A massive thank you to everyone who participated in the Los Angeles Lift-Off Film Festival 2022. It’s been 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 particular well done to the following films…
Festival Winners
Best Film
(next screening with Lift-Off in Berlin 2023)
Impetus
Dir. Benjamin Knoebl
Synopsis: Paulinus is a young novice at a small Austrian monastery in 1929. In a few days he will take his final vows and become a full member of the order. His only contact to the outside world is Jakob, a young farmer, who visits the monastery every day to deliver errands. When Paulinus’ feelings for Jakob start to grow beyond their friendship, he finds himself at a crossroads between God and the world. Before he can make his life’s most important decision, he needs to uncover where he belongs in life.
Best Film
(next screening with Lift-Off in London 2022)
Little Berlin
Dir. Kate McMullen
Synopsis: When the Iron Curtain cuts his tiny German village in half, Peter the bull gets separated from his 36 cows. Based on a true story, narrated by Christoph Waltz.
Special Mention
(next screening with Lift-Off in London 2022)
Robin
Dir. Tristan Shepherd
Synopsis: When recovering addict Joseph starts his new job as a Porter in the local Care Home, an unlikely yet instinctive friendship develops with Robin, a selectively mute, autistic resident. But after witnessing the vulnerability of Robin at the hands of some of the ‘care’ workers in the home, Joseph sets out to encourage him back into a world beyond the dark confines of his solitary existence.
Based on true events, Robin is a story that explores the power of friendship and communication.
Season Award Nominations
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 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.
Arkansas, etc
Dir. Brandon Tyler
Synopsis:”The lives of a runaway and a loner spiral when they cross paths.”
Best Short Live Action Narrative
Heaven on the 4th Floor (EP1)
Dir. Singing Chen
Synopsis: Heaven on the 4th Floor is an anthology series centering the oriental medicine i.e. massaging, which integrates eastern, western, body, mind, social and artistic elements. With the presentation of comfort and fantasy, the audience are led into dialogues between their body and soul.
Nominated for Best Screenplay
Impetus
Dir. Benjamin Knoebl
Synopsis: Paulinus is a young novice at a small Austrian monastery in 1929. In a few days he will take his final vows and become a full member of the order. His only contact to the outside world is Jakob, a young farmer, who visits the monastery every day to deliver errands. When Paulinus’ feelings for Jakob start to grow beyond their friendship, he finds himself at a crossroads between God and the world. Before he can make his life’s most important decision, he needs to uncover where he belongs in life.
Nominated for Best Art Direction