the liverpool
film festival
LIVIFF looks to find the most bold and inventive stories that the independent film community has to offer. With the ambition to match the city’s cool and artistic identity, LIVIFF is an international film festival with credibility, passion and integrity and is a proud associate of The Manchester film festival. The tenth edition of LIVIFF will take place on the 26th Feb. Full information and booking availability will be published here from January 26th.
Official
selection
of the 10th edition of
liviff…
universal
Directed by Stephen Portland
A weekend break for a couple of academics is interrupted by a woman who won’t take “no” for an answer, seeking their help with the biggest discovery in history. A small down-to-earth film about huge out-of-this-world concepts.
In loving memory of Kelley Mack.
you need this
Directed by Ryan Andrej Lough
Through illuminating and thought-provoking conversations with experts in the field of dream research, economics, social psychology, literature and the arts, including novelist Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, lauded economist Juliet Schor, dream scientist Adam Haar-Horowitz and longtime counter-culture performance artist Reverand Billy and his Church of Stop Shopping, You Need This allows us to see our collective behavior from new perspectives, and nudges us to radically rethink our participation in systems that we have seemingly lost all control of.
Skechers Football - How's Your Touch
Directed by John Reavey
Across Europe, the game’s biggest stars lace up the new SKX_2 and face a challenge born on the streets: a test of touch, control, and creativity. In this electrifying short, the timeless question echoes louder than ever...How’s your touch?
Eraserheads: COMBO ON THE RUN
Directed by Maria Diane Canlas Ventura
In 2022, during a time of uncertainty and political upheaval, a most unlikely group of disbanded punks provide solace to a country, unknowingly needing healing themselves.
we don’t know our neighbours
Directed by Noura bint Hussam .B Al-Saud
Cousins break into an abandoned mansion for a game. The screams echoing down the halls seem like their own harmless fun, but after unlocking doors, they find out the cries don’t belong to them. What began as a game turns into a desperate flight from a family secret that belongs closed away in this mansion.
one stupid thing
Directed by Linda Yellen
Winter on Nantucket Island. Three teenage best friends drink champagne on a rooftop. Everything’s chill until a harmless game takes a fatal turn, and the course of their lives changes forever. They keep what they did a secret until the following winter break when they meet a girl with her own dark past who helps them uncover what really happened that night. In this psychological drama/murder mystery, their relationship is tested amidst their guilt and shame.
the mark
Directed by Inez Playford
London, 1917. As Virginia and Leonard Woolf painstakingly handprint their first publication, we journey into the stream of Virginia's mind as she is struck with paralysing anxiety, stopping the press in a bid for time.
coroner to the stars
Directed by Ben Hethcoat
CORONER TO THE STARS chronicles the extraordinary journey of Dr. Thomas Noguchi, the former Los Angeles County Chief Medical Examiner-Coroner whose groundbreaking autopsies forever shaped American culture. From Marilyn Monroe and Robert Kennedy to Sharon Tate and Natalie Wood, Noguchi’s outspoken expertise pushed forensic science into the spotlight—even as Hollywood elites and political adversaries sought to silence him. A Japanese immigrant who unwittingly rose to fame in a city driven by stardom, Noguchi’s fearless pursuit of truth often placed him in the crosshairs of controversy.
green grass
Directed by Aram Atkinson
Declan, a disengaged university coaster, must confront his long-hidden identity when forced to work with the fiercely independent new Deaf student, Claire. Opposite in so many ways, it is only a matter of time before their differences bubble to the surface, but so will their similarities that make them question everything they knew to be true in this coming-of-age drama.
my love flows like a song
Directed by Xiaotian Fan
The film tells the story of Wan Quanhe, a barefoot doctor, and his absurd yet happy life. Wan Quanhe, a rural young man with limited intelligence, is inspired a city girl called Ma Li, and he spends 50 years "treating" villagers and researching herbal medicine in order to become the person Ma Li expects him to be. However, when Ma Li returns to the city, she has already forgotten about him. Wan Quanhe is like the Chinese version of Forrest Gump and Sisyphus. Whether his life is happy or unfortunate is open to interpretation.
happy birthday
Directed by SARAH GOHER
Eight-year-old maid Toha goes to great lengths to ensure that her best friend Nelly, the daughter of her wealthy employer, has a successful birthday party in this poignant debut feature exploring classism in modern-day Cairo.
friday is mushroom soup
Directed by Arnold T Rice
A care worker visits her elderly client for a heartfelt and personal look at why social care is an important part of every community.
