Thank you to all the filmmakers who participated in the February 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 Mirror
Director/Writer/Producer: Claudio Pizzati
Country of Origin: Italy
Synopsis:
A solitary young man becomes obsessed with his reflection in the mirror, fixating compulsively on perfecting his hair. In a desperate attempt to meet societal expectations, his need for acceptance ultimately becomes a barrier, distancing him from others. After a brief moment of relief, which momentarily distracts him from his obsession with appearances, Oscar is tested. Yet, his deep discomfort prevents him from fitting into the situation. His frantic attempt to control his self-image exposes his inner turmoil and highlights the overwhelming, merciless power of society.
Season Award #16 Shortlist
Audience Choice Winners
The Boathouse
Director/Writer/Producer: Yasmin Griffin
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Synopsis:
Rowers push themselves both physically and mentally to reach the top, often to breaking point. Follow Orla and Laura through the final three regattas of the rowing calendar to get a glimpse into life as a female athlete. In such a male dominated sport, why do they push themselves through the pain?
Argüeso Castle: Culture, tradition and modernity
Director: Richard Zubelzu
Writer/Producer: Magda Calabrese
Country of Origin: Spain
Synopsis:
This feature-length documentary traces the history of Argüeso Castle, the emblem and fortress of the lordship of the House of La Vega-Mendoza in the highlands of Campoo, the most outstanding and oldest example of a rock castle in Cantabria, from its origins in the Middle Ages to the 21st century, when this unique medieval fortification functions as a tourist-cultural centre. Politicians, historians, restorers, anthropologists and other experts on the history and history of this emblematic fortress have participated in the film.
Ely's Freedom
Director/Writer/Producer: Watchara Nuampha Chiri
Country of Origin: Italy
Synopsis:
Ely is a 13-year-old girl with extraordinary powers that have made her a target for a mysterious secret organization. Raised in a sheltered environment, she discovered her abilities in an unexpected way, attracting the attention of those who wish to exploit them. Determined not to be captured, Ely begins an adventure to escape her persecutors, facing challenges and discovering new allies along the way. Her determination and desire for freedom will lead her to explore the world as she tries to understand the true nature of her powers and why she is so important to the organization.
Abuelo, ¿te acuerdas cuando mozuelo?
Director/Writer/Producer: Mario Eneas Salguero
Country of Origin: Spain
Synopsis:
Los años pasados y al final de la vida, sólo somos recuerdos. Un abuelo conversa con su nieta sobre los momentos más importantes de su vida. El abuelo responde las incesantes preguntas de la joven, mientras viaja con sus respuestas rememorando las reminiscencias que habitan en su mente.
Don't worry
Director/Writer: Theodoro Traina
Country of Origin: Brazil
Synopsis:
Marco is not happy with the direction his life is going and after years of oppression, he plans a school shooting. Will his best friend, Davi, be able to stop him?
Fairfax
Director: Monica Ravalico
Country of Origin: Italy
Synopsis:
A song written by me in L.A.. The video has been played with a Samsung cellular, in Monfalcone (Italy), where I live.
Home run
Director/Writer: Julián Acosta Vera
Writer/Producer: María Andrea Ramírez Renero
Country of Origin: Mexico
Synopsis:
During a bad baseball practice a young woman is spied by a stalker and on her way back home she is unknowingly followed by him. Before sending an important homework the power goes out and she calls for a technician trying to restore it, unaware that the harasser is still lurking from outside.
Chlorine
Director/Writer/Producer: Stephan Boissonneault
Country of Origin: Canada
Synopsis:
As her mind begins piecing together a psychedelic and strange sequence of events, Laura, a pool cleaner, discovers a floating dead body. At first, she is indifferent to this discovery, but we soon learn of her and The Floating Man's connection to a cult, led by the charismatic Wyrmwood Mother.
Cinema for everyone
Director/Writer: Marcelo Miguel Maza Salas
Writer/Producer:Pedro Manuel Mendoza Quisp,Fabrizio Víctor Herbozo Gamarra
Country of Origin: Peru
Synopsis:
Cinema is an art that brings joy to millions of people around the world. However, it is difficult to create and produce, but there is an organization that teaches children how to make films so they can create the stories they dream of.
Lift-Off Season Awards #16
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.