Thank you to all the filmmakers who participated in the April edition of the Lift-Off Sessions!
The festival platformed hundreds of films, each project worthy of recognition and celebration. We want to extend a giant thank you to everyone who took part and a special congratulations to all the incredible talent that went into making these projects.
Lift-Off Sessions is designed to be the entry into the Lift-Off Global Network. A platform for the avant-garde, Sessions isn't about selecting the 'best' or most 'commercial' projects; it is about providing a screening opportunity for everyone, connecting these new and emerging voices with new audiences. An option we hope highlights and educates each month!
Jury's Overall Winner
The Echoes of The Circle
Dir. Yui Pui Leung
Writers. Yu Ki Hung, Yui Pui Leung
Country of Origin: Hong Kong
Genre: Student, Short
Synopsis: The prisoner, known as number 3299, who has been trapped for 25 years, is suddenly informed that he will be released next month. However, he feels frightened about facing an unknown world. 3299 happens to encounter a newly graduated prison officer at this time. The officer's life appears to be smooth sailing but is also bound by the expectations of his family. These two individuals, facing similar predicaments, unintentionally influence each other.
Season Award #15 Shortlist: Best Short Live Action Narrative
Audience Choice Winners
Coming To Nigeria
Dirs. Simeon Henderson, Obi Emeka Joseph, Adekunle Adeosun sharp sharp
Country of Origin: Nigeria
Synopsis:
After kidnapping his former trainers 18 years old daughter, Sly is ready to face any danger to keep his revenge curse.
Staff Wanted
Dir. Boi
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Synopsis:
Interviews can sometimes be unpredictable, and Tims experience is a testament to this. Despite his expectations, the interview did not unfold as he had imagined.
Flashback
Dir/Writer. Francisco Sousa
Country of Origin: Portugal
Synopsis:
Eusébio, a resident of Vila Nova de Famalicão, is abandoned by his family in search of better living conditions in Lisbon. Alone between four ageing walls, Eusébio is forced to face ghosts from the past, struggling with an incurable and probably fatal longing.
I Can Fix It
Dir. Citlali Shani Vazquez Negra
Country of Origin: United States
Synopsis:
Roger wants to get his game control repaired but is met with an inept repairman.
Major Bummage
Dir. Eric Kaiser
Country of Origin: United States
Synopsis:
Two friends face off against the law in a tense low-speed car chase. The question is: who will come out on top?
Better Life
Dir. Kieran J Kavanagh
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Synopsis:
After a truly beautiful life begins to crack and falter, an emotionally crippled man, Ben Peterson finds himself recalling memories that he had not yet experienced. After his mind becomes over run with visions beyond his comprehension, tragedy strikes. Ben is left with no option other than to seek peace. When faced with his end, he comes across an extraordinary reality in which everything he knows, is a lie.
SNAPPED
Dir. Darshell Sanderfer
Country of Origin: United States
Synopsis:
As women we try to carry it all. But sometimes it gets to heavy and we break. Faith is a woman who carries the world on her shoulders while trying to live in world that is broken.
FAGHOUSE
Dir. Enzo Monzón
Country of Origin: Argentina
Synopsis:
Anjelica feels that death is near her, and decides to fake his funeral in a weird way, kind of
a rehearsal. Birdie, her human pet, supports her faithfully in every one of her spells.
Morning Star
Dir. Zara Balfour
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Synopsis:
Set in 1940s Malta, 'Morning Star' tells the magnetic true story of Christina, a British entertainer, and the fearless RAF pilot, Warby, whose love story unfolds amidst the impending darkness of World War Two.
Black Sun
Dir. Eric Lin
Country of Origin: Korea, Republic of
Synopsis:
Reporter Kim Joon-young is inexplicably accused of the murder of his informant and is wrongfully imprisoned. After he was released from prison, he was determined to find evidence to prove his innocence, but the truth he discovered made him fall into a more difficult choice.
Headless
Dir. Dibalok Karmakar
Country of Origin: United States
Synopsis:
"Headless" is a captivating and unconventional short experimental film that explores the hidden stories and diverse lives of people through the lens of their feet on the streets. The film unfolds in a series of interconnected vignettes, each capturing the rhythmic dance of individuals navigating the urban landscape.
Lift-Off Season Awards #15
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 short listed for a Season Awards Nomination. At the end of the year, once all the 12 city-based festival have taken place, the shortlisted nominated films are reviewed again by the jury and Official Nominations are designated. Click here for more information about the Lift-Off Season Awards.