Many thanks to everyone who participated in this year’s Manchester Lift-Off Film Festival. It was great to see so many filmmakers and film enthusiasts filling the screenings in support of both local and international indie films. The judges' votes have been counted and added to the audience's feedback. Huge congratulations to the filmmakers who screened with us, who all did themselves proud. All Manchester Lift-Off Film Festival winners will receive complimentary screenings at future Lift-Off Film Festivals. A special well done to the following films.
Photos from the event can be seen on the Manchester Lift-Off Facebook Page.
Festival Winners
Best Short Live Action Narrative
(next screening with Lift-Off in Los Angeles)
Boiling Point
Dir. Philip Barantini
Synopsis: During the busy run-up to Christmas, a single-take snapshot of the immense stress and skills of a talented head chef reveals that things are about to burst behind the restaurant’s flash façade.
Special Mentions
Special Mention
(next screening with Lift-Off in New York)
My Father the Matyr
Dir. Harris Alvi
Synopsis: A disowned ex-muslim travels back to his family home after hearing terrible news. However, things have changed in his family and in his home town.
Special Mention
(next screening with Lift-Off in New York)
Herringbone
Dir. Gene Du Plessis
Synopsis: A young imprisoned woman subjugated to unspeakable cruelty discovers the chilling truth that humanity is at the root of her suffering- and perhaps her salvation.
Online Winners
Yet to be announced...
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.
Boiling Point
Dir. Philip Barantini
Synopsis: During the busy run-up to Christmas, a single-take snapshot of the immense stress and skills of a talented head chef reveals that things are about to burst behind the restaurant’s flash façade.
Nominated for Best Acting Ensemble
Buddy Goes to Nollywood
Dir. Michael Lebor
Synopsis: Buddy Munro, entertainer, explorer, comedian and actor, goes to Africa for the first time to change the fortunes of his career. After struggling for 23 years trying to break into the UK's entertainment industry, with just enough money to stay in Nigeria for ten days, he packs a small bag and heads off to Lagos to chase his dreams of being on the silver screen. In the enormous but little-known Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, he finds many kindred spirits who share his humour and support his adventure. Spurred on by childhood tragedy, Buddy is desperate to succeed and makes remarkable inroads into the heart of the industry, but does he find happiness and success?
Nominated for Best Feature Documentary
