Many thanks to everyone who participated in this year’s Sydney Lift-Off Film Festival. It was great to see so many filmmakers and film enthusiasts filling the screenings in support of both local and international indie films. The judges' votes have been counted and added to the audience's feedback. Huge congratulations to the filmmakers who screened with us, who all did themselves proud. All Sydney Lift-Off Film Festival winners will receive complimentary screenings at future Lift-Off Film Festivals. A special well done to the following films.
Photos from the event can be seen on the Sydney Lift-Off Facebook Page.
Festival Winners
Best Short Live Action Narrative
(next screening with Lift-Off in Berlin)
Fucking Drama
Dir. Michael Podogil
Synopsis: A young couple in love experiences an evening of theater that changes their lives dramatically . A brutal confrontation with the zeitgeist.
Best Music Video
(next screening with Lift-Off in Berlin)
Savannah
Dir. Imogen McCluskey
Synopsis: ‘Savannah’ is the debut music video from Sydney-based artist Ivy-Jane Browne, in collaboration with Fat Salmon Productions. Dark synth-pop with ‘Under the Skin’ vibes, the video tells the story of a woman with dark power over men, and in turn their power over her. They are her prisoners and captors, her shadows and obsessions, her victory and her downfall, her prize and her punishment.
Special Mentions
Special Mention
(next screening with Lift-Off in Manchester)
Rock Bottom
Dir. Tristan Klein & Nick Baker
Synopsis: Welcome to Rock Bottom - a filthy underground bar, full of filthy underground bugs.
Online Festival Winners
Yet to be announced...
Officially Selected Screenplays
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. Click here for the current nominations for 2018.
Always Amazing
Dir. Steve Byrne
Synopsis: Always Amazing is the story of The Amazing Johnathan's storied career as a comedian/magician, the unlikely friendship that was cemented after meeting a 12 year old boy while on tour in Australia and the unfortunate terminal diagnosis that brought them back together for one last run of shows.
Nominated for Best Feature Documentary
Beasts of Burden
Dir. Daniel Mason
Synopsis: The film explores the complicated and dangerous business of "Elephant Tourism" in Thailand and surrounding countries. Every year millions of tourists from around the world visit Thailand in hopes of relaxing on the most beautiful beaches in the world, eating delicious street food, and seeing these incredible animals up close. Little thought is given to how these animals came to be in the tourism industry or how they are treated. Less thought is given to the working conditions of the Mahouts who care for these massive animals 24/7, for little to no pay, and who sometimes have to place them selves between tired and overworked Elephants and Tourists.
Nominated for Best Feature Documentary
The next festival on our 2018 calendar is the London Lift-Off Film Festival where we will be screening some of the winners and special mentions from Paris amongst a variety of fantastic independent films from Australia and around the world. Click the link below to view the programme and get your tickets now!
