Sydney Lift-Off Film Festival

Venues

View Map Dendy Newtown
261-263 King Street
Newtown, New South Wales 2042
Australia
View Map Fox Studios Australia
38 Driver Avenue
Moore Park, New South Wales 2021
Australia

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Learn more about the Lift-Off Global Network and how we support our filmmakers. Watch coverage from our festivals, see the interviews, and engage with our live workshops directly from our YouTube Channel. Simply copy and paste this link into a separate tab: https://www.youtube.com/c/liftoffglobalnetwork

Sydney Lift-Off is accepting more films than ever before. Due to the global pandemic, and the huge shift in audience behaviors we are no longer restricted by a venue's timetable. Please check our latest video where we explain exactly why we are using this situation to better serve the indie film community and your filmmaking aspirations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0gRScWfTr4

Have your project featured at the centre of cinematic business in Australia, FOX Studios. The festival will be running for one week, celebrating the best of local and international talent - with the eye on taking the filmmakers showcased to the next level in their careers. Sydney Lift-Off Film Festival is an international showcase of truly independent cinema. Features, shorts, animations, and scripts from all over the world – no screening restrictions on premiere or screening/online status.

The Australian market has a strong hunger for local and international indie content which is why buyers and press will be invited to see experience your project first hand, in the best possible setting - it is Sydney Lift-Off’s mission to deliver you to the Australian film marketplace!

FREE SUBMISSIONS TO ALL LIFT-OFF FILM FESTIVALS WITH NETWORK MEMBERSHIP

Lift-Off Global Network invites you to join our Network Members' platform which will provide you with the resources you need to launch your filmmaking career.

Intermediate Membership is an annual subscription of $89, which entitles you to:

- Fee waivers to all Lift-Off Showcases (worth $300)
- Free tickets to Lift-Off Film Festivals and the Lift-Off Season Awards
- Career guidance from the Lift-Off co-founders
- The chance to apply for representation at international film markets including Cannes, EFM, and AFM

Our Professional Membership is an annual subscription of $189, everything Intermediate Membership offers you:

- Fee waivers across our entire festival network (worth $700)
- Access to an international film jobs database
- Access to scripts from our Network
- Upload your own scripts
- Access to a detailed 5-week production accelerator course

For more information please head to our website: https://liftoff.network/membership/

Our prizes and awards stretch from the submission level, all the way through to the Lift-Off Season Awards at the end of each year. We offer as much as possible to all who submit, our officially selected filmmakers, our nominees, and winners.

At the submission level.

Value for your submission fee. Exclusive content emailed to every submitter up-to 24hrs from the time of submission.

High scoring films. If your film scores high but isn't included in our final programme you will be invited to our Lift-Off Online Film Festival initiative, an online competitions which run parallel with the respective live city screenings - where the top two winners get official selections at either of the next two Lift-Off cities.

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The Lift-Off Season Awards

To celebrate and look back on the Lift-Off Season, Lift-Off host a prestigious awards ceremony called the Lift-Off Season Awards. The black tie event sees filmmakers, press, and industry professionals gather at the world-famous Lift-Off Season Awards for a night of awards, music, and networking.

Visit https://liftoff.network/season-awards/ to find out more.

Nominees are chosen after each Lift-Off Film Festival.
The categories:

Best Feature Live Action Narrative
Best Feature Documentary
Best Short Live Action Narrative
Best Short Documentary
Best Director
Best Acting Ensemble
Best Music Video
Best Animation
Best Art Direction
Best Cinematography
Best Post Production
Best Screenplay
Best Actor
Best First-Time Film

We can’t wait to see which films get nominated this year!

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Script Selections

The top 5 Screenplays will be showcased across the Community platform, featured in the Lift-Off newsletter which is sent to our 35,000 filmmakers, and shared across social media.

Screenwriters will be invited to include their work in our online Community portal. The portal is a curated database of quality scripts that are looking for production.

