Thank you to all the filmmakers who participated in the Lift-Off Sessions Volume 2!
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 Visitor
Director: Maddalena Cellerino
Writer: Gülçin Sahin
Producer: Rena Tokairin
Country of Origin: Germany
Synopsis:
The Visitor is a poignant drama that explores themes of social isolation, homoerotic tensions and addiction, delving into the complexities of human relationships and their inherent contradictions. Unlike conventional dramas, it presents a meditative and heartfelt exploration of belonging and the transformation of identity. The film offers a reflection on the quiet struggles we face, leaving audiences deeply moved by its authentic and relatable portrayal of life's most vulnerable yet trivial moments.
Season Award #16 Shortlist
Audience Choice Winners
The Trace Of Sound
Director/Writer/Producer: Emrah Ornek
Country of Origin: Turkey
Synopsis:
Music is an important indicator of society’s cultural life, while the instrument is the means of reproduction for the music. Phenomenons such as the development, transformation or remaining still of an instrument for thousands of years, constitute an important resource for societal/cultural development.
He's The Doctor
Director/Writer/Producer:Harry P Castros
Writers:Katherine Skopik,Kristen Thomas
Country of Origin: RUnited States
Synopsis:
He’s The Doctor is a spoof about making a movie.
The story follows the journey of The Doctor - a somewhat successful filmmaker striving to reach the pinnacle of his profession while being pilloried and vilified by extremist haters who want him cancelled for his avant-garde work. His supporters include a crusading attorney with strong connections and an old friend on Wall Street. They fight back against a right-wing extremist podcaster with a national presence whose sole purpose is to destroy The Doctor.
You Are Not Your House
Director/Writer: Robin Krause
Country of Origin: Germany
Synopsis:
After a grueling night shift that won't let him go, he is haunted by a faceless figure who takes him on a surreal journey deep into his own overgrown interior.
The Letter
Director: Dani Gadishaw
Writer/Producer: Novelette Gordon
Country of Origin: Canada
Synopsis:
A student leaves one final goodbye to her favourite Teacher.
S'erme solu
Director/Writer: Sebastiano Costa
Country of Origin: Italy
Synopsis:
A boy searches for signals from an undefined entity in space, struggling to keep himself from collapsing under the weight of his own ambition.
A View of the World
Director/Writer/Producer: amirala adili
Country of Origin: Islamic Republic of Iran
Synopsis:
This film is about the demolished ancient buildings in the city of Isfahan, as well as master architects and architectural decorations, and also archaeological excavations, which are accompanied by narratives.
Destructive Grief Festival Edition
Director/Writer/Producer: Jason Impey
Producer: Rachel Impey
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Synopsis:
A woman has to face her demons and overcome her grief of her recent tragic loss.
The Leap Beneath
Director/Writer/Producer: Roman Willi
Producer: Matteo Clarke
Country of Origin: Switzerland
Synopsis:
Narrated by Coyote Peterson, this film dives into the hidden world beneath the forest floor. Follow a springtail’s clumsy quest for food through a bustling ecosystem where mites, beetles, and other tiny creatures keep the forest alive.
Lilith
Directors/Writers: Dragica Čarna, Zvezdana Mlakar
Producer:Irenej Vid Bošnjak
Country of Origin: Slovenia
Synopsis:
Lilith is a poetry music video about the first woman that is hiding in every woman.
Earth
Director/Writer/Producer: kamal Ahmadpuri
Producer: Mohammad Mahmoudi
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.
Found My Mind
Director: Guilherme Santos Marques
Writer/Producer: Gabriel Cruz Bello
Country of Origin: Brazil
Synopsis:
Found My Mind is an emotional exploration of the inner journey and the struggle to rebuild one's identity, drawing the viewer into a reflection on the complexity of the human mind and the possibility of emotional rebirth.
My Voice in The World
Director/Writer/Producer: Junior Santti
Country of Origin: Brazil
Synopsis:
They only see us as pieces. So we're going to be troublemakers in this gigantic gear called the system.
SPEED, HEART, AND SOUL
Director/Writer/Producer: ORLANDO MENDES
Country of Origin: United States
Synopsis:
Nick, a 17-year-old race driver, has spent his life chasing speed, but now, the stakes are higher than ever. Haunted by the loss of his older brother in a Formula 1 crash and with his little sister trapped in an unbreakable coma, Nick is thrust into a race unlike any other—a race that isn’t just about winning but about facing his fears and rewriting destiny.
A.M. Curse
Director/Writer/Producer: Dylan Smith
Writer: Mia Delahunt
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Synopsis:
A woman is in rush as she believes she is late for work, on top of that everything that can go wrong... HAS!
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.