A massive thank you to everyone who participated in the New York Lift-Off Film Festival 2022. It's been 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 particular well done to the following films...
Festival Winners
Best Film
(next screening with Lift-Off in London 2022)
Blue Morpho
Dir. Sarah Lopez
Synopsis: At nine years old, Milan has to face the death of his mother. Incapable of coping with the grief, he finds himself filled with sadness and anger. In between dreams and reality, he’s able to grasp what’s left of her in the many spaces and objects of the house.
Best Film
(next screening with Lift-Off in London 2022)
The Half You Hate
Dir. Alex Igbanoi
Synopsis: In the final rehearsal, Erica attempts to demonstrate she has what it takes to be an actress as she battles to get validation from a tough director.
Season Award Nominations
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 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.
Brothers By Choice
Dir. Gabriel Mattar
Synopsis:"A look within young men and women in the military. At the Brazilian military academy, Cadets are on their way to become Officials. The film illustrates few characters followed to dissect their process of growing up. It is a coming of age story that focuses on brotherhood, how the Cadets learn that together they are stronger. Dramatic, sensitive, stunningly photographed, and full of action. A predominantly visual approach to documentary."
Best Feature Documentary
Huazi and Cat
Dir. Wanrong Li
Synopsis: After returning to China for winter vacation, a visit to her grandpa with Huazi, an adopted stray cat, thrusts Renyan into all-is-lost panic which quiets down in the ambiguity of time as her allegorical journey continues.
Nominated for Best Art Direction
Blue Morpho
Dir. Sarah Lopez
Synopsis: At nine years old, Milan has to face the death of his mother. Incapable of coping with the grief, he finds himself filled with sadness and anger. In between dreams and reality, he’s able to grasp what’s left of her in the many spaces and objects of the house.
Nominated for Best Cinematography
Audience Choice
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.
Falling Up
Dir. Davis Cameron Chu
Synopsis: A college student struggles to accept his transition into adulthood, coping through various absurdist scenarios
The Boys Film
Dirs. Eric Durkin, Kevin Durkin
Synopsis: A film about two adopted twin boys who travel across from New Jersey to Portland, Oregon to visit their birth relatives for the first time.
Download My Heart In The Metaverse
Dir. Mo Rebec
Synopsis: It is the world's first music film based on the first global song about the Metaverse. The film takes the audience on a grand musical tour of the Metaverse. It's apart of the "Download My Heart" Series by, Hashtag Queens
Trespass Indwelling
Dirs. Naomi Chatel, Ronald Michael, Dwayne Williamson
Synopsis: Selene, a girl in her early 20’s, is prone to self sabotage. Her negative way of thinking manifests a darkness from her past that begins to haunt her. A darkness that only she can defeat.