Thank you to all the filmmakers who participated in the February edition of the Lift-Off Sessions Volume 1!
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
Miau Mau
Director/Writer/Producer: Luisa Bel Cardoso Head
Country of Origin: Brazil
Synopsis:
Chaos ensues when a cat is left home alone for a few hours.
Season Award #16 Shortlist
Audience Choice Winners
HBCU Sports Life ft. Clark Atlanta University
Director/Writer/Producer: Shareef Malik Jones
Producers: Antoinette Dormer,Shih L Kang
Country of Origin: United States
Synopsis:
"HBCU Sports Life" delves into the lives of CAU student athletes, uncovering the struggles and triumphs that shape their identities and futures through sports.
K. The Butcher Shitter
Director/Writer/Producer: Alex Wesley
Producers: Philip Brocklehurst,Olga Gramer,Tatyana Gramer,Harry Collins,Nicolas Beaudeux,Steve Hilgenberg,Matt Huls,Christophe Mercier,Steve Thomas
Country of Origin: Russian Federation
Synopsis:
The son of the notorious serial killer Karl the Butcher continues his father's work.
The Last Teaching
Director: Elio Hugo Caprin Dal Sasso
Writer: Federico Andres Gencarelli
Producer: Federico Andres Gencarelli
Country of Origin: Argentina
Synopsis:
In a world where pain and loneliness are intertwined, Dante, a 9-year-old boy, finds himself isolated in his room, far from the outside world. His only company is the brief moments he shares with his grandmother and his neighbor, while his life passes between the darkness of his bed and the contemplation of his garden through the window. However, in the refuge of his dreams, he meets an enigmatic character who has learned to navigate the consciences of sad children. Through his guide, Dante will embark on an emotional journey that will lead him to confront his suffering and discover the magic that can restore joy and hope. The connection between melancholy and creativity becomes the path to redemption.
Short Stories by Meto
Director/Writer/Producer: Metin Arpacı
Country of Origin: Turkey
Synopsis:
Meto had no passion for cinema at one time. One day he discovered Tarkovsky. Like Nuri Bilge, he set out to find a way for himself by starting from his family. For this purpose, he started from his family and entered the cinema as an amateur. He pursued an experimental effort in his own way. Finally, he thought about the meaning of what he discovered and revealed, and gradually a distance formed between him and the things he did. His inability to enjoy the films he made and his inability to dive into the game of life wore him out. He could not succeed in becoming an actor by constantly observing. These stories are the first trouble of this crazy struggle.
Doll
Director/Writer/Producer: Fabio Mascia
Country of Origin: Italy
Synopsis:
Rosa attraverso il suo cellulare scopre di essere perseguitata da qualcosa.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?
Don't Do It
Director/Writer: Francesco Ruvolo
Producers: Ruvolo Brothers
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Synopsis:
He has this thing that he loves to do. His girlfriend begs him not to do it when he meets her parents for the first time. The question is...will he do it?
WHAT STAYS
Director/Writer/Producer: Jantoine Kaelin
Producer: Mack Stannard
Country of Origin: Switzerland
Synopsis:
A man mourns in his own way at the beach.
Bay for Blood
Director/Writer/Producer: Harry Waldman
Country of Origin: United States
Synopsis:
James and Rob are hiding out in isolation to fix their mutual issues. As time progresses, the two reveal facts regarding their disturbing past relationship. An acquaintance of James', Jessica, finds herself in an uncomfortable position as she contemplates the best way to handle the situation.
Mystic Shadows
Director: Rob Winward
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Synopsis:
A hooded figure darted silently through shadowy trees.
Art & Culture" The Murals of Sanford NC - Part 1
Director: Rob Winward
Country of Origin: United States
Synopsis:
This documentary explores the rich history and vibrant culture of Sanford, NC, as depicted through its stunning murals. Our journey takes us beyond mere observation; we engage in in-depth research and conversations with local artists and community members to uncover the compelling stories behind these works of art. Join us as we delve into the narratives that shape Sanford's identity through its murals.
A Real Estate Agent with No Place To Live
Director/Writer/Producer: Filipe Amorim
Country of Origin: Portugal
Synopsis:
This mockumentary explores the out of touch world of Real Estate agencies while following Sérgio Pinto, a wannabe agent who can't afford rent and who's goal is not to sell houses, but having a roof to spend the night in.
The Burden
Director/Writer/Producer: Laura S. Ferradas
Country of Origin: Argentina
Synopsis:
The Burden is a poetic and philosophical short film that transforms the seemingly mundane journey of a single ant into a profound meditation on existence, mortality, and the connections between species. The narrative follows an ant tasked with carrying the body of its fallen comrade far from the colony, a ritual of survival that becomes a lens for examining the human condition.
The Galapagos Islands forever
Director/Writer/Producer: Michael Paul Eauslin
Country of Origin: United States
Synopsis:
A short documentary of some of the rare animals of the islands
Every@ne are better than me
Director: Liliana Ferreira
Country of Origin: Portugal
Synopsis:
I did exactly the same pose, bought exactly the same clothes and the same shoes and, even so, they continue to be more beautiful and more valued than me... Is the problem with me?
Tschäggättä
Director/Writer: Alessia "Waterwall" Amari
Country of Origin: Italy
Synopsis:
Morgana Edelweiss has always been a good girl, but there are some calls that cannot remain unheeded - it is what she feels looking at the mountains of the quiet town of Monterra. Her mothers never allowed her to enter the woods. But now that Morgana has returned home for summer holidays, the call is too real and insistent not to resist: her mothers are at work and the mask dreamed since childhood calls her by name, inviting her to follow. What path will you take to follow your instincts? What do the mountains of Monterra hide?
《THIEF》
Director/Writer/Producer: Yu Xiao Hu
Country of Origin: China
Synopsis:
《Thief》 tells the story of a class in primary school, many students lost their pen, monitor Bai Yu was assigned by the teacher to catch the thief, he in the arrest process, suspected that his good friend is a thief, in the face of human contradiction and choice and power temptation, he gradually lost.
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.