Berlin Lift-Off Film Festival
Berlin Lift-Off kicks off the annual circuit of city-based film festivals within the Lift-Off Global Network, each designed to spotlight emerging talent in key film industry hubs. As the opening event of the season, Berlin Lift-Off offers filmmakers a prime opportunity to showcase their work to a truly international audience. Set in a city renowned for its creative energy and appetite for new voices, the festival provides a unique platform for filmmakers to present their skills and ideas to a market eager for fresh talent and bold storytelling.
𝐈𝐧-𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 & 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠
Filmmakers also have the chance to participate in in-person screenings hosted in key cities, where they can pitch their projects live and connect directly with industry professionals.
𝐉𝐮𝐫𝐲 & 𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐕𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠
Throughout the festival, both the Lift-Off jury and the online audience vote for their favourite films. The highest-rated projects move forward to the next stage — The Network Round.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 (𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝)
Selected films from each festival enter The Network Round — a final online showcase where they receive valuable audience feedback and gain additional exposure to decision-makers within the industry.
𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐍𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
From The Network Round, the very best films are chosen as Season Award Nominees — representing standout talent from across the entire Lift-Off Global Network.
𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐬
Season Award Nominees are invited to screen their work at the iconic John Barry Theatre within Pinewood Studios, one of the UK’s most renowned film locations.
𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 & 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐭-𝐎𝐟𝐟 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐲
The festival journey culminates at the Season Awards Event, where winning filmmakers are celebrated, their films are screened, and the prestigious Lift-Off Trophy is awarded — marking the ultimate recognition within the Lift-Off Global Network.
- All support queries must be sent via. support@liftoff.network
- All submissions are to be sent digitally via FilmFreeway
- Project feedback (where applicable) is sent shortly after the festival closes.
- If you pay a submission fee, we will screen your work. Our online programmes are separated into categories based on your content's level of storytelling, production value, impact and acting.
- We have two separate voting committees during the festival - the official judging panel & the general public
- The official jury allocates Season Award Nomination
- Proudly, we have no other restrictions for screening your work. This includes your work's premier status, age, and/or whether your work is available online.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The online festivals are NOT pay-for-vote platforms. Whilst participating filmmakers may invite their team, friends and family to participate & vote, it is encouraged that ALL attending audiences engage with as much of the content as possible and vote accordingly. We are doing our best to invite new and exciting audiences to genuine indie content - if you can encourage your audiences to do the same, we will build a wonderful network of opportunities for all, no matter where you are starting your career.
