Thank you to all the filmmakers who participated in the 2026 Lift-Off Sessions Volume 7!

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!

VIGIL

Director/Writer: Joshua Spear
Writer: Oliver Turner
Producer: Fares Yusuf
Country of Origin: United Kingdom

Synopsis:
Driven by his grief and obsession. Detective Wayne has spent years searching for the truth of the mysterious murder of his fiancée Bella. As he gets a better grasp of the information he has collected over this time, it sends him down a rabbit whole where it has him questioning himself and where the case leads him. Wayne may not like what he finds out.

UNHATCHED

Director/Writer/Producer: Tyler Gayle
Country of Origin: United Kingdom

Synopsis:
A woman living alone receives a mysterious Easter gift filled with golden eggs. What begins as a strange but harmless surprise quickly turns into something else. Her home shifts around her—rooms feel wrong, and she becomes aware she is not alone.

Never looked up

Director/Producer: Andy Cory
Director/Writer: Joe Powell
Producers: Francesca Jex, TAF productions Ltd
Country of Origin: United Kingdom

Synopsis:
A man who had it all lose’s himself to the dark thoughts of his mind. Set on ending it all comes across someone who showed him there is a reason to live again and he can overcome all his demons.

Well Of The Underworld

Director/Writer/Producer: Emily Leeds
Country of Origin: United States

Synopsis:
A mother’s child is kidnapped by the king of the underworld. To save her baby, can she survive hell and back?

The Basilica La Sagrada Familia

Director: Mitchell Teitelbaum
Producer: Honey Grace Rodriguez
Country of Origin: Spain, United States

Synopsis:
This is an inside look into Basílica La Sagrada Família in Barcelona. Join award winning Host Joanna Petriccione as she explores this amazing and historical site.

The Magical Frog

Director/Writer/Producer: Stephen Richards
Writer: Stephen Richards
Country of Origin: United States

Synopsis:
In an insane asylum, a magical frog appears to help a patient and his male psychiatrist accept their love for each other.

Lullaby

Director/Writer/Producer: Richard Alcorn, Josh Flowers
Writer: Scott Spaulding
Producer: Chris Lynch
Country of Origin: United States

Synopsis:
Morgan gleefully takes her mother captive and submits her to cruel and unusual acts. Morgan's mother may be a hostage but who is the real victim?

the bar

Director: Bernardo Naranjo
Producer: BNP Media
Country of Origin: Mexico

Synopsis:
A heartbreaking story that begins in 2019 with the Covid-19 pandemic and ends violently. The reality of a father's life, because of a gun, changed a policeman's life when it accidentally discharged.

Tapas Tour Barcelona

Director: Mitch Teitelbaum
Writer: Honey Grace Rodriguez
Country of Origin: Spain

Synopsis:
Join award winning TV Host Joanna Petriccione on a Tapas Tour in Barcelona

THE DREAM KILLER

Director/Producer: Okot Bill Clinton
Writer: Jack Daniel
Country of Origin: Uganda

Synopsis:
When a compassionate teacher notices one of his students struggling with hardships outside school, he steps in to offer guidance and support. What begins as an act of kindness slowly turns into emotional dependence, as the boundaries between teacher and student blur.
Under the illusion of care, the teacher exploits the student's vulnerability, leading to a devastating betrayal that shatters her trust and innocence. As she struggles to rebuild her life and expose the truth, The Dream Killer reveals how abuse can hide behind good intentions-and how confronting it becomes the only path to healing and justice.

The Stars Are Shining for Us

Director/Writer/Producer: Alexander Shestakov
Country of Origin: Belarus

Synopsis:
In a WWII frontline hospital, wounded soldier Misha and nurse Lida fall in love. Lida's mother forces him to leave. He survives the war and returns to her. The stars will bring them together again.

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.