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

Job Hunt

Director/Writer: Ray Huang
Producers: Jingyi Liu, Asher Weintraub
Country of Origin: United States
Genre: Shorts
Synopsis:
In an America hostile towards immigrants, an immigrant worker must resort to shady job openings to maintain his legal status. Finding himself in a dangerous job interview, he must decide whether a piece of paper is worth risking his life for.

Peachy Blunders

Director/Writer: John Richard Kay
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Genre: Shorts
Synopsis:
At the Fruitopia Air Show, Inspector Split and Sergeant Melba are on duty when the notorious Mascaroni pulls off a daring theft, hijacking the brand-new Meteor jet. Sergeant Melba launches a high-speed pursuit, determined to bring the pear-petrator to justice. Packed with humour, action, and airborne antics, this entertaining adventure is a solo production by John Kay

Remnant

Director/Writer: Derrek Angelo Visentin
Producer: Conflix
Country of Origin: Canada
Genre: Short

Synopsis:
During world war 1 two soldiers on opposite sides of the war get trapped in an abandoned farmhouse during a blizzard and must work together to survive despite their differences.

Baxter Hammond: P.I.

Director: Scott McCartney
Country of Origin: United Kingdom

Synopsis:
Baxter Hammond, a professional paranormal investigator specialising in cases of supernatural disturbance. With the assistance of his trainee, Danny, he deals with exorcisms, werewolves, vampires, and group therapy for his monstrous clientele. He approaches each situation with composure and professional detachment — a man fulfilling his duties with quiet conviction and little else.

Theatre Royal, Battersea Rise

Director/Writer/Producer: Tim Heath
Director: Tom Swash
Country of Origin: United Kingdom

Synopsis:
May 2020: two actors, one a student, the other semi-retired, face a life without theatre as Covid 19 shuts down their world.

DOWN THERE

Director/Writer/Producer: Jason Casas
Writer: Brenda Casas
Country of Origin: United States

Synopsis:
Chonki has just one chance to escape purgatory - do something right - and her time is running out. She encounters a poor soul who's been rejected by his family for his disability and must keep him from making a grave mistake that they will both regret.

You and Me makes Three

Director/Writer: Emmalie El Fadli
Writer/Producer: Hansof Waller
Producer: Sara Wilkins
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Drama,

Synopsis:
When Alannah finally decides she’s ready for a baby, she and her wife Amara dive headfirst into the wild world of sperm donors, DIY insemination, and awkward conversations, all while trying to keep their sanity (and dignity) intact.

A Bigfoot Christmas

Director/Writer: Kelly O'Connor
Country of Origin: United States
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Holiday, Animation

Synopsis:
Christine is a big city businesswoman dreading her trip home for the holidays, until she meets a handsome stranger... Bigfoot.

Apartment 666

Director/Writer: Joey Blanco
Writer: Natalie Divins
Producer: Alisha Advani
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Genre: Short

Synopsis:
Down and out Jamie frustrated with life and her ever present shit talking ex, is given a book by her friend Alex to make all of her problems go away. This book summons Dylan, a demon hired to smite anyone Jamie pleases. She takes advantage of the demon so much so that it’s as if they’re in a toxic relationship. Alex comes to collect his book but Jamie refuses to get rid of Dylan. She orders Dylan to smite Alex. The two humans end up ripping the book in half and Jamie is left alone once again.

The Writer

Directors/Writers: Austin Glasser, Luke Madenwald
Producer: Joey Horvitz
Country of Origin: United States
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Holiday, Animation

Synopsis:
Self isolated, a writer navigates the pressure of the film industry, family, and the looming presence of his father, only to lose himself to his ambitions.

The Couch

Director/Writer: Lara Kuijper
Producers: Damo Alexander, Karina Stephan
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Genre: Drama, comedy

Synopsis:
A strange journey through the suburbs of London - starring three childhood friends on the edge of a breakup, and a second hand couch.

I Was Younger Yesterday

Director/Producer: Tony Kelly
Writer: Sean Ryan
Producer: Lloyd Wadding
Country of Origin: Ireland
Genre: Comedy

Synopsis:
A middle-aged man’s attempt to feel young again spirals out of control, forcing him to confront the high cost of chasing youth - and the awkward reality that everyone else might be doing the same.

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.