Thank you to all the filmmakers who participated in the First-Time Filmmaker Sessions Volume 2!
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
Dreamcatcher
Director: Sebastian Iglesias
Writer: Joseph Sadler
Producer: Ria Rachel Mathews
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Synopsis:
After years of struggling as a filmmaker, Frank receives an unusual gift. A device capable of transforming his dream into full-fledged movies. Faced with pressure from a relentless producer as well as his own wife, Frank has to question how far he's willing to go in his pursuit for success.
Season Award #16 Shortlist: Best First-Time Filmmaker
Audience Choice Winners
SEPHORA
Writer: José Jorge Aparecido Van Damme
Producer: Renata Freire Da Fonseca
Country of Origin: Brazil
Synopsis:
Jessica, uma jovem de classe média alta, vive sozinha em uma mansão desde que perdeu seus pais em um trágico acidente automobilístico há oito anos. Sua única companhia são os empregados da casa, especialmente Roberto, o segurança e motorista da família, que nutre um amor platônico por ela, embora ele próprio não compreenda completamente esses sentimentos. Jessica também tem uma amiga inseparável, Patricia, que frequentemente a acompanha.
Unexpected Faith
Director/Writer/Producer: Brian Warzocha
Country of Origin: United States
Synopsis:
A young married couple is faced with some difficult decisions that will have a big impact on their lives. With the support of their friends, they discover their faith and look to God to make the right decisions. The journey is not easy, and sometimes there are more questions than answers. But that's why we have faith. Both will have to learn what God wants from us and that he has a plan for everyone.
Circle of Fire
Director: Carlos Leos
Writer: Amard Efil
Producer: 3Wize Media
Country of Origin: United States
Synopsis:
Circle of Fire is a groundbreaking, feature-film-styled anthology series that brings to life the harrowing true stories of survivors of childhood abuse, assault, and neglect. Drawing directly from victims’ own words, interviews, and court transcripts, each episode dramatizes the deeply personal journeys of those who have lived through unspeakable trauma. The series begins with the story of Jasmine—tracing her painful childhood, the lasting scars into her adolescence, and her ultimate path to healing—and then expands to reveal the interconnected lives of her siblings, family members, and even the abuser, Tony.
The Black Raven
Director: El-Atroush
Country of Origin: Egypt
Synopsis:
Everyday, a young Raven has to face his dissatisfaction with his dark gloomy feathers and unappealing features.
One day as he stares back at his reflection in the water, he sees the most colorful and extravagant feathers wrap around his reflection.
THE BLUE HOUR - 2
Director/Producer: James CARATINI
Country of Origin: Réunion
Synopsis:
Aline Escalon, artist photographer, takes us into her underwater world in freediving to meet the blue and her model Aurelie
DHAKIRA
Director/Writer/Producer: Najla Barouni
Country of Origin: France
Synopsis:
In Varanasi, on the day of Diwali, Puran wakes up filled with joy and hope, ready to celebrate the Festival of Lights with his wife, who is pregnant with their first child. The narrow streets of the city come alive with lights and laughter as sacred rituals begin, symbols of prosperity and renewal. But on what was meant to be the happiest day of his life, a cruel twist of fate strikes, turning the celebration into tragedy.
A Taste of Fate
Director/Writer: Darren Harkin
Country of Origin: Ireland
Synopsis:
In "A Taste of Fate," hungry Callum glances at a takeaway leaflet, leading to a mix-up where he mistakenly requests a vodka and coke in his food order. Fiona, the takeaway operator, confusingly plays along, creating an amusingly perplexing exchange between the two characters.
The Last Dance
Director/Writer/Producer: Marina Dumont
Producers:Eliana Ferraz,Vinicius Ortiz
Country of Origin: Brazil
Synopsis:
Inspired by the works of Edward Hopper, The Last Dance tells the story of Samantha's journey through grief after the death of her husband. Trapped in a house filled with memories, she relives happy moments as reality and fantasy blend together, culminating in a solitary dance that reflects the weight of lost love and the pain of absence.
expp
Director/Producer: Koda Jouvet
Country of Origin: United States
Synopsis:
EXPP is a thought-provoking short film that explores the boundaries of perception, reality, and self-discovery. Through striking visuals and evocative narration, the film follows two characters who embark on a journey of personal exploration, using art as a vehicle to confront and understand their sexuality. As they navigate the complexities of identity, they challenge conventional ideas of truth and self-expression. The film becomes a mesmerizing journey into the unknown, where creativity becomes a powerful tool for unraveling the depths of their desires and truths.
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.