Lift-Off Community directors and producers are actively looking for projects to develop. They can use the portal to find their next potential projects, and contact the writers directly to discuss the optioning of scripts, development and rights.
All entries should be completed scripts, short or feature length, and you should be actively looking for collaboration or development.

We accept all films and scripts in any length or genre.
Digital online submission screeners only.
Feedback is sent shortly after the commencement of the festival.

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

Overall Rating

Quality

Value

Communication

Hospitality

Networking

A.Hassan Keivan

It is an honor to be a part of this wonderful festival and so happy that my film "Who are we?" has got "official selection" 2020. Many thanks to judges and to all Sydney Lift-Off film festival team for their decision

January 2021

Helpful
Diane Rozas

Great to have this well-organized and well-attended (on-line) festival up and running during these very difficult times (Covid!).

December 2020

Helpful
Zlila Helman

I was excited to have been included in your festival with 5 of my documentary short films. COVID TIME - enabled you to share with more people the stories and vision of filmmakers who can bridge over cultures, religions and people especially when the pandemic has no borders... Thank you.....

December 2020

Helpful
Liam McMahon

solid effort for the year of 2020! enjoyed being apart of this festival with our film and watching other great ones

December 2020

Helpful
Jim Winton Porter

Professional team with excellent communication and support for short films. Thank you!

December 2020

Helpful

Add to List

Dates & Deadlines

October 26, 2020
Opening Date
January 12, 2021
Earlybird Deadline
February 9, 2021
February Deadline
March 12, 2021
March Deadline
April 1, 2021
April Deadline.
May 2, 2021
May Deadline.
June 1, 2021
June Deadline.
July 1, 2021
Regular Deadline.
August 2, 2021
Late Deadline.
September 1, 2021
Final Deadline.
October 4, 2021
Decision Deadline.
November 8, 2021
Notification Date
November 21 – 28, 2021
Event Date

