The Focus on Ability Short Film Festival is returning for its 17th consecutive year in 2025 and is now open for entries.
The global film festival showcases 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.
Focus on Ability to “ignite inspiration”
The travelling film festival will this year screen in Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide, Launceston, Melbourne and Fremantle, with more locations 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 will also 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.
Films 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.
“I’m thrilled to champion a festival that changes hearts and minds by celebrating the incredible talents of people with a disability,” said Focus on Ability Ambassador Paula Duncan.
“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,” she said.