manchester Lift-Off 2026

Network Round Features

Monday, 30th March – Sunday, 5th April 2026

Festival Programme

2. CHAIN

1. The King of Spades

Director/Writer/Producer// Matthew Fearney

Producer// Amy Cornforth

Country of Origin // United Kingdom

Synopsis // A semi-autobiographical film following 23-year-old Aaron as he returns to his hometown in the North-East of England for a weekend and reunites with his old best friend, John. Finding the latter in a state of isolated depression as he struggles to find purpose in adulthood, Aaron commits to trying to help.

2. FOXBODY

2. DEJA VU

Director/ Writer/Producer // Bedabrata Pain

Producers // Rajashik Tarafder, Sristy Agrawal
Country of Origin // United States
Synopsis // At a time when corporate power has made everyday life a veritable struggle for working people, comes the documentary “Déjà vu”. Framed against the backdrop of Indian farmers’ protests – the largest such mobilization in recent times – the movie chronicles voices that are rarely heard: small family farmers in the United States — oft-ignored and conveniently marginalized.

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2. CHAIN

3. Afraid of the Fear (Bang voor de Angst)

Director, Writer & Producer // Thomas Tobé

Country of Origin // Netherlands

Synopsis //  Afraid of the Fear stays with three people living with obsessive-compulsive disorder, remaining present as anxiety and rituals quietly take over their everyday lives. Without explanation or commentary, the film observes how fear shapes their relationships, choices, and sense of time — and how, in moments of love, new life, and unexpected change, they find fragile forms of courage and connection.

2. CHAIN

4. OoniLuwo; One Queen, Two Kings

Director // Jimoh Abiodun Olusegun

Writer // Oladimeji Aderinola Sodeke

Producer // Victoria Uzoechi-Adeniran
Country of Origin // Nigeria
Synopsis // “Ooni Luwo: One Queen, Two Kings” is a compelling exploration of the reign of Luwo, a powerful queen of the ancient kingdom of Ile-Ife. This play serves as an artistic excavation of a largely overlooked chapter in Yoruba history, shedding light on the remarkable contributions of a woman who once ruled one of the greatest Yoruba empires. Through thoughtful direction and captivating performances, the production unveils an important historical narrative that is often absent from mainstream discourse.

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