Manchester Lift-Off Film Festival 2023
- Physical Screenings in the City
- Networking, Workshops & Events
- Film Market Representation
- Lift-Off Global Network Season Award Qualified Nominations
- Season Award Winners Screen at Every Lift-Off Film Festival in 2023!

For over ten years Lift-Off has been showcasing some of the most exciting national and international newcomers to indie film from the beating heart of North West England. Manchester Lift-Off is not like any other film festival in Manchester or the North of England by any stretch of the imagination. We are a professional showcase, where the priority is our filmmakers making the next step in their careers. From representation at Cannes, EFM in Berlin, The American Film Market, and beyond.

If you are a filmmaker looking to move forward in your career, Lift-Off is exactly where you should start. From one-to-one marketing consultations to exposure to sales agents, talent agents and press, we are the launch pad for unsung raw filmmaking talent.

FREE SUBMISSIONS TO ALL LIFT-OFF FILM FESTIVALS WITH NETWORK MEMBERSHIP
For more information, please head to our website: https://liftoff.network/membership/

Awards & Prizes

OUR NETWORK’S AWARDS STRUCTURE...
The films are scored and the top voted films are then promoted into our internal Network Round, where the Jury and our Network's Professional Members vote for the winners. Winners are announced, prizes and Season Award Nominations are given for the content chosen during this final round.

Lift-Off Season Award Nominations are handed out based on merit within each category and are judged against the current crop of nominations we have so far from our City based festivals this Season. Digital online submission screeners only. Feedback is sent shortly after the commencement of the festival.

SEASON AWARD WINNERS
Aside from the accolade of winning out of all of the Lift-Off Festivals from every programme screening physical or online, the winning films will commence around the world tour where it will be screened at each and every Lift-Off Film Festival during the forthcoming season.

Rules & Terms

If you pay a submission fee, we will screen your work. Our programme's are separated into categories based on your content's level of storytelling, production value, message and acting. During the festival we have two voting committees - our professional jury and the general public.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Our online festivals are NOT a pay for vote platform. If you invite your friends and family to watch either the physical or online screenings it is encouraged that they engage with as much of the content as possible and vote accordingly. This is why two votes are always counted from each audience member with both votes resulting in 1 point for each film. We are doing our best to invite new and exciting audiences to genuine indie film content - if you can encourage your audiences to do the same we will build a wonderful network of opportunity for all, no matter where you are starting out.

Proudly, we have no other restrictions for your work. This includes your work's premier status, it's age and/or whether your work has been made available online.

41 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
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Networking
  • John Moratiel

    Very happy that our film - The Water Game was selected for the Manchester Lift-Off film festival. Thanks a lot. JM

    May 2022
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  • Ben Lankester

    An amazing festival and networking event run by a passionate team of film-lovers who are dedicated to giving a proper platform to filmmakers. Thanks for welcoming me into your community, Lift-Off!

    May 2022
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    Response from festival:

    It was so lovely meeting you at the festival, Ben. We are very grateful to have built a relationship with you and can not wait to see what is next.

  • Sheila Marshall

    The LGN is a fantastic opportunity for filmmakers not only for the festivals but the community, training and innovation. Five star!

    April 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Sheila :)

  • alfred williams

    Fantastic! Manchester is the best! Thanks for allowing me to participate in your festival!
    Alfred M. Williams Writer director of "Alien Invasion Now!" "The Last House on Raven Road" and "Xochipilli"

    April 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Hi Alfred, We are so glad you enjoyed the festival. We can't wait to see what you do next :)

  • Branjae Jackson

    As always, an absolute pleasure working with the Lift Off community !!!

    April 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you for the kind words, Branjae :):):)