Focus on Ability Short Film Festival

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Focus on Ability Short Film Festival

A short film festival that is all about promoting the ability of people with disability. Entries close July 1, 2026

For the 14th consecutive year NOVA Employment presents the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival. This festival asks film makers to "Focus on the Ability" of people with a disability and tell a story on film for the world to view. Despite all the challenges we faced in 2021 our film makers continued the push and we had an amazing 265 entries. This has laid the foundations for a 2022 festival which is set to be the biggest yet, and our generous sponsors have donated over $100,000 worth of cash and prizes to encourage film makers and people with disability to tell their stories. In 2009, CEO of NOVA Employment Martin Wren began the festival with a belief in the ability of people with disability, and the goal of bringing that belief to the world through the medium of film. Martin recognised the power of film to challenge people"s fixed beliefs and perceptions about the lives and abilities of people with disability around the world. NOVA, together with Paula Duncan, known for both her success in the Australian film and television industry and passion for supporting people with disability, have worked tirelessly to bring this festival to the world. The Focus on Ability Film Festival is for people of all talent levels with many first time film makers taking out major prizes. Previous years films have been both educational and inspirational and have been viewed in 168 countries across the world and voted on by over 1,000,000 people. Feedback from people who have viewed the films has shown that these entries have the power to change attitudes and challenge perceptions. In 2021, 265 films were entered from 21 countries. The audience capacity is well over 1,000,000 people and continuing to grow, providing unmatched exposure for up and coming film makers and for people with disability to bring their message to the world. Films are judged by a professional judging panel and subject to an online voting process, with separate prizes for each category. For full festival details and to view the over 1,700 films from years past head to www.focusonability.com.au

27/01/2026

🎬 WE’RE BACK FOR 2026! 🎬

The Focus on Ability Short Film Festival is officially open — and we can’t wait to see the incredible stories you’ll share.

This global festival celebrates the abilities, talents and achievements of people with disability, using film to challenge perceptions, spark conversations and create real social change.

We’re calling on schools, young filmmakers and creatives of all abilities to produce a powerful short film (under 5 minutes) that puts disability centre stage.

✨ Entry is FREE
🏆 Amazing prizes to be won
🌍 Films seen by audiences around the world
🎥 Selected films screened nationally and on TV

⏰ Entries close: July 1, 2026
So start planning, start filming, and be part of a movement that truly makes a difference.

👉 Learn more and enter: www.focusonability.com.au

Let’s celebrate ability. Let’s change the story. 💙

20/01/2026

🌟 Celebrating Two Powerful Voices from Malawi 🇲🇼

We are incredibly proud to congratulate our two Malawi winners, Golden Mhango and Pauline Gondwe, for bravely sharing their life stories on screen. Through their documentaries, they didn’t just star in films — they opened hearts, challenged perceptions, and inspired audiences around the world.

Thank you, Golden and Pauline, for your honesty, courage, and generosity in telling stories that truly matter. Your voices are powerful, and your impact will be felt far beyond the screen. 🎬✨

16/01/2026

✨ Congratulations to Kora Animations ✨

We’re thrilled to congratulate Kora Animations on their beautiful short film Now the Stars Spell Your Name, winner of Best Ethiopian Short Film at the Focus on Ability Film Festival.

This visually stunning and emotionally resonant film is a powerful example of how animation can tell deeply human stories, capturing hearts and imaginations while celebrating creativity and inclusion. A truly deserving win.

Thank you to the talented team at Kora Animations for sharing this remarkable story with our global audience and being part of the Focus on Ability community.

🎬 Watch the winning film here:
👉 https://focusonability.com.au/film/now-the-stars-spell-your-name/

🎬

14/01/2026

🎉 Congratulations to the team behind "I Can Feel" 🎉

We are proud to congratulate the incredible filmmakers of I Can Feel on winning Best Ethiopian Documentary at the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival.

This powerful documentary offers a moving and authentic perspective, showcasing the strength of storytelling to connect audiences across cultures and challenge perceptions. The team’s dedication, creativity and commitment to inclusive storytelling truly stood out and left a lasting impact on audiences and judges alike.

