Thank you to all the filmmakers who participated in the 2026 Lift-Off Sessions Volume 9!
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
Helena
Director/Writer: Gui Rodrigues
Country of Origin: Brazil
Synopsis:
After meeting at a party, Helena invites Matheus to her home. What seems to be the beginning of a night of intimacy hides a far darker intention.
Audience Choice Winners
Happy Birthday
Director/Writer: Julieta Belen Martinez Oliveri
Producer: Agustin Gonzalo Concha
Country of Origin: Argentina
Synopsis:
On his birthday, Andrés wishes to see his best friend Lucas, who died some time ago. Against all odds, Lucas returns. But what seemed like a miracle soon turns into a nightmare when Andrés discovers that what has returned is no longer human.
Ways That I Have Died
Director/Writer/Producer: Jessie Irvin Rose
Producer: Mika Ogai
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Synopsis:
A life told through deaths, based on a prose poem.
Barcelona La Boqueria
Director: Mitch Teitelbaum
Producer: Honey Grace Rodriguez
Country of Origin: Spain, United States
Synopsis:
Join award-winning TV host Joanna Petriccione as she takes you through Barcelona and the famous La Boqueria market.
Casa Battlo
Director: Mitch Teitelbaum
Country of Origin: Spain, United States
Synopsis:
Jordan award-winning TV House, Joanna Petriccione as she explores Casa Battlo in the heart of Barcelona.
Arco Del Trunfo
DirectorMitch Teitelbaum
Producer: Honey Grace Rodriguez
Country of Origin: Brazil
Synopsis:
Take a journey inside beautiful Barcelona into the Arco Del Tranfo with award-winning host Joanna Petriccione.
Welcome to Tokyo
Director/Producer/Producer: Yomo B. John
Country of Origin: Trinidad and Tobago
Synopsis:
Welcome now to totally terrific Tokyo!
We Buy Souls
Director: Rohit Relan
Writer/Producer: Aisha Kumari
Producers: Araceli Rubalcava, Abs Partha
Country of Origin: United States
Synopsis:
Chiwa and Bradley: a nice, vanilla couple. Chiwa wants more out of her relationship, but guilt holds her back - then one day, she sees a 'We Buy Souls' sign. Can this be the answer she's looking for?
THE APE OF GOD
Director/Writer/Producer: Jason Ziad Saikaly
Country of Origin: Lebanon
Synopsis:
A happening that connects perspectives of lost souls discovering a mysterious chain of voyeurism and obsession, that leads them to encounter the devil.
I Hate My Invisalign
Director/Writer: Michèle El Khoury
Writers: María José Chaud, Abraham Pérez
Producers: Daniel Colom del Arco, Armando Alcalá Durán
Country of Origin: Spain
Synopsis:
On her 24th birthday, Sofia's obssessive frustration with her Invisalign retainers sends a night out with her two best friends into complete chaos.
RANSOM The Twist of Deception
Director/Writer/Producer: Gaspar Tiro
Country of Origin: Philippines
Synopsis:
A twisted life of events for the Father and Daughter who got messed up with Political Gangsters
He Always Starts With the Right Hand
Director/Writer: Maia Ace Weisell, Jack Maxwell
Producer: Lucero Less
Country of Origin: United States
Synopsis:
Two students make a documentary about a serial killer.
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.