The Life and Death of Westerly Windina
Directed by Jamie Brisick
In the 1960s and 70s, Australian surfer Peter Drouyn was on top of the surfing world. Drouyn dominated the international competitive ranks, changed the way modern surf competitions are run, and introduced surfing to China. But behind the macho surf star persona and the adoration of contemporaries was an athlete who felt ostracized by a culture that was often hypermasculine and sexist. In the 1980s, Drouyn drifted away from competitive surfing and all but disappeared from the public eye. The Life and Death of Westerly Windina explores Westerly’s upbringing, her years as a surfing titan, and follows her as she acclimates to a new chapter and searches for acceptance from friends, family, a still-hypermasculine sport, and most importantly--from herself.
the reach
Directed by Luca Caserta
Based on a short story by Stephen King.
On Goat Island, elderly Stella Flanders must confront her past and the Reach that separates the isle from the mainland, in a journey between memories and love that transcends the boundaries of life.
The Big Pygmy
Directed by Tom Chambers
After discovering that her manipulative ex-boyfriend Max will be showing up to her photoshoot, foot-model Sally’s big toe disappears. Sally struggles to escape the photoshoot as she confronts the fact that she must let go of the romanticized ideal of her ex and fully move on.
streetvet
Directed by Stephanie Keelan
StreetVet is a film that delves into the incredible work of vet Jade Statt and the StreetVet team, a dedicated UK-wide network of volunteer vets and nurses who have swapped the practice for the pavements to provide free veterinary care to the pets of those experiencing homelessness. The film explores the profound bond between humans and animals, showcasing how pets offer companionship, emotional support, and a sense of purpose for their owners. Follow the journey of StreetVet and how one act of kindness back in 2016, led to a transformative and inspiring community of veterinary professionals helping thousands of animals and their owners receive the essential care they need and deserve, changing lives all over the country.
Director Biography - Stephanie Keelan
Essentially Painless
Directed by Sam Seccombe
When Ella makes an emergency visit to a sexual health clinic, her ludicrous experience leaves her questioning the value of her own voice. Her first day flyering on a street corner does nothing to boost her already fragile self-esteem, but with the help her anarchic co-worker Dom, Ella begins to find courage to advocate for herself.
fished
Directed by Shaneye Ferrell
A Man (Cleat) goes out for the big catch and finds himself caught in the throws of himself and his willingness to be the catch.
distance to the moon
Directed by Victoria Watson
‘X’ embarks on a surreal and mesmerising journey into the vastness of space exploring existential isolation, connection and the profound power of the cosmos.
The Black Bart of Taco King #17
Directed by Rickey Larke
A suave larcenist searches for a new partner at a dive bar and finds the perfect Bonnie to his Clyde. He takes her to dinner to put her to the test, yet she has all the answers... and more.
Pomegranate
Directed by Zoë Morgan Chiswick
When an immigrant family is subjected to a daily horror from their past, what will it take to break this cycle and give them a future?
are you with me?
Directed by Christian Søgaard
"Are You With Me" is a poetic short film that delves into the inner struggle between curiosity and self-loathing. Through visual and emotional moments, the film takes us on a journey exploring young people’s encounters with existential questions about identity, belonging, and inner turmoil. Using symbolism, minimal dialogue, and atmospheric lighting, the characters' inner emotions are brought vividly to life on screen.
zodiac
Directed by Hans Buyse
Zodiac is a story about two forty-year-olds, whose friendship and empathic abilities are put to the test when they go on a fishing trip together and encounter seven drifting refugees in distress in the middle of the sea.
"Whispers" A Julian Lennon Retrospective
Directed by Anna Mak Civetta
Step into the heart of Venice and experience Julian Lennon’s largest and most personal photography exhibition. “Whispers: A Retrospective” offers an intimate look at the inspiration behind over 150 breathtaking images, revealing the stories and emotions that define his artistry.
A stunning tribute to creativity, this documentary invites you to see the world through Julian’s lens in a way that will move and inspire.
Mr. Donahoe's Mangoes
Directed by Todd I. Gordon
Edith, a naïve and unworldly middle-aged woman, cares for her dying but domineering actress-mother until a showdown between them could set Edith’s life on another path.
The Tasty Kings with Blondie Chaplin "Maybe I'm a Queen"
Directed by Jacques Naudé
Short form film for "Maybe I'm a Queen, a key focus track from 'Native Tongue,' the critically-acclaimed album by The Tasty Kings with Blondie Chaplin. Directed by Jacques Naudé, the exquisitely-shot cinematic art-house clip features South African singer Blondie Chaplin, known for his recording and touring work with The Beach Boys.
anok!
Directed by Sophia Wilson
After a disaster, three British girls in the punk band Girlgasm journey to Paris for a gig.
the keyboard
Directed by Mohammed Mamdouh
When a woman uncovers a devastating secret, her world begins to unravel. This revelation, like a poison, seeps into her thoughts, breeding obsession. As she delves deeper into the abyss of her own mind, the lines between aspiration and illusion blur.