Thank you for sharing such an important story with the world and for being part of the global Focus on Ability community.

🎬 Watch I Can Feel here:
👉 https://focusonability.com.au/film/i-can-feel/

🎬

13/01/2026

🎬 2025 Best Thailand Film – Acceptance Video 🇹🇭
Proudly sponsored by the Australian Embassy, Thailand

We’re thrilled to celebrate Oradol Kaewprasert, winner of the 2025 Best Thailand Film at the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival, for the powerful and heartfelt documentary 'Just Wanna Be Me'.

This moving story shines a light on identity, authenticity, and the universal desire to be accepted for who we truly are. Oradol’s acceptance video beautifully reflects the passion and purpose behind the film, and we’re honoured to share it with you.

👏 Congratulations, Oradol, on this outstanding achievement and thank you for helping push the conversation around inclusion forward.

🎥 Watch the film here:
👉 https://focusonability.com.au/film/just-wanna-be-me/

11/01/2026

🌍🎬 Acceptance Video Announcement 🎬🌍

We’re excited to share an equally amazing acceptance video from our International – Most Online Votes winners 🏆

A huge congratulations to Dutra, Cruz & Ocdy (Brazil) for their film That’s So Me, which captured hearts around the world and inspired audiences to get behind this powerful story. The incredible global support and engagement truly shows the impact of their work.

Thank you to everyone who voted and helped celebrate inclusive storytelling on an international stage.

🎥 Watch That’s So Me here:
👉 https://focusonability.com.au/film/thats-so-me/

👏 And don’t miss their acceptance video — a wonderful reflection of the passion behind the film.

🌏✨

21/12/2025

We are beyond thrilled to share the acceptance video from Able for winning Best International Documentary with Sight Unseen – Thomas Coysh! 🌍🏆

This powerful film gives voice to a blind lived experience — with built-in audio description — so everyone can see the world our way.

Watch the full film here 👉 https://focusonability.com.au/film/sight-unseen-thomas-coysh/

Thank you to the jury, our amazing community, and everyone who believes in inclusive storytelling. 💛

19/12/2025

🏆 Best Malawi Documentary Winner 🇲🇼

We are proud to celebrate Alpha Jeremot, winner of Best Malawi Documentary at the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival for his powerful film Unbreakable Spirit – The Pendo Singogo Story.

This moving documentary shines a light on resilience, determination and the unbreakable human spirit, sharing a story that inspires far beyond borders. Alpha’s storytelling captures strength in the face of adversity and reminds us of the power of film to drive understanding and inclusion.

🎬 Watch the winning documentary here:
👉 https://focusonability.com.au/film/unbreakable-spirit-the-pendo-singogo-story/

Congratulations Alpha Jeremot on this well-deserved recognition and thank you for sharing such an important story with the world. 🌍✨

18/12/2025

🎬✨ Acceptance Video Announcement ✨🎬

We are thrilled to share the acceptance video from Tayla Richardson, winner of Best Screenwriter at the 2025 Focus on Ability Short Film Festival🏆

Congratulations Tayla on this incredible achievement — your words truly make a difference, and we can’t wait to see what you create next.

🎥 Watch Tayla’s acceptance video below and join us in celebrating an outstanding screenwriting talent!

🎉

15/12/2025

🎉 ACCEPTANCE VIDEO ANNOUNCEMENT 🎉

We are proud to share the acceptance video from Mandala Banda, winner of Best Malawi Film at the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival, for his powerful film Beyond Sight.

Mandala’s storytelling offers an authentic and moving perspective, reminding us of the power of film to challenge perceptions, amplify voices, and celebrate ability beyond disability.

Congratulations Mandala on this well-deserved recognition — Malawi, and the world, is watching 🌍✨

🎬 Watch Beyond Sight here:
👉 https://focusonability.com.au/film/beyond-sight-2/

14/12/2025

When Melbourne man Peter Chambers was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in 2020, he made a decision that would shape the rest of his life: he would choose happiness, no matter what the illness brought.

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St Marys, NSW

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+61288865800

Website

http://www.focusonability.com.au/

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