Focus on Ability Short Film Festival

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

What an amazing experience for the team at Positive Powerful Parents and also our winning documentary film maker Riley w...
30/01/2025

What an amazing experience for the team at Positive Powerful Parents and also our winning documentary film maker Riley who took part in a panel discussion at The Impact lounge at the Sundance Film Festival!

What a prize! If you would like to take part in the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival 2025 full details are now up www.focusonability.com.au

Together, we can make a real difference!We truly believe that the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival is a game-changer...
28/01/2025

Together, we can make a real difference!

We truly believe that the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival is a game-changer. This incredible event celebrates the abilities and achievements of people with disabilities and has the power to shift perspectives, foster inclusivity, and ignite positive change.

This year, we’re challenging you to create a powerful, under-5-minute film that showcases the talent, strength, and accomplishments of people with disabilities.

Why enter? Beyond the incredible prizes—over $100,000 in rewards—you will gain recognition for championing a more inclusive world. You can join a movement that’s making a lasting impact!

Entries close July 1, so start planning today to be part of the 2025 program.

Many of the films are even broadcast on Australian TV and showcased at free screenings across the country—and you're invited to be a part of that!

Entry is completely free, and creating a film has never been easier. Past entries have been nothing short of inspirational. Check out the incredible films from previous years.

In September and October, we’ll be touring the festival Australia-wide, offering free events where you can see your film on the big screen. Not entering but still want to get involved? Join us for an inspiring showcase you won’t want to miss!

Any questions? Email us [email protected]

www.focusonability.com.au

21/01/2025

2024 Focus on Ability Short Film Festival Ethiopia Awards Highlights

What an unforgettable celebration of inclusion, creativity, and resilience at the 4th Edition of the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival Ethiopia Film Festival!
📍 Venue- British Council Compound, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
📅 Date- December 5th, 2024

A big congratulations to our Focus On Ability Africa team on such a successful event.

2024 Best Thailand Entry for the Focus on Ability Short Film FestivalWinner - Surachet Buakaew - I can't hear but I am h...
19/01/2025

2024 Best Thailand Entry for the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival

Winner - Surachet Buakaew - I can't hear but I am here
https://www.focusonability.com.au/FOA/films/3359.html

A big thank you to Australian Embassy, Thailand for their continued support of our festival. We have loved growing the festival in Thailand and have been so impressed by the films.

Check out the latest episode from our friends at Abilitv!
16/01/2025

Check out the latest episode from our friends at Abilitv!

Discover the incredible journey of how AbiliTV came to life and the transformative vision driving this groundbreaking show.This premiere episode of the Summe...

And we are now up SBS On Demand! Hope you have been enjoying the show. We also have an hour long documentary set for 4pm...
03/12/2024

And we are now up SBS On Demand! Hope you have been enjoying the show. We also have an hour long documentary set for 4pm. Our friends at Vision Australia Radio are also showcasing the festival at 6pm Nationwide.

All content is Audio Described and Closed Captioned.

Celebrates filmmakers with disabilities and their award-winning films, showcasing their powerful stories that captivate audiences around the globe.

02/12/2024

It is almost time! This International Day of People with Disability - Australia, December 3rd from 9 AM, SBS Australia will showcase the NOVA Employment Focus on Ability Short Film Festival. The festival highlights the incredible talents and stories of individuals with disabilities. This festival is not just about film; it’s a movement that seeks to reshape perceptions and create opportunities for those within the disability community.

Can’t watch it live? It will also be available for free anytime on SBS On Demand. https://www.sbs.com.au/guide/ondemand

A big thank you to Lisa Cox for hosting an episode of this series 🙂

29/11/2024

This International Day of People with Disability - Australia, December 3rd from 9 AM, SBS Australia will showcase the NOVA Employment Focus on Ability Short Film Festival. The festival highlights the incredible talents and stories of individuals with disabilities. This festival is not just about film; it’s a movement that seeks to reshape perceptions and create opportunities for those within the disability community.

Can’t watch it live? It will also be available for free anytime on SBS On Demand.