Pigs Fly (And Gods Cry)
Directed by Noah W. Weber
A documentarian acquires capital, learns a passage from Hesiod, and features in his key witness's documentary, all in an attempt to determine whether a pig truly flew over the skies of Berkeley, California, on January 14th, 10:30 AM (Pacific Standard Time).
once upon a time on earth
Directed by Phil Mulloy
A young boy and his parents leave the suburbs to cycle to the coast. What happens to the boy on the journey will change his life forever.
float
Directed by Jessica Dowse
Following the death of her wife, Ruth encounters a fearless swimmer who pushes her to confront her pain and rediscover the joy of living.
Foster the People - Lost in Space
Directed by Rupert Höller
An ecstatic and surreal dance extravaganza with bold colors and a retro futuristic touch.
historyland
Directed by Sam O'Leary
The North’s 38th-most-popular ‘educational’ attraction faces
down History’s greatest enemy yet: the bailiffs.
Ya Hanouni
Directed by Lyna Tadount and Sofian Chouaib
While the Mom and the Dad try to put their baby to sleep, a competition arises between them: who will manage to get the baby to say the first word?
memory
Directed by Riyadh Haque
An experimental documentary reimagining the childhood recollections of a Jersey inhabitant, Margaret, through the intimate lens of the director's British South Asian background by channelling his own family's generational diasporic experience and sisterhood. The cast is comprised of the director's own family reconstructing Margaret's memories on 16mm Kodak film.
3,2,1,0
Directed by Mingun KIM
Three best friends, Gyu-bin, Yu-hyeok, and Dong-hyun, get stranded on a deserted island after an accident during their trip.
The three of them stay positive and work together to survive.
But gradually, they start to keep an eye on each other.
the way we speak
Directed by Ian Ebright
An up-and-coming writer refuses to leave the spotlight when his best friend and debate opponent suffers cardiac arrest, leading to an obsession over his new opponent and a growing rift with his ailing wife.
the safety games
Directed by Jeremiah Kipp
The Safety Games magnifies fears we don't want to look at directly, which keep us up at night. In a style that is both quiet and unflinching, we share a day in the life of a family under pressure, where the real monsters are as scary as those imagined
Screenplay finalists LIVIFF 10th Edition…
Boredom by Joe Street (UK)
Clifftown by Florence Smith (USA)
The Joke by Hugo Dunst (Germany)
LIVIFF Award winners…
best director
Jeremy Lindsay Taylor - DUSTY
best actress
Shannon Ryan - DUSTY
best actor
Travis Jeffery - DUSTY
Best feature film
Coastal Route
Best international short film
I’m Not a Robot
best uk short film
Scissors
best documentary feature
The Range
best animation film
New Idea
best student film
Hostage of Romance
best experimental film
Shock to the Body
best music video
Shadow of the Light
best documentary short
Unique Pieces
screenplay competition winner
Jump
the Liverpool Film Festival 2025
As always LIVIFF2025 is looking to find the most bold and inventive stories that the independent film community has to offer, to screen in the birthplace of the Beatles and a city of rich culturally creative history and passion. With the ambition to match the city’s cool and artistic identity, LIVIFF is an international film festival with credibility and integrity and is a proud associate of The Manchester film festival.
Submit via our submission page or @FILMFREEWAY
LIVIFF Official 2023
AWARD winners
Best International short
BEAT OF A HEART
Best UK Short
FRED
Best Feature
SLAM
Best Documentary
PERFECT SHOT
Best Music Video
WATCH OUT
Best Student Film
SAND MUM
Best Animation
EARTHLING
Best Experimental
WOUNDS
Best Screenplay
LOVERS
Best Actress
FIONA ROSENLAND
Best Actor
MATHEUS COSTA
Best Director
PEDRO AMORIM
The Film of the Festival
SLAM
LIviff2022 Award winners
Congratulations to all our films of 2022… This year’s award winners are…
BEST FEATURE Grounds of Hope
BEST INTERNATIONAL SHORT The Manager Position
BEST UK SHORT Lilian
BEST DOC FEATURE Savage Waters
BEST DOC SHORT 0151: Liverpool Rap and Politics
BEST DIRECTOR Mikey Corker - Savage Waters
BEST ACTRESS Eloise Smyth - Cyn
BEST STUDENT FILM Oh, Little Spark!
BEST EXPERIMENTAL 2020
BEST MUSIC VIDEO Maya Yenn How Much Sadness Can You Swallow?
BEST ANIMATION Nightlink
BEST UN-COMISSIONED SCREENPLAY Retreating
BEST ACTOR Curtiss Cook Jr - The Manager Position
FILM OF THE FESTIVAL Savage Waters
The 2022 Liverpool Film Festival official selection and tickets… Check out the full official ‘22 trailer!
Liverpool Film Festival 2022 Official Trailer
