Thank you to all the filmmakers who participated in the Lift-Off Sessions Volume 3!
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 Falling Flying/h4>
Director/Writer/Producer: Reza Ahmadyari Sanandaj
Country of Origin: Islamic Republic of Iran
Synopsis:
A young man finds himself in a strange place where people laugh and have fun. Someone approaches him and offers the young man an offer that he does not know what will happen.
Season Award #16 Shortlist
Audience Choice Winners
Briza
Director/Writer/Producer: Umberto Procopio
Director: Jack Lucas
Writers: Pasquale Rujo,Luca Secci
Producers:Luca Secci,Sofia Amato,Leo Scotti
Country of Origin: Italy
Synopsis:
Based on an unpublished story by the cartoonist Pasquale Rujo who investigates Turin at night and the life of crime hidden in its buildings, a story of revenge between old criminals, gambling and women looking for cold but close revenge in a city with a thousand faces.
Tragic
Director/Writer/Producer:Chris Mortensen
Producer: Bryon Kozaczka
Country of Origin: United States
Synopsis:
25 Years later 3 Stars from the 1980's try not to fade away as events from their past may interfere with their comeback.
A History of Film in Uganda
Director/Writer/Producer: Timothy Niwamanya
Producer: Goethe-Zentrum Kampala
Country of Origin: Uganda
Synopsis:
A History of Film in Uganda is a film essay/documentary that explores the history of filmmaking as a social, cultural and political practice from the country's early colonial period, through the decades, to the present.
Cat Sitter
Director/Writer: Ermeson Vieira Gondim
Country of Origin: Belgium
Synopsis:
"Cat Sitter" tells the story of Sole, a solitary 64-year-old immigrant living in Brussels, who works as a cat sitter. During a visit to a client's home, she has a dream where she chases a young woman. The dream sparks introspection and contemplation about her life, leaving viewers to ponder the deeper meanings behind her solitude and desires.
CHIMERA
Director/Writer: JOÃO MENEZES
Producers: TERESA MATOS,JUAN GARCIA,RICARDO MONHO,RITA SALVADO
Country of Origin: Portugal
Synopsis:
A woman has her sleep interrupted by something strange. Could it be a dream, madness or a terrible reality?
BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR
Director/Writer/Producer: Brianna Lee
Producer:Noah Barker
Country of Origin: United States
Synopsis:
A lonely young man resorts to dark measures to find love, and the consequences are pure evil.
"The Little King"
Director/Writer: ROMULO CORREA
Producer: Renata Garcia
Country of Origin: Brazil
Synopsis:
Maria, a transgender woman with a physical disability, lives in a modest house in the heart of the Cerrado region of Minas Gerais. She dedicates herself entirely to raising her nephew, Zezinho, who was abandoned by his parents at birth. Through a unique and magical ritual, she transforms him into a king of unmatched beauty. During this special moment, Maria imparts her values to Zezinho, while sewing clothes that express the divinity within every human being, regardless of sexuality, color, or faith. Each year, this ritual strengthens the child’s self-confidence. Bound by an unbreakable love, they challenge prejudice and transcend both physical and spiritual boundaries. Yet, as Zezinho grows older, he begins to confront a silent, inner struggle: could his faith influence his sexuality?
As he reaches adulthood, he finally grasps the lessons his Aunt Maria has always shared with him and sets out on his own journey of self-discovery and transformation.
JUST THINGS
Director/Writer/Producer: Brianna Lee
Producer: Noah Barker
Country of Origin: United States
Synopsis:
Two girls wake up in an unfamiliar town with no memory of what happened. As they search for answers, they only uncover more chilling questions.
Compassionate Awareness
Music: Nick Terry
Video: Ivan Magrin-Chagnolleau
'Who Stole My Eyes!?!
Director/Writer/Producer: Gareth James
Producer: Jessica Gould
Country of Origin: Australia
Synopsis:
After a night of heavy drinking, a voyeur gets a rude awakening upon the discovery that someone has cruelly stolen his eyeballs.
An Animator's Odyssey
Director/Writer/Producer: Tjeerd Boersma
Country of Origin: Netherlands
Synopsis:
The concept of An Animator's Odyssey is driven by childhood fears and the urge to create art that leaves a lasting impact. The fear of death emerged from an early age, leading to a quest to use time and creativity as a means to transcend mortality. An Animator's Odyssey unfolds as an exploration of letting go of control and embracing the joy of the creative process.
"A Plus"
Director/Writer/Producer: EDUARDO A. CAMARGO
Country of Origin: Canada
Synopsis:
An acting student decides to kill her acting teacher because she didn't give her an A Plus on her short film assignment.
From pupa to butterfly
Director/Writer/Producer: Tilde Moberg
Country of Origin: Sweden
Synopsis:
We follow the life of 20-year old Frank during the early nineties. His true self is about to break loose but the troubled relationship with his father is making it difficult.
The Girl
Director/Writer/Producer: Emily Kathleen
Country of Origin: United States
Synopsis:
Chris looses it when he finds out his neighbors have been abusing his sister of special needs.
The Mess
Director/Writer/Producer: Alyona Novozhilova
Country of Origin: Kazakhstan
Synopsis:
A scientist tries unsuccessfully to revive a robot cat, sinking deeper into despair. This results in the creation of a creature that the scientist did not want to revive.
Bill's Shoes
Director/Writer/Producer: Cole Aylaian
Country of Origin: United States
Synopsis:
Bill's Shoes is a short biographical film honoring the life of Bill, a kind and fun-loving man who passed away from cancer in June 2024. Through conversations with Bill's wife, Linda, we learn about his dreams and the hearts he touched. Just before his death, Bill gave his shoes to his teenage neighbor, who explores Bill's life more deeply in the hope of continuing his legacy. Although Bill no longer physically inhabits this Earth, his influence continues to reverberate.
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.