and illusion due to a visual impairment in his right eye. The visual metaphor, with the blur present in every scene, is necessary to highlight a condition of altered perception of reality. The
protagonist wanders through his home, encountering various aspects of himself, each representing a different facet of his personality.
SELFTAPE
Director: George William Lawrie
Writer/Producer: Paddy James Court
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Synopsis:
a young actor is trying to complete a last minute self-tape (the first one he has had in months) and the only person that can help him is his useless housemate.
All Yin No Yang
Director/Writer: Giovanni Salvatore Tocco
Writer: Jake Tamarra
Producers:Giovanni Salvatore Tocco,Jack Romashoff
Country of Origin: United States
Synopsis:
This short film arises from the creative, playful and philosophical proposal of co-creating and recording an artistic performance on the question of time and about the gaze of the Venus of Willendorf as a material icon of the total feminine in time towards our present day. global. If Willendorf's paleolithic Venus figurine was incarnated in a real body today, what would happen?
Feeding Grief to Animals
Director/Writer: Rebecca Parfitt
Producers: Amy Morris,Grant Black
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Synopsis:
A grieving woman comes to terms with the loss of her baby by welcoming wild animals into her garden.
After Death
Director/Writer/Producer: Matthew Collins
Country of Origin: United States
Synopsis:
THOMAS STRIDE, a tormented, widowed, veteran novelist battling PTSD and extreme depression plans to take his own life; but not before he spends his last remaining years crafting one final story and testament from his perspective: A memoir about life, war and most of all true, unconditional love.
Artistic Currents
Director/Writer/Producer: kell thomas
Country of Origin: Canada
Synopsis:
An animated short film featuring my art work set in motion , award winning Vancouver island artist. All done by myself
I Am Alive
Director: Humayoon Sakhi
Writer: Abdurahman Ada
Producer: Ajmal Yosufzai
Country of Origin: Afghanistan
Synopsis:
For the survival of the generation and the future of Afghanistan, please stop the war
Qhawekazi
Director/Writer/Producer: Minizobuhle Mmango
Producer: Nomgqibelo Tyumre
Country of Origin: South Africa
Synopsis:
Qhawekazi is a short visual film which embraces the beautifulness of a woman. The film is inspired by the sublime aspects of a woman’s gorgeousness regardless of the skin, scars, body, and any other woman’s physical appearances. The film is the voice to all the women
who are silently struggling and battling with their physical characteristics. Qhawekazi, which means an African Queen in Xhosa embodies the character of a woman who is unapologetically fearless, strong, bold, and confident.
Through My Eyes
Director/Writer: Peter Lilly
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Synopsis:
A short drama piece about one mans story, his daily battle with suicidal thoughts, and how he ends up managing them, and pulling through.
What You Need
Director/Writer/Producer: Rudi Cunningham
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Synopsis:
Elliot, a young man, grapples with his sexuality and seeks comfort in his friend Rob. After a night out in the town, Elliot accommodates Rob, welcoming him into his home and making drinks for them. Elliot's eyes are fixated on Rob's blue painted nails. Rob catches Elliot's stare and offers to paint his nails for him. Hesitant at first, Elliot gives in and lets Rob take his hand. Rob carefully paints Elliot’s fingernail, as Elliot admires Rob.
Psychoco
Director/Writer/Producer: Agnė Daniūnaitė
Writer: Cal Kočura
Country of Origin: Lithuania
Synopsis:
Sexual assault is still a huge problem in our society. If someone dares to disagree, we dare to call them a fool.
Psychoco tells us a story about a young girl Eleonora, who starts falling in love with Oliver - confident and admired by everyone. She has a dream to sing on stage with her instrument Ukulele, but fear gets the better of her.
Sad Lads
Director/Writer: Liam Donohoe Dunne
Producer: Darragh Martin Lee
Country of Origin: Ireland
Synopsis:
2 friends, Malcolm and Adam, are forced to visit their suicidal classmate
The Ballad of the Last Cowboy
Director/Writer: Barbara Tupova
Country of Origin: United States
Synopsis:
A young man devoted to the ideals of the Old West navigates modern life dressed as a cowboy, blending cinematic fantasy with reality. His quirky self-image leads to comedic missteps, but a quiet moment reveals a deeper, emotional connection to his past and the source of his enduring passion.
Hunting Fireflies
Director/Writer: Renato Santana
Producer: RENATSXZ
Country of Origin: Brazil
Synopsis:
52 people presents: "The Invention of Dreams". The behavior of people in front of the camera in an unusual environment, with a chosen song
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.