Call for Entries for 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.
Open to filmmakers of all experience levels, Focus on Ability Short Film Festival is looking for short narrative films or documentaries under five minutes in length, with a focus on the lives, talents and achievements of individuals with disabilities. Submissions close on July 1, 2025.
The film selected will compete for prizes valued up to a combined $100,000 for short films, documentaries, directors, screenwriters and producers, with an awards night to be announced soon.
Ambassador Paula Duncan AM says,
“As Ambassador, I’m thrilled to champion a festival that changes hearts and minds by celebrating the incredible talents of people with a disability. This is your moment—grab a camera, tell your story, and show the world what true ability looks like! In just five minutes, your film can ignite inspiration, challenge perceptions, and leave a lasting impact. I can’t wait to see the passion, creativity, and courage that this year’s filmmakers will bring to the screen!”
The travelling film festival will this year screen in Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide, Launceston, Melbourne and Fremantle (with more to be announced), giving audiences the opportunity to see impactful stories from around the world firsthand, on the big screen.
Focus on Ability Short Film Festival is proud to continue its partnership with SBS, which sees the winning films available to be enjoyed by a wide audience via SBS on December 3 (International Day of People with Disability) and then available at SBS On Demand.
The Focus on Ability Short Film Festival is more than a competition; it is a movement that has proven itself to be a powerful force in challenging societal perceptions and breaking down barriers. Through the universal language of film, the festival continues to drive meaningful change, fostering a world where ability is celebrated above all else.
For entry submissions, see HERE.
See the 2024 prize winners HERE.
About the Focus On Ability Short Film Festival
The Focus on Ability™ Short Film Festival (FOA), presented by NOVA Employment, invites filmmakers worldwide to highlight the talents of individuals with disabilities through short films. In 2024, the festival achieved a huge 256 finalists from 20 countries.
Founded in 2009 by NOVA Employment CEO Martin Wren, the festival aims to challenge stereotypes and showcase the diverse abilities of individuals with disabilities on a global stage. With over 3.1 million views and growing, FOA provides an exceptional platform for emerging filmmakers and amplifies the voices of individuals with disabilities.
Some Major sponsors include NOVA Employment, International Day of People with Disability, Toshiba, Toyota, Department of Health & Aged Care and the Willoughby Council.
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TV Central Cinema Releases content HERE
Call for Entries for 2025 Focus on Ability Film Festival
