Focus On Ability Film Festival

🎬 Introducing one of our 2026 @focusonability Film Festival Judges — Lucy McNulty! We are thrilled to welcome @lucymcnultyy to the judging panel for the 2026 Focus on Ability Film Festival. Lucy brings a wealth of experience, creativity and passion for storytelling, and we are excited to have her involved in celebrating this year’s incredible films from around the world. Please join us in welcoming Lucy to the FOA family! 🌟 .au/our-judging-pannel/lucy-mcnulty/ #FocusOnAbility #FOAFilmFestival #FilmFestival #DisabilityInclusion #Storytelling #MeetTheJudges

🎬✨ Creativity has no limits at the Focus on Ability Film Festival! One of our unforgettable past winners was 2020 NOVA Employment Choice Award recipient Zoe Fraser with her deeply personal and moving film A Gift. The film offers an intimate insight into the life and relationship with her brother, capturing emotion, connection and humanity in a truly powerful way. ❤️ What also made A Gift stand out was Zoe’s creative use of animation throughout the storytelling — proving that there are so many ways to bring a story to life on screen. 🎨🎥 Whether your film is live action, documentary, animated, experimental or a mix of styles, your creativity is welcome here. Every year we are inspired by filmmakers who think outside the box, tell authentic stories and challenge audiences to see the world differently. So if you’ve been thinking about entering this year’s festival, this is your sign to go for it. Don’t hold back your ideas. Your unique voice and creative vision could inspire audiences everywhere. Enter now and share your story with the world 🌏 📽️ .au #FocusOnAbility #FilmFestival #Animation #Storytelling #DisabilityInclusion #CreativeFilm #ShortFilm #Filmmaking #AnimationFilm #InclusiveStories

นี่คือโอกาสสำหรับนักสร้างภาพยนต์ชาวไทยทุกท่าน - Calling all filmmakers in Thailand! ปีนี้ สถานเอกอัครราชทูตออสเตรเลียร่วมกับ Focus on Ability Short Film Festival Festival อยากชวนคุณมาร่วมเป็นส่วนหนึ่งในการสร้างสิ่งที่พิเศษ The Australian Embassy, Thailand and the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival are inviting you to be part of something powerful in 2026. ในปีที่ผ่านมา ประเทศไทยมีผลงานดี ๆ ออกมามากมาย และปีนี้… เราอยากเห็นผลงานที่แสดงถึงเสียงที่หลากหลายขึ้น เรื่องราวใหม่ ๆ และความคิดสร้างสรรค์จากคุณ Thailand has delivered some incredible films—and this year, we want to see even more voices, more stories, more creativity from you. ขอเชิญทุกท่านร่วมส่งผลงานภาพยนตร์สั้นหรือสารคดีที่บอกเล่าความสามารถของผู้พิการ เรื่องราวที่ท้าทายมุมมองเดิม ๆ ที่สร้างแรงบันดาลใจต่อผู้ชม Create a short film or documentary that celebrates ability, challenges perceptions, and makes people feel something real. งานนี้มีเงินและของรางวัลมูลค่ารวมกว่า 100,000 ดอลล่าร์ออสเตรเลีย และยังมีรางวัลพิเศษ 1,000 ดอลล่าร์ออสเตรเลียสำหรับผลงานที่ดีที่สุดจากประเทศไทย There’s over $100,000 in cash and prizes to be won—including a special $1,000 AUD award just for the top Thai entry. นี่คือพื้นที่ของคุณ ที่จะเล่าเรื่องที่มีความหมาย และแบ่งปันให้กับผู้ชมทั่วโลก This is your moment to tell a story that matters and share it with the world. หยิบกล้องขึ้นมาแล้วเริ่มถ่ายได้เลย สามารถส่งผลงานได้ถึงวันที่ 1 กรกฏาคม นี้ So grab your camera and get started. Entries close July 1. สมัครได้ที่ .au Submit now at .au

🎬 Throwback to a powerful story from around the world… In 2019, International filmmaker Abdullah Şahin brought us Plus One — a moving short film from Turkey that captured hearts and opened minds. 🌍 Plus One shines a light on inclusion, connection — reminding us that everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and valued. It’s films like this that truly embody what our festival is all about 💙 Stories that challenge perceptions. Stories that inspire change. Stories that celebrate ability. ✨ As we look ahead to this year’s festival, we encourage YOU to share your story. You never know the impact your film could have. 🎥 Ready to make a difference? Start creating today. #FocusOnAbility #FilmFestival #InclusionMatters #DisabilityAwareness #ShortFilm #Documentary #Throwback #Turkey #Storytelling

What if the way someone communicates isn’t the way you expect—but their message is just as powerful? 🎬 More to Me by Alex Sideratos, our 2021 Judges Choice Australian Short Film Winner, is a beautiful reminder that connection goes far beyond words. This moving film follows an artist’s determination to express himself, share his story, and connect with others at his exhibition. It’s honest, powerful, and deeply human. As Alex shares: “The intent of this short film is to give a voice to those that don’t have one… to show that everyone can contribute, add value and touch people’s hearts and minds.” Because at the end of the day—we’re more alike than we are different. Watch the film and see the world through a different lens 💙 #FocusOnAbility #Inclusion #ShortFilm #FilmFestival #Storytelling

Some films don’t just tell a story — they shift the way you see the world. “I Am Steve” by Sebastian Chan is one of those films. With creativity, honesty, and a powerful sense of perspective, it challenges the labels we so often place on people — and reminds us that identity is so much more than a single word. It’s a film that stays with you, sparking reflection long after the credits roll. This is exactly what great storytelling can do. As we look ahead to this year’s festival, let this be your inspiration. Think differently. Be bold. Tell a story that makes people pause, feel, and see things in a new way. Your idea could be the one that changes someone’s perspective. Ready to create something meaningful? 🎬 .au #

🎬⚡ 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 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. #FocusOnAbility #ShortFilmFestival #Filmmakers #Inclusion #Storytelling

🎬✨ 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. 💛 #FocusOnAbility #FilmFestival #Inclusion #DisabilityInclusion #ShortFilm #Filmmakers #Schools #Storytelling

✨ Red Carpet Highlights | @focusonability 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 .au/ to find out how you can get involved and help share stories that celebrate inclusion and ability. Together, we’re changing the narrative. 💛

🎬🏆 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 @autismmomsofkona and @novaemployment for proudly sponsoring this award category and supporting stories that truly matter. 🎥 Watch James here: .au/film/james/ #JamesDocumentary #AnneDiMartino #BestHawaiianFilm #HawaiianFilmmaker #InclusiveStorytelling #AutismAwareness #FilmAwards

🎬 FOCUS ON ABILITY IS BACK FOR 2026! 🎬 We’re calling on schools, students and young filmmakers to tell powerful stories that celebrate the abilities and achievements of people with disability. ✨ Create a short film (under 5 minutes) ✨ Entry is FREE ✨ Win amazing prizes ✨ Get your film seen nationally — and around the world This is more than a film festival. It’s a movement that challenges perceptions and creates real change. ⏰ Entries close July 1, 2026 So start planning, start filming, and be part of something that matters. 👉 Link in bio to enter #FocusOnAbility #FOA2026 #InclusiveStorytelling #StudentFilmmakers #FilmWithImpact #SchoolsInFilm 🎥💙

🌟 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. 🎬✨ #FocusOnAbility #MalawiWinners #RealStories #DocumentaryFilm #Inclusion #Representation