A massive thank you to everyone who participated in the Manchester Lift-Off Film Festival 2021. 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 Manchester 2022)
Marginalized Nation
Dir. Francisco Alberto Galan S
Synopsis: “Marginalized Nation” is a tribute to Colombian presidential candidate Luis Carlos Galan, 30 years after his assassination, and it seeks to give voice to the vulnerable communities that he fought to dignify and empower. In one of the regions most affected by the armed conflict in Colombia, a group of rural people made a peace agreement that few saw possible. In a context of violence against thousands of politicians and social leaders, what is the legacy of Galan and these leaders who are no longer with us? How can the country move forward?
Best Short Film
(next screening with Lift-Off in Manchester 2022)
Pointe Black
Dir. Rebecca Murray
Synopsis: Marie-Astrid Mence has been a member of Ballet Black since 2014—a seminal dance company formed of Black and Asian performers who astound audiences with displays of balletic beauty and power. Mence’s journey to becoming their Senior Artist, however, had a turbulent beginning in her hometown of Paris. In this documentary profile comprised of prose and pirouettes, Mence narrates her uncomfortable journey from adolescent to ballerina and her struggles in an industry that fails to see past her skin colour
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.
Samos The Faces of our Border
Dir. Shams Abou El Enein
Synopsis: At the border of the Schengen Area, international laws and conventions forced thousands of people to live in inhuman camps.
One of them is the « hotspot » of Samos, on the island that has the same name. Focusing on the people in and around this migrant camp, built for 600 persons and where more that 6000 live now, it also gives an insight on the European politics that have led to this catastrophic situation.
Nominated for Best Feature