Thank you to all the filmmakers who participated in the August 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
Laundromance
Director/Writer/Producer: Reb Elizabeth Swandells
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Synopsis: Romantic. Dreamy. Steamy. When a lonely, eccentric woman, searching for love goes to turn on the washing machine; the wash finishes and they do too..
Season Award #15 Shortlist
Audience Choice Winners
Travelling through my mind
Director/Writer: Matthew Peter littlechild
Director: Sam Eadalani
Producer: Samantha Faye Griffiths
Country of Origin:United Kingdom
Synopsis:
A true life story of paranoia schizophrenia and a unique journey one man goes on during his illnesses. With voices in his head and illustrations as he travels and you can see the schizophrenia coming out in his face. The massive twist at the end will make the viewer sad and sorry for the main character as its an really emotional ending with an emotional rollercoster all the way through the movie. Schizophrenia is not talked about enough or there's lake of understanding in the world of the illness. This movie says it all from start to finish. With great scenery and great acting great editing this film will be a must watch
1/2 Psycho
Director/Writer/Producer: Abhay Raj Baral
Country of Origin: Nepal
Synopsis:
A guy convinced his best friend for visit Annapurna Base Camp Area from Kathmandu Nepal. He plans to kill his friend because of suspect affair over with his girlfriend and they travels.
Last Bloom
Director/Writer/Producer: Shandra Apondi
Country of Origin: Kenya
Synopsis:
In the heart of contemporary Nairobi, Kenya, "Last Bloom" delves into the lives of three young men, each with distinct passions but united by their shared reverence for nature. Their sanctuary lies in the tranquil embrace of Ngong' Hills, where they seek solace amidst the chaos of urban life.
(Wonderful) You
Director/Writer: Valerie Goriaeva
Producer: Giulia Sun
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Synopsis:
A musical romance about an encounter at a cafe that leads the protagonists to reminisce about their relationship and its breakdown
Broken Kids
Director/Writer/Producer: Diego Postigo
Producer: Mariano Mora
Country of Origin: Peru
Synopsis:
A group of friends, after the disappearance of a kid due to alcohol intoxication, embark on separate journeys to find him. Each friend finds themselves entangled in bizarre situations within the city in their quest to locate the missing kid.
Smog
Director/Writer:Kaswii Constant
Producer:Nyati Kodoro
Country of Origin: Kenya
Synopsis:
The air is toxic, hope is scarce, but will humanity fight back?? SMOG a chilling sci-fi thriller set in a future ravaged by pollution. witness humanity's desperate struggle for survival in a world on the brink.
Duel
Director/Writer/Producer: Al Johnson
Producer: Sam Grant
Country of Origin: United States
You Have My Heart
Director/Writer: Rik Langan
Producer: Alexander Butler
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Synopsis:
This Valentine's day Katherine's dream date has finally shown; for a once in a lifetime dinner.
Solo & Free: a self conscious journey
Director/Writer/Producer: CRISTIAN ELIAS
Writer: Anderson Lima
Country of Origin: Brazil
Synopsis:
Solo & Free: a self conscious journey, reveals the incredible saga of a young fighter against an invisible enemy - bronchitis, a persistent challenge since childhood.
Facing not only the fragility of his physical condition, but also the loneliness that comes with living in a city far from everything, he turns this combination into a source of strength.
Discovering in climbing not just a passion, but a path of self-discovery and overcoming.
Hole
Director/Writer/Producer: Amir Kamali
Country of Origin: Iran, Islamic Republic of
Synopsis:
A 28-year-old man discovers a hole in his wall while cleaning his room. Through this hole, he first sees himself staring at the wall, but then sees an evil version of himself. The hole reveals his past...
The Invasion
Director/Writer/Producer: Isaac Middleton
Country of Origin: Iran, Islamic Republic of
Synopsis:
Sabetha Seeks her niece and rallies what's left of her team.
Stuck in limbo
Director/Writer/Producer: Alexis Hernández Peña
Producers:Miguel Ángel Hernández Hernández,María De los Ángeles Peña Cardenas
Country of Origin: Mexico
Synopsis:
Christopher is a young man who is influenced by his friends to go to parties and drink alcohol, until everything gets out of control.
A deep journey into the cold truth of this social problem.
Delirium
Director/Writer/Producer: Alexis Hernández Peña
Producers:Miguel Ángel Hernández Hernández, María de Los Ángeles Peña Cardenas
Country of Origin: Mexico
Synopsis:
Sofia is diagnosed with schizophrenia as she stops taking medicine her perception of reality changes. Only what we can see and hear is real?
A different point of view on this problem.
Luminous Flux
Director: Mallory Laing
Country of Origin: United States
Synopsis:
"Luminous Flux" discovers their fascination and ability to shed and wield light.
Muted Symphony
Director/Writer/Producer: Loveday Vickers
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Synopsis:
A stop-motion animation that unravels the speculations surrounding the composer Ludwig van Beethoven’s deafness, which ultimately fuelled his ability to craft timeless and emotive musical masterpieces.
Portrait of a mute man
Director: Gabriella Sacco
Country of Origin: Italy
Synopsis:
The short film “Portrait of a mute man” follows the incessant flight of a fly within a classroom, its direction constantly changing and impossible to determine. Accompanied by a waltz soundtrack that mirrors the erratic movement, it reflects the speechlessness of a person who discovers they have nothing to say.
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.