Focus on Ability Short Film Festival

09/03/2026

🎬⚡ Got a film idea sitting in your head? Now’s the time to bring it to life.

Some of the most powerful films in the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival didn’t start with big budgets or professional gear… they started with one simple idea.

A conversation.
A moment.
A story that needed to be told.

Your film could:
✨ Challenge perceptions about disability
✨ Celebrate ability and inclusion
✨ Share a personal story that people everywhere can connect with

And remember — you don’t need fancy equipment. Many great short films start with a phone, a few friends, and a creative idea.

🎥 Film it
🎥 Edit it
🎥 Share your perspective with the world

Why enter?

✔️ It’s completely FREE to participate
✔️ Global recognition for filmmakers and schools
✔️ Screenings across Australia
✔️ Cash prizes and money-can’t-buy experiences
✔️ The chance to have your film seen by huge audiences

The only thing missing… is your story.

If you’re thinking about entering, drop a 🎬 in the comments or send us a message and we’ll send you an Info email with tips, inspiration and everything you need to get started.

Your idea could become a film that changes the way people see ability.

03/03/2026

🎬✨ Need a little creative spark? This is it.

We’re shining a spotlight on an incredible film created by Play PIctures — a powerful example of storytelling that challenges perceptions and celebrates ability in the most authentic way.

This is the kind of film that doesn’t just tell a story… it makes you feel something. It shifts perspectives. It starts conversations. And most importantly — it proves that meaningful stories can be told in simple, creative, and impactful ways.

If you’re thinking about entering the Focus on Ability Film Festival, use this as your idea charger 🔋

Ben Haack was bullied and told his Asperger's meant he was broken. Instead, he became a global Special Olympics leader. Watch his incredible true story of ov...

25/02/2026

🎬✨ GOT A STORY TO TELL?

What does Focus on Ability look like to you?

The Focus on Ability Short Film Festival is officially calling for entries — and we want bold ideas, powerful stories and fresh voices from around the world 🌏

Whether you’re:
🎥 A first-time filmmaker
🏫 A school or teacher
🎓 A student with a story
💡 A creative with a big idea
🤝 Or a business that wants to support inclusion

This is your invitation.

💰 Cash prizes
🌟 Money-can’t-buy experiences
📺 National TV exposure
🎉 Red carpet screenings
💬 Real conversations that change perceptions

Entries close July 1, 2026.

👇 We’d love to hear from you in the comments:

• What story about disability should be told?
• Are you thinking about submitting a film?
• Want tips on where to start?
• Know a business that should sponsor a category?
• Have an idea for funding or partnership?

Drop your thoughts below or DM us — let’s build something powerful together.

Because when we focus on ability, perspectives change. 💛

24/02/2026

09/02/2026

✨ Red Carpet Highlights | Focus on Ability Short Film Festival Awards 2025 ✨

The red carpet rolled out at The Concourse Chatswood for an afternoon that truly celebrated ability, creativity, and inclusion. 🌟
Our 2025 Awards Event brought together filmmakers, people with disability, families, educators, partners and supporters — all united by one powerful message: everyone deserves to be seen, heard and valued. From the stories on screen to the moments on the carpet, the afternoon was a reminder of how film can challenge perceptions and spark real change.

🎬 Watch the highlights and relive the energy, pride and connection that made this event so special.

Want to be part of the magic in 2026?
🎥 Entries are now open!

Visit https://focusonability.com.au/ to find out how you can get involved and help share stories that celebrate inclusion and ability.
Together, we’re changing the narrative. 💛

02/02/2026

🎬🏆 Congratulations to Anne Di Martino! 🏆🎬

Anne Di Martino has been awarded Best Hawaiian Film 2025 for her moving documentary James 🌺

In her acceptance video, Anne shares heartfelt thanks and reflects on the journey behind the film — a powerful story told with honesty, care and purpose.

A big thank you to Autism Moms of Kona and NOVA Employment for proudly sponsoring this award category and supporting stories that truly matter.

🎥 Watch James here:
https://focusonability.com.au/film/james/

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/