PRESS RELEASE
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.