by FilmInk Staff
Focus On Ability Short Film Festival returns for 2026 Red Carpet Awards in Sydney, celebrating accessibility and creativity
The Focus On Ability Short Film Festival is back for its 18th year, with its annual Red Carpet Awards event to be held on Sunday 18 October at The Concourse, Chatswood.
The afternoon will feature dynamic performances from musician Matt McLaren and inclusive performing arts group The StarAbility Dancers. This year’s awards are judged by an Australian and International judging panel. Awards presenters for 2026 include Nick Hardcastle, Lynne McGranger, Tony Bonner AM, Christie Dawes, John Jarratt, Gerard O’Dwyer, James Stewart and Ada Nicodemo.
Proudly presented by NOVA Employment and major sponsor Australia’s Disability Strategy, this year’s festival attracted 240 submissions from 26 countries, showcasing the remarkable diversity of stories and voices that make this event one of the most unique on the film calendar.
Over 280 films were submitted last year from around the world, with 62 of those entries from school groups. The annual event showcases short films and documentaries under five minutes long that shine a spotlight on the creativity, talent and achievements of people with disability, from filmmakers of all experience levels. In 2027, selected films will tour around Australia for community screenings, creating an experience where storytelling can change perceptions and celebrate ability in every form.
Willoughby Mayor Tanya Taylor said: “We’re incredibly proud to welcome the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival Red Carpet Awards to Chatswood. This festival is such a powerful celebration of talent, creativity and storytelling, while challenging the way we think about disability and ability. It gives people with disability the opportunity to be seen, heard and represented through stories that entertain, inspire and change perspectives. That focus on inclusion and celebrating the contribution of every person is something that resonates for me personally, as well as for Willoughby City Council, and we’re delighted to be part of it.”
Focus on Ability Ambassador Paula Duncan said: “This is my 16th year being involved in the festival and it has been such a journey watching it grow year by year. Established by CEO Martin Wren in 2009, it has reached extraordinary heights with 283 films submitted last year and over 300,000 people viewing these inspiring films online and at various events. I thank my peers for their unwavering support, the Mayor of Willoughby, the Australia’s Disability Strategy, all the prize givers, the judges, and loyal sponsors for helping to keep this festival going year after year.”
The festival will air later this year on SBS on the International Day of People with Disability, Thursday 3 December, as part of the ongoing partnership between Focus On Ability and SBS. Last year’s broadcast reached over 125,000 people, showcasing a total of 45 short films and documentaries.
Tickets to the event are free, but registration is essential at: https://focusonability.com.au/red-carpet.
Event Details:
🗓 Sunday, 18 October 2026, 1pm-5pm
📍 The Concourse, Chatswood NSW
🎬 Focus on Ability Short Film Festival Red Carpet Awards
💻 Register now: https://focusonability.com.au/red-carpet
Image: Grace Tame and Benjamin Huggins Strum at Focus On Ability Short Film Festival 2025
