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. In 2021, 265 films were entered from 21 countries.

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. 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

04/09/2025

✨ What an unforgettable day/night in Brisbane! ✨
We had such an amazing time at our Focus on Ability Short Film Festival events at the magical PIP Theatre. 🎬💫

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate the extraordinary talent, creativity, and stories of our incredible filmmakers and stars. 🌟

20/08/2025

Unsure what to expect at a Focus on Ability Short Film Festival screening event? Check out the recap of last years Brisbane event at the wonderful PIP Theatre. We would love for you all to come along and celebrate the films at these free events. Register today - https://www.focusonability.com.au/FOA/screeningEvents.html

Big thank you to our friends and sponsors Abilitv for the wonderful video.

05/08/2025

🎬 Feel Inspired? Come Watch on the Big Screen! 🎉

You’ve watched the short films online and felt the impact—now experience them together on the big screen! Join us for free, in‑person Focus on Ability Short Film Festival screenings across the country:

Brisbane – Tue 2 Sep • Day (12–2pm) or Evening (6–8:30pm) @ PIP Theatre, Milton

Sydney – Wed 10 Sep • 10:30am–1pm @ Liverpool Catholic Club Theatre, Prestons

Canberra – Fri 12 Sep • 10:30am–12:30pm @ National Museum of Australia

Adelaide – Wed 17 Sep • 11am–1pm @ Hotel Grand Chancellor

Fremantle – Thu 18 Sep • 11am–1pm @ WA Maritime Museum

Melbourne – Tue 7 Oct • 10:30am–1pm @ Crown Towers, Southbank

Why attend?

Meet fellow supporters of inclusion and ability

Hear powerful stories about real lives and accomplishments

Be moved together, share the experience as a community

These events are totally free and inclusive—just register ahead to secure your seat.

https://www.focusonability.com.au/FOA/screeningEvents.html

04/08/2025

Voting closes Midnight tomorrow night (August 5), be sure to cast your vote. We will be announcing the lucky winners of our $250 voting draw on Friday :) Hope you are all enjoying the films.

🎬 INTERNATIONAL VOTING IS NOW CLOSED! 🌍
A massive THANK YOU to everyone who voted and to our incredible international filmmakers – you’ve been part of something truly powerful. 💪💙

💥 BUT WE'RE NOT DONE YET!
Starting TOMORROW (July 30), it’s time for Australian & School Films to take the spotlight! 🇦🇺🎓
Head to www.focusonability.com.au to view, vote and support these incredible stories of inclusion and talent.

💸 Voters still have the chance to win $250 – so don’t miss your shot!

30/07/2025

🎬🌍 Focus on Ability Short Film Festival🌍🎬
Australian & Schools Entries are now ready for voting🌟
These powerful short films, showcase the talents and stories of people with disability across Australian and in our schools. We love the inclusive minds of youth.
💻 Watch. Vote. Win!
Head to 👉 www.focusonability.com.au
Every vote counts—and just by voting, you’ll go in the draw to win $250 cash! 💵
Support inclusion. Celebrate ability. Cast your vote! 🙌

🎬 INTERNATIONAL VOTING IS NOW CLOSED! 🌍A massive THANK YOU to everyone who voted and to our incredible international fil...

29/07/2025

22/07/2025

The moment has arrived – voting is officially live for the 2025 Focus on Ability Short Film Festival International Awards!

🎉 With 121 incredible finalists from 25 countries, now’s your chance to explore inspiring films and support your favourites.

Head to www.focusonability.com.au, click “View & Vote Now”, choose your country and category, and cast your one vote per category. You can win $250AUD just by voting.

💬 Don’t forget to leave a supportive comment —they mean the world to the filmmakers.

Voting closes midnight, July 28 (Sydney time), so don’t wait!

You’ll receive a quick email to verify your vote (check your spam folder just in case). If it gets missed, no worries — we’ll manually verify all legitimate votes.

📣 Sharing on socials? Tag us! We love seeing your posts and celebrating your stories.

Let’s spread the word and celebrate ability through film!

🎬🌍 Focus on Ability Short Film Festival Goes Global! 🌍🎬

We’re excited to announce that the International Section of the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival features a record-breaking 121 finalists from 25 countries! 🌟

These powerful short films, showcasing the talents and stories of people with disability from across the globe, will be live for online voting from July 22 – 28.

💻 Watch. Vote. Win!
Head to 👉 www.focusonability.com.au
Every vote counts—and just by voting, you’ll go in the draw to win $250 cash! 💵

Australian and School entries will be July 30 - August 5.

Support inclusion. Celebrate ability. Cast your vote! 🙌

16/07/2025

29/06/2025

🎬 LAST CALL FOR ENTRIES – Focus on Ability Short Film Festival🌍

Entries are flooding in from across the globe – but there’s still time for you to join the celebration!

🎥 Got a story that celebrates ability and challenges perceptions? Submit your short film now and be part of a global movement that shines a light on talent, inclusion, and creativity.

⏰ Entries close midnight July 1 – and because we’re an International Festival, that means as long as it’s still July 1 somewhere in the world (shoutout to Howland and Baker Islands 🌎), you’re in!

Don’t miss this chance to inspire the world. Enter now:
👉www.focusonability.com.au

29/05/2025

https://www.filmink.com.au/public-notice/call-for-entries-2025-focus-on-ability-film-festival/

The Focus on Ability Short Film Festival is due to return for its 17th consecutive year in 2025 and is currently open for entries. The global film festival continues its mission to showcase the incredible talents and abilities of people with disabilities.

28/04/2025

2025 Focus on Ability Short Film Festival - Malawi Focus On Ability Society - FOAS Call for Malawi Entries.

Nkhalani mmodzi mwa omwe apambane photo ya ndalama yokwana US$250, US$500 komanso AU$5,000 pojambula kanema woonetsa kuthekera kwa anthu omwe ali ndi ulumali
Kanemayo atsapitilire mphindi 5.
Tumizani kanema wanu potsapitilira 1 July, 2025.
Dziwani zambiri, poyankhulana ndi MacDonald Nyirenda pa WhatsApp nambala 0888 52 54 96 Kapena pitani pa www.focusonability.com

Be one of those to win prize money of US$250, US$500 and AU$5,000 for producing a film showcasing abilities of people with a disability.

The film should not exceed 5 minutes. Send your film by 1 July, 2025.

For more information, speak with me, MacDonald Nyirenda on WhatsApp, 0888 52 54 96 or go to www.focusonability.com

26/03/2025

A huge season finale from the team at Abilitv. They feature the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival and our friend MC Wheels. His new song is 🔥 Check it out below.

In the season finale of AbiliTV, we explore the world of creative arts, where talent leads the way and new voices are making an impact.This episode highlight...

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St Marys, NSW

Telephone

+61288865800

Website

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

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