About the project
Director Statement:
LIFT is raw and unpredictable. It screams to find itself in this world, like a newborn child whose mother's womb can no longer supply. It comes out of its own will to survive and live; its matter is uncontrollable, a creation of its self, it must be and it has to reach.
With the rapid development of technology and ride-sharing apps, we’ve created this unique film that works for a wide audience, with brand-in possibilities targeting many businesses. LIFT not only follows great examples of independent filmmaking, but also a proven concept that works well. This film was based on a no-budget concept that looks like a million dollar picture. It’s a great example how we can actualize our films using today’s technology Tangerine was shot entirely on iPhones to save on expensive cameras. It was made for $40K and grossed $701,837 in the US. Isn’t it also a great example how independent filmmakers can realize their films through today’s technology? Taxi Teheran! This film’s budget comprises of a cost of a camera set in the car, a taxi cab rental and some gas money! It grossed $321,642 in the US and $668,007 in Europe! A great way to make a film!
Synopsis: What would you do when your own conscience that goes by the name of Jimmy the trickster makes you earn money using a miraculous app called LIFT that sets you on an ethereal journey where you'll overcome your own ego, find true love and finally realize your dream?
The Director, Alexander Kaminer
Alexander Kaminer was born in Baku, Azerbaijan. After the national conflict, his parents fled to Israel where they settled as "new immigrants". There he graduated with a Mechanical Engineering degree and soon enough was dispatched to the military service. After demobilization, fortune played his way and he ended up in Los Angeles. In his early teen years Alexander thought about writing and even tried to write a novel. Only after he arrived in Los Angeles did he finally go back to it. While writing, he was very intrigued by the idea of characterization of his own heroes, began impersonating them and fell in love with the process. He studied with Jack Colvin (reporter Jack McGee in "The Incredible Hulk" television franchise) for six years and mastered the famous Michael Chekhov acting technique. You can catch him on LifeTime channel, in Patricia Cardoso's, "Lies in Plain Sight", "MacGyver", "The Brave", various commercials and theatre plays and a recurring character in HBO's acclaimed series Barry. In addition to his stage and film career, Alexander Kaminer is an accomplished voice over actor and a stuntman (SEAL Team). In 2017, with the help and vision of his wife, Katherine Lujan, Alexander formed his own movie company, Kaminer Studios. Its goal is to fuse quality art films with social issues of today. The company will concentrate on projects with a social-cultural orientation and address phenomena that reflects the essence of human existence. LIFT is the company's first feature length production and Alexander's debut as a director.