Categories & Fees

Film Extended Feedback - Includes Submission
Submit via this option and get exclusive feedback on your work directly from the Lift-Off International Film Festival Co-Founders James Bradley and Ben Pohlman. They will share with you their thoughts on your work, along with any recommended suggestions for instant improvement, and grades that cover Originality / Creativity, Direction, Writing, Cinematography, Performances, Production Value, Pacing, Structure, Sound and Music. They will also offer suggestions on where to submit to in future, and a clear indication on where to improve and how to get there. This is a great option for those willing to tackle some hard truths in their work, but also to gain any vital knowledge and confidence in pursing a long and strong career in film. Feedback is exclusive to those who pay for it, and fee waivers are not applicable. This includes fee waivers exclusive to Community Gold members; you must pay for feedback in order to receive it.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $100
- Student: $70
- Gold Members: $90
- February Deadline
- Standard: $100
- Student: $70
- Gold Members: $90
- March Deadline
- Standard: $100
- Student: $70
- Gold Members: $90
- April Deadline.
- Standard: $100
- Student: $70
- Gold Members: $90
- May Deadline.
- Standard: $100
- Student: $70
- Gold Members: $90
- June Deadline.
- Standard: $100
- Student: $70
- Gold Members: $90
- Regular Deadline.
- Standard: $100
- Student: $70
- Gold Members: $90
- Late Deadline.
- Standard: $100
- Student: $70
- Gold Members: $90
- Final Deadline.
- Standard: $100
- Student: $70
- Gold Members: $90
- Decision Deadline.
- Standard: $100
- Student: $70
- Gold Members: $90
Submit Now
Script Extended Feedback - Includes Submission
You'll receive an in-depth script analysis covering elements such as character development, structure, and dialogue, by our qualified in-house judging team. These script coverages are an industry-standard procedure by production companies to acquire scripts, thus it will give you an excellent opportunity to get an insight into how professionals perceive your script, and how to develop your work for future drafts and agents and production houses. Including the submission, you will also receive an exclusive eBook which details the criteria for getting selected into a film festival. Feedback is exclusive to those who pay for it, and fee waivers are not applicable. This includes fee waivers exclusive to Community Gold members; you must pay for feedback in order to receive it.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $120
- Student: $100
- Gold Members: $108
- February Deadline
- Standard: $120
- Student: $100
- Gold Members: $108
- March Deadline
- Standard: $120
- Student: $100
- Gold Members: $108
- April Deadline.
- Standard: $120
- Student: $100
- Gold Members: $108
- May Deadline.
- Standard: $120
- Student: $100
- Gold Members: $108
- June Deadline.
- Standard: $120
- Student: $100
- Gold Members: $108
- Regular Deadline.
- Standard: $120
- Student: $100
- Gold Members: $108
- Late Deadline.
- Standard: $120
- Student: $100
- Gold Members: $108
- Final Deadline.
- Standard: $120
- Student: $100
- Gold Members: $108
- Decision Deadline.
- Standard: $120
- Student: $100
- Gold Members: $108
Submit Now
Feature Live Action Narratives
Live action narrative dramatic content. Films 40 minutes in length or more. Any genre - any nationality. No restrictions on premier status, online screening status or the age of the film.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $20
- Student: $15
- Gold Members: $15
- February Deadline
- Standard: $20
- Student: $15
- Gold Members: $15
- March Deadline
- Standard: $20
- Student: $18
- Gold Members: $18
- April Deadline.
- Standard: $28
- Student: $21
- Gold Members: $21
- May Deadline.
- Standard: $5
- Student: $5
- Gold Members: $4.50
- June Deadline.
- Standard: $30
- Student: $23
- Gold Members: $23
- Regular Deadline.
- Standard: $31
- Student: $23
- Gold Members: $23
- Late Deadline.
- Standard: $32
- Student: $24
- Gold Members: $24
- Final Deadline.
- Standard: $33
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $25
- Decision Deadline.
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $30
Submit Now
Feature Length Documentary Films
Documentary feature films featuring real life documenting subject content. Over 40 minutes in length. Any genre, any age, no restrictions on premier or online status.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $20
