Focus on Ability Short Film Festival

03/06/2026

🎬🌟 Welcome Back, Cinzia Coassin! 🌟🎬

We're delighted to announce that Cinzia Coassin is returning as a judge for the 2026 Focus on Ability Film Festival!

Cinzia brings a wealth of industry experience and creative insight. We are thrilled to have her once again helping to review and celebrate the incredible films entered from around the world.

We're also excited to share that Cinzia has generously agreed to be a mentor for our 2026 Best Actor Award winners.

This is an incredible opportunity for emerging performers to learn from an experienced industry professional and gain insights that can help shape their future careers.

Thank you, Cinzia, for your ongoing support of Focus on Ability and for helping create meaningful opportunities for our talented filmmakers and actors.

🎥 Entries are open now – your film could help launch the next award-winning performance!

18/05/2026

Soaring beyond limits. 🕊️✨

From the UK comes Bird Boy — a powerful 2025 film entry starring and scored by Noah Matthews Matofsky.

At just 17, Noah brings heart, honesty, and hope to the story of a young man with Down Syndrome who dreams of reaching great heights — literally and emotionally. Free from society’s rigid expectations, Bird Boy discovers the joy of flying, freedom, and believing in his own path.

What makes this film even more special? Noah not only stars in the film — he also composed and performed the original score himself. 🎹

Bird Boy is a celebration of possibility, individuality, and breaking barriers. It reminds us that everyone deserves the chance to live life to their fullest potential — without being defined by limitations or labels.

This is more than a film. It’s a message of courage, inclusion, and soaring above expectations. 🌍💙

14/05/2026

🎬 Introducing one of our 2026 Focus on Ability Short Film Festival Judges — Lucy McNulty!

We are thrilled to welcome Lucy 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! 🌟

https://focusonability.com.au/our-judging-pannel/lucy-mcnulty/

11/05/2026

🎬✨ 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 🌏
📽️ www.focusonability.com.au

22/04/2026

Exciting news! 🎬

Rafael Star’s feature film Manhunt is set for its Australian Premiere at the Gold Coast Film Festival on May 2nd at Dendy Cinemas, Southport.

Rafael, alongside his sister Vanessa, are proud award winners of the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival, and Manhunt continues their inspiring commitment to storytelling that champions inclusion.

Join the celebration with a red carpet event from 5:30pm — a fantastic opportunity to experience this powerful, inclusively made film on the big screen.

Don’t miss it!
🎟️ Tickets & info: https://gcff.com.au/program/manhunt/

19/04/2026

Always wonderful to chat to Vision Australia Radio Peter Greco.

This week on LEISURE LINK with Peter Greco: Lewis Bishop, Paralympic Medallist, chatted about life since Paris and the realisation that Lewis is an elite swimmer. Lewis is setting goals and is more motivated than ever. Toby Sutherland spoke about being a gold medallist as a Special Olympian; coachin...

07/04/2026

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 💙

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...

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. 💛