A massive thank you to everyone who participated in the Los Angeles Lift-Off Film Festival 2020. It's been absolutely fantastic having so many filmmakers involved and seeing the global support for true indie film...
The judges' votes have been counted and added to the audience's feedback. Huge congratulations to the filmmakers who screened with us! A special well done to the following films...
Festival Winners
Best Short Film
(next screening with Lift-Off in Los Angeles 2021)
Northern Light
Dir. Fanny Lecendre
Synopsis: Alex and Hugo meet on the anniversary of their father's death to reconnect with each other, on a journey with the elements of the Northern French coast.
Best Short Film
(next screening with Lift-Off in Los Angeles 2021)
PROXY
Dir. Sophia Banks
Synopsis: Proxy is a sci-fi drama short set in the not too distant future. In a world where people hire ‘Proxys’- humans trained in the fine art of ’standing in’ for a lost loved one, a family member that has passed, a husband or wife that left, or an estranged daughter or son- Victoria (Emma Booth) tries to navigate the life of being one of the highest in demand proxies in the city while at the same time struggling with her own demons. This short explores the delicate state that is the human condition and the attempt to find succor in a time where ‘rent-a-humans’ abound.
Season Award Nominations
The Lift-Off Season Awards is an annual event which celebrates the very best of indie film. Following each Lift-Off film festival, films which have excelled in their respective category are nominated and invited to attend the prestigious Lift-Off Season Awards, culminating at the end of the Lift-Off season. Click here for more information about the Lift-Off Season Awards.
- Tommy Emmanuel: The Endless Road
Dir. Jeremy Dylan Potts
Synopsis: From the Australian outback to Music City USA, a child guitar prodigy dedicates his life to become the world’s greatest acoustic guitarist, even as revelations of dark family secrets send him into a battle with addiction that threatens to destroy his career, his family and his life.
Nominated for Best Feature Documentary
BUNKERS
Dir. Oliver Ryan Anderson
Synopsis: After finding an ancient golf course in the jungles of San Francisco, the worst golfer of the year, Starlo Von Sourdough, discovers he can recover the treasure of eternal life during the Covid-19 global pandemic. But first he’s got to learn the rules of golf…and in particular…Bunkers.
Nominated for Best Animation
TOM and his Computer “Future Ruins”
Dir. Martin Garde Abildgaard
Synopsis: A story about love, life and death./em>
Nominated for Best Music Video
Appetite
Dirs. Xuemeng Li, Katrin Larissa Kasper
Synopsis: Steph is a predatory dater. She always insists on paying. When a large bill arrives, she’s nowhere to be seen, for Steph is a serial dine-and-dasher. Wearing elaborate guises, she believes she can slip away from the table and not suffer the consequences. But everyone has to pay the bill in the end.
Nominated for Best First-Time Film
Audience Chioce
The Audience Choice award is given to the filmmakers whose film received the most votes during the festival. The filmmakers will be invited to join us on the Lift-Off YouTube channel for a directors commentary roundtable. Join in the conversation as we delve deeper into each film. This event is LIVE and due to take place on Thursday 8th October.
Viral
Dir. Kevin Welbeck
Synopsis: Quincy has been finding it difficult to cope with the death of his younger brother, who was wrongfully shot and killed by a police officer. When the officer is acquitted of all charges, he loses the little hope he had left in the justice system and in himself. As Quincy is pushed to face his emotions and navigate his new reality, he is presented with an opportunity to take matters into his own hands to try and give his brother the justice he deserves.
In My Head
Dir. Charlie G
Synopsis: In My Head is a spoken word short film that looks into the mind of poet Jason David Frank. A look into personality disorders and what would happen if you could confront all the characteristics that make up your personality..
(strictly) Taipei Jesus
Dir. John Redlinger
Synopsis: Washed-up writer Roy Frankel sees his dreams dashed when three boneheaded Hollywood executives hijack his biblical adaptation, "The Gospel of Matthew," and turn it into an 'edgier' holy reboot called "Taipei Jesus." Notions of religion, race, gender, and art all collide in a blistering not-so-satire that culminates in the trailer for "Taipei Jesus."
Sam & Emma
Dir. Vanessa Leigh
Synopsis: When their love wanes after a miscarriage, two heartbroken women try to piece together their relationship, highlighting the hardship and dysfunction that can arise from trauma and grief.