A big thank you to 2024 International Day of People with Disability - Australia Ambassador Sara Shams for hosting 2 episodes of this series :)

A big thank you to Peter Greco and the team at Vision Australia Radio for interviewing our Best Producer of 2024 Casey A...
27/11/2024

A big thank you to Peter Greco and the team at Vision Australia Radio for interviewing our Best Producer of 2024 Casey Andrew

This week on LEISURE LINK with Peter Greco: Cameron Murray has just been appointed CEO for Paralympics Australia chats. Cameron talks about past roles; upcoming opportunities and challenges Casey Andrew has won Best Producer in the Focus On Ability Film Festival for "Against The Odds" Dr Kari Seeley...

25/11/2024

Our 2024 Focus on Ability Short Film Festival Brisbane Screenings.

We had so much fun earlier this year touring the festival around Australia. Check out the fun at our Brisbane PIP Theatre events. A huge thank you to Abilitv for capturing! Looking for an inclusive Brisbane location? We highly recommend PIP Theatre!

22/11/2024

This International Day of People with Disability - Australia, December 3rd from 9 AM, SBS Australia will showcase the NOVA Employment Focus on Ability Short Film Festival. The festival highlights the incredible talents and stories of individuals with disabilities. This festival is not just about film; it’s a movement that seeks to reshape perceptions and create opportunities for those within the disability community.

Can’t watch it live? It will also be available for free anytime on SBS On Demand.

International Day of People with Disability - Australia 2024 theme "Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabiliti...
19/11/2024

International Day of People with Disability - Australia 2024 theme

"Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future."

A big welcome to the 2024 International Day of People with Disability - Australia Ambassador lineup.

Learn more about this years ambassadors at https://www.idpwd.com.au/about/our-ambassadors/

Help to break down barriers and promote inclusion by holding an International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) event on or around 3 December. Together we can be part of creating an inclusive and diverse community.

https://www.idpwd.com.au/events/

18/11/2024
14/11/2024

This International Day of People with Disability - Australia, December 3rd from 9 AM, SBS Australia will showcase the NOVA Employment Focus on Ability Short Film Festival The festival highlights the incredible talents and stories of individuals with disabilities. This festival is not just about film; it’s a movement that seeks to reshape perceptions and create opportunities for those within the disability community.

Can’t watch it live? It will also be available for free anytime on SBS On Demand.

The 2024 Launch of Focus on Ability Short Film Festival in the UK was a tremendous success! 📅 Date- September 21st🕔 Time...
12/11/2024

The 2024 Launch of Focus on Ability Short Film Festival in the UK was a tremendous success!
📅 Date- September 21st
🕔 Time- 5:00 PM
📍 Venue- Arc Cinema, Beeston, Nottingham
A big thank you to Arc Cinema Beeston, Stuart from Baker Bairds Communications and Mikias Mulugeta for putting this event together.

2024 Focus on Ability Short Film Festival NOVA Employment Choice Award WinnerA big congratulations to all of our finalis...
08/11/2024

2024 Focus on Ability Short Film Festival NOVA Employment Choice Award Winner

A big congratulations to all of our finalists.
Winner - Jodie Van de Wetering - World Famous
https://www.focusonability.com.au/FOA/films/3457.html
Runner up
Ivy Roger - Raven's Revenge

Top 5
Riley Hinton & Thomas Rungie - Beyond Limits
Pete Vance - Ripples in the sand
Para Hills High School - Anyone can! Dance in Education

A big thank you to NOVA Employment and Noble Toyota for sponsoring this category.

2024 Focus on Ability Short Film Festival Australian Best Short FilmA big congratulations to all of our finalists.Winner...
07/11/2024

2024 Focus on Ability Short Film Festival Australian Best Short Film
A big congratulations to all of our finalists.

Winner - Positive Powerful Parents – Compare the Parents
https://www.focusonability.com.au/FOA/films/3449.html
Runners up
Ivy Roger - Raven's Revenge
Noah Micheal - Beyond The Obscurity
Ian Heydon - No Strings Attached
Bayley Arts Film Studio - Unicorn
A big thank you to Your local club, NOVA Employment and Diversity Pictures for sponsoring this category.

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St Marys, NSW

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