Thank you to all the filmmakers who participated in the 2026 Lift-Off Sessions Volume 3!
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.
Lift-Off Sessions is designed to be the entry into the Lift-Off Global Network. A platform for the avant-garde, 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
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Director/Writer: Tran Quynh Cu
Producer: Luong Linh
Country of Origin: Vietnam
Synopsis:
A young wealthy woman with Narcissistic Personality Disorder lives a lonely life, obsessed with work and achievement yet never feeling truly recognized. In her mind, different versions of herself exist to comfort, love, and judge one another. When these personalities begin to clash, she is forced to face what she truly wants - and finally becomes honest with herself.
Audience Choice Winners
Road Kill
Director/Writer/Producer:Kieran Johnston
Producers: Martin W Payne, Peter Tilley
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Synopsis:
A car, a driver, a lone hitchhiker, two secrets, and a journey that can only end in death.”
Kamikaze Zombie Carnage
Director/Writer/Producer: Nicholas Weed
Director: Alan Smithee
Writer: Franz Liebkind
Producers: Max Bialystock, Leo Bloom
Country of Origin: United States
Synopsis:
When you thought the Nazi Zombie menace was over, KAMIKAZE ZOMBIE CARNAGE! American Marine Raiders explore a South Pacific Island in search of a hidden Japanese Air Base during August 1945. And, must fight off an offensive of Axis Undead Super-Soldiers, and Witch-Doctor Island Head-Hunters, during the end of the Second World War. See the HORROR in the skies over the Pacific! Super Pilots who do not fear Death!
A Dawn to Live in
Director/Writer/Producer: Raúl Carvajal
Producers: Sebastián Dussin, Aura Xilonen
Country of Origin: Mexico
Synopsis:
The story follows the family of Virginia, a nurse who brings her teenage sons to their father's private school to be safe during the lockdown. This also functions as a pretext for Virginia to get close to her ex-husband, Pablo, who has been living at the school for some time. Once inside, each son smuggles in his girlfriend without the adults' consent, unaware of the intimate secrets that will come to light and change everyone's fate.
Stells
Director/Writer/Producer: Cal Moloney
Country of Origin: Ireland
Synopsis:
The fate of the controversial establishment Bunny Smiles Incorporated lies in the hands of one facility caretaker. A Walten fan-film based on the hit series "The Walten Files" created by Martin Paredes. We see the true nature behind why Bunny Smiles Incorporated plan to relocate the franchise's lead establishment "Bon’s Burgers".
ALONENESS
Director/Writer/Producer: Willow Ann Richardson
Producer: Curtis Clark
Country of Origin: United States
Synopsis:
An angst ridden 18 year old reunites with is childhood (and only) friend, all whilst dealing with sudden cryptic thoughts and dreams.
LOVE MAR NURSE DOLL - The End of the Line
Director/Writer/Producer: Alex Es
Country of Origin: Denmark
Synopsis:
LOVE MAR NURSE DOLL is a haunting descent into a world of industrial dissonance. The story follows the terrified child's journey through a Victorian-inspired nightmare of gears and glass. Guided by a Nurse Doll whose maternal warmth is as artificial as her glowing red eyes, the child is presented to Dr. Augenstein for "final touch" adjustments.
Wild Bear
Director/Writer: James Hastings
Producer: Emma Jane Gray
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Synopsis:
A recluse man, embodying the characteristics of a wild bear, fears loneliness in the wilderness. As soon as love comes his way, the threat of deforestation and human destruction destroys his hope for survival.
Covid Killer
Director: Franca Ikoko
Writers: Patrick Nnamani, Precious Fejiro Ilaya
Producer: Marian Ayim
Country of Origin: Nigeria
Synopsis:
The film follows Kennedy, a tired and emotionally broken man caring for his terminally ill wife, Kate, during a pandemic. Overwhelmed by medical bills, exhaustion, and fear, Kennedy is pressured by his friend George to end Kate’s life and disguise it as a COVID-19 death
Today is Yours! (Hoje é Teu!)
Director/Writer/Producer: Luiz Alberto Cassol
Producers: Ricardo Paim, Patrícia Garcia
Country of Origin: Brazil
Synopsis:
Eleonora and Cláudia transform silence into a liberating act.
Pilgrim Lives
Director: Luiz Alberto Cassol
Director/Writer/Producer: Natália Pimentel
Director: Fredericco Restori
Writer/Producer: Arlene Lopes
Country of Origin: Brazil
Synopsis:
A meeting between music and the invisible stories of homeless people.
Terrarium
Director: Până
Country of Origin: Romania
Synopsis:
In a quiet room, a terrarium becomes a small, breathing universe. Lizards crawl over sand, wood, and stone, guided by pure instinct inside a carefully built world. Through intimate, poetic close-ups, the film explores the contrast between controlled space and untamed nature — a wild spirit living within boundaries.
THE BEEP
Director/Writer/Producer: Madelyn Tuns
Country of Origin: Canada
Synopsis:
A young man responds to a voice message from his ex.
B32
Director/Writer: Davide Piol
Producers: Alessandra Micheli, Andrea Roda
Country of Origin: Italy
Synopsis:
A woman goes through her daily habits until her daughter’s arrival questions the reality around her.
LUNA
Director/Writer/Producer: Richard Kovacs
Producer: Mahil Kotadoo
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Synopsis:
Luna Hope, a designer and painter obsessed with the night, paints her obsession at the edge of the town, until she discovers her paintings appear in mysterious poems.
Cold Dumplings
Director: YUETONG LIU
Writers: JINGJIU LI, XIAHUIZI LU
Producer: YOORIM SHON
Country of Origin: Malaysia
Synopsis:
Aging dumpling shop owner Lin Xiuqin is forced to close her shop after falling ill. When her selfish son visits—not for love, but for inheritance, she must confront years of being ignored, dismissed, and emotionally abandoned by her own son. In a kitchen filled with steam and silence, a plate of dumplings becomes her final act of love.
Familiar Strangers
Director/Writer: Rob Griffiths
Writers: Raife Barber, Sylvie Symons
Producer: Raife Barber
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Synopsis:
One day in 1996 a female priest and male escort get trapped inside a hotel room after a serious misunderstanding. They start as enemies but end as friends when they realise although they have very different carers they have very similar beliefs.
Lift-Off Season Awards #17
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.