Sydney Lift-Off Film Festival 2025
Network Round Features

Monday 29th September - Sunday 5th October

1. In the House of the Bad Man
Director/Writer/Producer: Solomon Fleming
Country of Origin: Australia

Synopsis: When Leo, a fresh high-school graduate, convinces his brother to invite two girls he doesn’t know very well to a small party, buried insecurities soon emerge among the other boys in attendance. Failed seductions, misplaced bravado, and one-upmanship all come to the surface, made worse by the fatal error of the friendship group’s regular scapegoat, Jim, openly mocking Leo. In a series of serious misjudgements, Leo initiates a cruel game on Jim, one whose consequences turn out to be far more serious than any of them could have anticipated.

2. Off Field
Director/Writer/Producer: Suzan Marie
Country of Origin: Australia

Synopsis: Off Field tells the compelling stories of NRL superstars Josh Addo-Carr, John Bateman, Justin Olam and Tui Kamikamica - each from different corners of the globe, whose journeys have transcended the sport of rugby league.

Starting from their humble and challenging beginnings, Off Field explores the unwavering dedication and passion that propelled them to NRL stardom.

3. The Tunnel
Director/Writer/Producer: Ilir Harxhi
Country of Origin: Albania

Synopsis:  Vahit, the personal chauffeur of the Prime Minister of Albania, is goaded from two of his friends from his birth place, one of them member of parliament and the other head of municipality, to secure funds for a road building project, with a tunnel, in their area. They have come up with a very careful plan to get rich through this project, without Vahit being part of this scam.

2. Pizza Under Fire
Director/Writer: Adrian Pennink
Producer: Harry Matthew Stourton
Country of Origin: United Kingdom

Synopsis: The film goes on the road with a brave group of international volunteers who take their converted truck into Ukraine’s Eastern frontline villages to cook and hand out free pizzas to the traumatised communities wo were under Russian occupation. It is a brief moment of respite and joy for brutalised people in these forgotten places. It is also the story of the cumulative psychological stress the villagers….and volunteers are under. And it all takes place against the reminders of a war that is ever present as the Russian offensive closes in.

5. STRANDED
Director/Writer/Producer: Lochlan Byron Mcilveen
Country of Origin: Australia

Synopsis:  The devastating bombing raid at Darwin calls upon countless young Australian’s to serve in combat. Testing their skills within extreme training conditions, the clock ticks for their upcoming deployment. On the 22nd of April 1943, the Australian 17th brigade, consisted of three infantry battalion‘s is sent off to land on the beaches of New Guinea (Japanese occupied territory.) With no enemy presence, our young Aussie’s stand with confidence, believing their foe has retreated. Setting up camp within the mysterious jungle with no reinforcements, they dig in. What they don’t know, is the 51st imperial Japanese division is marching towards their location. At dawn, their darkest hour begins. At dawn, the battle of Mubo begins…

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