A massive thank you to everyone who participated in the Sydney Lift-Off Film Festival 2020. It's been absolutely fantastic having so many filmmakers involved and seeing the global support for true indie film...
The judges' votes have been counted and added to the audience's feedback. Huge congratulations to the filmmakers who screened with us! A special well done to the following films...
Festival Winners
Best Short Film
(next screening with Lift-Off in Sydney 2021)
SLAG
Dirs. Hannah-Rae Meegan, Monique Terry
Synopsis: When a video of a young girl having sex is posted on social media, she contemplates whether to reveal what really happened. In a single afternoon she finds out what it’s like when your online and offline worlds meet and how much worse losing your virginity becomes when it’s something to share, like and subscribe to.
Best Short Documentary
(next screening with Lift-Off in Sydney 2021)
Streets of Lagos
Dir. Dom West
Synopsis: Shot on location in West Africa, 'Streets of Lagos' provides a rare insight into the lives of Nigeria’s first generation of rollerbladers. What was once a niche sport that saw widespread participation across the globe in the late 90’s has emerged in 2020 as a fringe subculture in the streets of Lagos. Originally used as a way to navigate the city’s dense traffic, today, a select few use their skates as a form of self-expression, something which can be hard to find in one of the toughest cities in the world.
Best Short Film
(next screening with Lift-Off in Sydney 2021)
House Guests
Dir. Tori Savage
Synopsis: A couple’s weekend away quickly escalates into horror.
Season Award Nominations
The Lift-Off Season Awards is an annual event which celebrates the very best of indie film. Following each Lift-Off film festival, films which have excelled in their respective category are nominated and invited to attend the prestigious Lift-Off Season Awards, culminating at the end of the Lift-Off season. Click here for more information about the Lift-Off Season Awards.
God of Hope
Dir. Adam Kavanagh
Synopsis: See hope portrayed in the smile of a little girl after her heart surgery, in the encouraging faith of a cancer patient, and in the powerful story of light in the darkness. An inspirational documentary that follows the journey of three photographers in their quest to produce art that speaks hope to those in pain.
Nominated for Best Short Documentary
Streets of Lagos
Dir. Dom West
Synopsis: Shot on location in West Africa, 'Streets of Lagos' provides a rare insight into the lives of Nigeria’s first generation of rollerbladers. What was once a niche sport that saw widespread participation across the globe in the late 90’s has emerged in 2020 as a fringe subculture in the streets of Lagos. Originally used as a way to navigate the city’s dense traffic, today, a select few use their skates as a form of self-expression, something which can be hard to find in one of the toughest cities in the world.
Nominated for Best Short Documentary
Audience Chioce
The Audience Choice award is given to the filmmakers whose film received the most votes during the festival. The filmmakers will be invited to join us on the Lift-Off YouTube channel for a directors commentary roundtable. Join in the conversation as we delve deeper into each film. This event is LIVE and due to take place on Thursday 8th October.
Mourners
Dir. Azita Damandan
Synopsis: A young boy is killed in a peaceful protest in Iran. His family can’t afford to pay for the bullet (as the government asks families for) to get his body and bury him. Other mums with the common issue join and…
Island in the Sky
Dir. Nick Radford
Synopsis: A young partygoer, seemingly over his ex-girlfriend, discovers a mysterious but friendly light that helps him overcome his heartbreak in this musical drama by Sydney/NYC indie-rap band, Fallstars.
Impact
Dir. Patryk Wezowski, Kasia Wezowski
Synopsis: Three people embark on a personal journey to transform the way they communicate. On their quest to overcome their challenges, they discover their superpowers and strive to impact the world.
Coffee Break
Dirs. Thomas O'Brien
Synopsis: Candice begins her first day at work, and as the days go and the repetition kicks in, so does the reality that things may not work out.