Want to be part of the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival? The Focus on Ability Short Film Festival (FOA) is celebrating its 14th annual instalment, showcasing 281 finalists from 19 countries across Australia in September. You have the opportunity to visit the screening sessions and vote for your favourite film.
The festival asks film makers to Focus on the Ability of people with a disability and tell a story on film for the world to view.
FOA was started in 2009 by NOVA Employment CEO Martin Wren who said it was great to be back for another year of ‘Focus’. “In a world in which bad news sadly predominates FOA brings hope and entertainment as film makers around the world showcase their talent while informing, entertaining and showcasing the contrition and experience of disability,” he said.
“I’m proud to be part of the FOA festival and excited to be back on the road as we tour Australia, sharing some of the best of the best films from the huge collection that makes up FOA 2022. While I suspect we shouldn’t be surprised, the quality of the submissions is truly outstanding and will demand a lot from our judges. I’m looking forward to meeting some of the long- term filmmakers as well as the newbies who have brought fresh perspectives.”
Each year the films are showcased on the FOA website and audiences come from around the world to view and vote for their favourites. This years’ International online voting week was greeted with much enthusiasm, with the festival receiving much fanfare in Ethiopia, Malawi, New Zealand and Canada in particular.
The Australia Open finalists and also the Australian and New Zealand School finalists are up next, with their voting week running from August 24 – 30. Head to the website and vote for your favourite. There are daily $50 Itunes vouchers for lucky voters.
Not only is the festival reaching audiences online, after a 2-year Australian live event hiatus, the festival will be on the road again. There are screenings in Brisbane (September 1), Melbourne (September 6), Adelaide (September 7), Fremantle (September 8), Canberra (September 14) and Sydney (September 16).
If you would like to come and view the films and meet some of the stars, email: admin@focusonability.com with your ticket requests.
Focus on Ability creative director Ryan Goodwin is looking forward to the events. “We are thrilled to be back in front of our audience again. The festival creates a really positive energy and our guests always leave, passionate about the inclusion message. We are very much looking forward to seeing everyone there.”
With over $100,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs the announcement of the winners is highly anticipated. Winners will be announced and celebrated at a red-carpet event in Sydney, October 16.
Be sure to head to www.focusonability.com.au for all of the details and to view the wonderful films.
Photo: Behind the scene: Australian Best Short Film winner, 2021.