- Student: $15
- Gold Members: $15
- February Deadline
- Standard: $20
- Student: $15
- Gold Members: $15
- March Deadline
- Standard: $20
- Student: $18
- Gold Members: $18
- April Deadline.
- Standard: $28
- Student: $21
- Gold Members: $21
- May Deadline.
- Standard: $5
- Student: $5
- Gold Members: $4.50
- June Deadline.
- Standard: $30
- Student: $23
- Gold Members: $23
- Regular Deadline.
- Standard: $31
- Student: $24
- Gold Members: $24
- Late Deadline.
- Standard: $32
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $25
- Final Deadline.
- Standard: $33
- Student: $26
- Gold Members: $26
- Decision Deadline.
- Standard: $35
- Student: $30
- Gold Members: $30
Submit Now
Web Series
Web Series in any episode length and episode count. We are happy to accept web series' from pilot to fully released online. Any premier and screening status considered - no restrictions.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $20
- Student: $15
- Gold Members: $15
- February Deadline
- Standard: $20
- Student: $15
- Gold Members: $15
- March Deadline
- Standard: $20
- Student: $18
- Gold Members: $18
- April Deadline.
- Standard: $25
- Student: $20
- Gold Members: $20
- May Deadline.
- Standard: $5
- Student: $5
- Gold Members: $4.50
- June Deadline.
- Standard: $25
- Student: $20
- Gold Members: $20
- Regular Deadline.
- Standard: $25
- Student: $20
- Gold Members: $20
- Late Deadline.
- Standard: $25
- Student: $20
- Gold Members: $20
- Final Deadline.
- Standard: $25
- Student: $20
- Gold Members: $20
- Decision Deadline.
- Standard: $25
- Student: $20
- Gold Members: $20
Submit Now
Short Live Action Narratives
Short live action narrative based films of any genre, 40 minutes in length and below. Any premiere/screening status - no restrictions.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $18
- Student: $13
- Gold Members: $13
- February Deadline
- Standard: $19
- Student: $13
- Gold Members: $13
- March Deadline
- Standard: $20
- Student: $18
- Gold Members: $18
- April Deadline.
- Standard: $21
- Student: $18
- Gold Members: $18
- May Deadline.
- Standard: $5
- Student: $5
- Gold Members: $4.50
- June Deadline.
- Standard: $23
- Student: $20
- Gold Members: $20
- Regular Deadline.
- Standard: $24
- Student: $20
- Gold Members: $20
- Late Deadline.
- Standard: $25
- Student: $20
- Gold Members: $20
- Final Deadline.
- Standard: $30
- Student: $25
- Gold Members: $25
- Decision Deadline.
- Standard: $33
- Student: $28
- Gold Members: $28
Submit Now
Short Documentaries
Short documentary films of any genre, 40 minutes in length and below. Any premiere/screening status - no restrictions.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $18
- Student: $13
- Gold Members: $13
- February Deadline
- Standard: $19
- Student: $15
- Gold Members: $15
- March Deadline
- Standard: $20
- Student: $18
- Gold Members: $18
- April Deadline.
- Standard: $23
- Student: $19
- Gold Members: $19
- May Deadline.
- Standard: $5
- Student: $5
- Gold Members: $4.50
- June Deadline.
- Standard: $25
- Student: $20
- Gold Members: $20
- Regular Deadline.
- Standard: $26
- Student: $22
- Gold Members: $22
- Late Deadline.
- Standard: $28
- Student: $22
- Gold Members: $22
- Final Deadline.
- Standard: $50
- Student: $48
- Gold Members: $40
- Decision Deadline.
- Standard: $53
- Student: $50
- Gold Members: $43
Submit Now
Music Videos
Music Videos of any genre, 10 minutes in length and below. Any premier/screening status - no restrictions.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $10
- Student: $5
- Gold Members: $9
- February Deadline
- Standard: $10
- Student: $5
- Gold Members: $9
- March Deadline
- Standard: $10
- Student: $5
- Gold Members: $9
- April Deadline.
- Standard: $15
- Student: $10
- Gold Members: $13.50
- May Deadline.
- Standard: $5
- Student: $5
- Gold Members: $4.50
- June Deadline.
- Standard: $15
- Student: $10
- Gold Members: $13.50
- Regular Deadline.
- Standard: $15
- Student: $10
- Gold Members: $13.50
- Late Deadline.
- Standard: $15
- Student: $10
- Gold Members: $13.50
- Final Deadline.
- Standard: $15
- Student: $10
- Gold Members: $13.50
- Decision Deadline.
- Standard: $15
- Student: $10
- Gold Members: $13.50
Submit Now
Virtual Reality 360 Showcase
