Thank you to all the filmmakers who participated in the Lift-Off Sessions Volume 10!
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
Acquired Taste
Director/Writer: Landry Townsend
Writers: Sebastian Berry, Molly Jean Edwards
Producer: Soundstorm Management
Country of Origin: United States
Synopsis:
A suspenseful short story about a boy who is lost in the woods and trying to find his way home.
Season Award #16 Shortlist
Audience Choice Winners
TUNNEL
Director/Producer: ÖNER KILIÇ
Writer: MUSTAFA YAHYA COŞKUN
Country of Origin: Turkey
Synopsis:
THE TUNNEL: “How Many People Can a Tunnel Connect to Life?” Despite all the destruction, Ottoman and Turkish traces are most clearly visible in Europe. As an example of perseverance and determination, he led the country during the period leading to Bosnia-Herzegovina's independence. The tunnel connecting it to the world was built.
Kafka
Director/Writer/Producer: Riham El Zohery
Country of Origin: Egypt
Synopsis:
Kafka's love story with Milinia,based by letters to Milinia.
Wake Up ATL
Director/Producer: Greer Howard
Director/Writer/Producer: Heidi Rew
Country of Origin: United States
Synopsis:
At 60, beloved morning show host Debra Dawson is as sharp, stylish, and unstoppable as ever. But the world doesn’t see it that way. Bombarded by ageist comments and an industry that thrives on youth, Debra brushes off the noise—until the noise becomes deafening. On what seems like an ordinary broadcast day, she’s blindsided with the news: her show is being canceled.
I need something
Director/Writer/Producer: Ronald Pfisterer
Producers: Johannes Grenzfurtner, Günther Friesinger
Country of Origin: Austria
Synopsis:
„I need something“ is an intimate drama about an artist who suddenly loses his sense of purpose and falls into a spiral of obsession. A mysterious woman, seen by chance on a screen, begins to haunt his thoughts and seep into every aspect of his life. Her presence becomes both an inspiration and a curse, a force that robs him of peace and drives him to the edge of madness.
I Remember
Director: Joey Thurmond
Writer: Haydon Brandon
Producer: Ford Smith
Country of Origin: United States
Synopsis:
As told through the voice of a man but through the eyes of a child, a recollection of the horrors of a tragic, criminal night that left a family fatherless and the ironic turn of events that lead to their survival.
The Audition
Director/Writer: Susan Daniel
Country of Origin: Australia
Synopsis:
An Actress taps into uncharted memories for a chance to star in a major motion picture.
NotWithStanding
Director/Writer: Cris Castro
Producer: Edward Castro
Country of Origin: United States
Synopsis:
A death in the family ignites old memories for Adrian, overwhelming him with guilt. He falls back into old habits as he attempts to let go of the past and accept the man he has become.
Rose
Director/Writer/Producer: Susan Daniel
Country of Origin: Australia
Trevor
Director/Writer/Producer: Benjamin Leonard Canning
Producer: Carly Michelle Ross
Country of Origin: Australia
Synopsis:
After being kicked out of the Army for being racist, sexist, homophobic and violent, Trevor needs to find a source of income.
Echo
Director/Writer/Producer: Davide Arduca
Country of Origin: Italy
Synopsis:
Nataša is a young Russian girl studying in Rome, where she meets the love of her life. She soon returns to her grandmother's home, in Yakutsk,
a place of memories and farewells.
Rendez-Vous
Director/Writer: Eléa Bravard
Producer: e-artsup
Country of Origin: France
Synopsis:
Valentin, a young man in his twenties goes on a first date but his shyness personified in a creature nammed Shy will try to stop him in his seduction mission.
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.