All VR submissions are considered for the Lift-Off Season Awards at the end of the Lift-Off Season. The best VR films that get submitted throughout the year will be screened at Pinewood Studios in the UK to 200 industry professionals. For more information about the Lift-Off Season Awards, please get in touch or visit our website.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $10
- Student: $5
- Gold Members: $9
- February Deadline
- Standard: $10
- Student: $5
- Gold Members: $9
- March Deadline
- Standard: $10
- Student: $5
- Gold Members: $9
- April Deadline.
- Standard: $15
- Student: $12
- Gold Members: $13.50
- May Deadline.
- Standard: $5
- Student: $5
- Gold Members: $4.50
- June Deadline.
- Standard: $15
- Student: $12
- Gold Members: $13.50
- Regular Deadline.
- Standard: $15
- Student: $12
- Gold Members: $13.50
- Late Deadline.
- Standard: $15
- Student: $12
- Gold Members: $13.50
- Final Deadline.
- Standard: $15
- Student: $12
- Gold Members: $13.50
- Decision Deadline.
- Standard: $15
- Student: $13
- Gold Members: $13.50
Submit Now
Short Scripts and Screenplays
Scripts and screenplays under 30 pages in length. .PDF Is the preferred file format.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $20
- Student: $15
- Gold Members: $15
- February Deadline
- Standard: $20
- Student: $15
- Gold Members: $15
- March Deadline
- Standard: $20
- Student: $18
- Gold Members: $18
- April Deadline.
- Standard: $30
- Student: $28
- Gold Members: $25
- May Deadline.
- Standard: $5
- Student: $5
- Gold Members: $4.50
- June Deadline.
- Standard: $30
- Student: $28
- Gold Members: $25
- Regular Deadline.
- Standard: $30
- Student: $28
- Gold Members: $25
- Late Deadline.
- Standard: $30
- Student: $28
- Gold Members: $25
- Final Deadline.
- Standard: $30
- Student: $28
- Gold Members: $25
- Decision Deadline.
- Standard: $30
- Student: $28
- Gold Members: $25
Submit Now
Feature Scripts and Screenplays
Scripts and screenplays over 30 pages in length. .PDF Is the preferred file format.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $20
- Student: $15
- Gold Members: $15
- February Deadline
- Standard: $20
- Student: $15
- Gold Members: $15
- March Deadline
- Standard: $20
- Student: $18
- Gold Members: $18
- April Deadline.
- Standard: $35
- Student: $28
- Gold Members: $25
- May Deadline.
- Standard: $5
- Student: $5
- Gold Members: $4.50
- June Deadline.
- Standard: $35
- Student: $28
- Gold Members: $25
- Regular Deadline.
- Standard: $35
- Student: $28
- Gold Members: $25
- Late Deadline.
- Standard: $35
- Student: $28
- Gold Members: $25
- Final Deadline.
- Standard: $35
- Student: $28
- Gold Members: $25
- Decision Deadline.
- Standard: $35
- Student: $28
- Gold Members: $25
Submit Now
Animations
Animations of any genre, style, or length.
- Earlybird Deadline
- Standard: $18
- Student: $15
- Gold Members: $15
- February Deadline
- Standard: $18
- Student: $15
- Gold Members: $15
- March Deadline
- Standard: $18
- Student: $15
- Gold Members: $15
- April Deadline.
- Standard: $18
- Student: $15
- Gold Members: $15
- May Deadline.
- Standard: $5
- Student: $5
- Gold Members: $4.50
- June Deadline.
- Standard: $18
- Student: $15
- Gold Members: $15
- Regular Deadline.
- Standard: $18
- Student: $15
- Gold Members: $15
- Late Deadline.
- Standard: $18
- Student: $15
- Gold Members: $15
- Final Deadline.
- Standard: $18
- Student: $15
- Gold Members: $15
- Decision Deadline.
- Standard: $18
- Student: $15
- Gold Members: $15
Submit Now

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Austin Film Festival
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Montreal Independent Film Festival
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San Diego International ShortsFest
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New York Short Film Festival
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Golden Jury International Film Festival (GJIFF)
View Listing

Venues

View Map Dendy Newtown
261-263 King Street
Newtown, New South Wales 2042
Australia
View Map Fox Studios Australia
38 Driver Avenue
Moore Park, New South Wales 2021
Australia

And 1 Additional Venue Collapse Venues

Other Festivals You May Like

Sponsored

Austin Film Festival
View Listing
Sponsored

Montreal Independent Film Festival
View Listing
Sponsored

San Diego International ShortsFest
View Listing
Sponsored

New York Short Film Festival
View Listing
Sponsored

Golden Jury International Film Festival (GJIFF)
View Listing

A.Hassan Keivan

Diane Rozas

Zlila Helman

Liam McMahon

Jim Winton Porter