by FilmInk Staff
Today, the Focus On Ability Short Film Festival announced its annual awards ceremony will take place on the 29th September at The Concourse Chatswood. Stars, including Paula Duncan, Lynne McGranger, Tina Bursill, Craig Bennett, Amanda Muggleton and Tony Bonner will walk the red carpet with nominees from across the world, to celebrate the storytelling talents of individuals with a disability.
All short films centre around a disability theme or feature individuals with disabilities as main actors and will be shown at free screening events in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Launceston, Canberra and Fremantle throughout September in the lead up to the Awards. Winners will be decided through online voting and by a panel of distinguished judges, before being presented on the 29th September. Now in its 16th year, the 2024 Focus on Ability Short Film Festival attracted 256 submissions from 20 countries including the USA, Ethiopia, UK, Thailand, Malawi and from local Australian filmmakers.
The Focus on Ability Short Film Festival began in Western Sydney as the idea of Martin Wren, CEO of NOVA Employment, whose mission is to support individuals with a disability get a job in their chosen field. Since its inception, the festival has grown enormously with international screening events in Uganda, Ethiopia, Malawi, Zimbabwe USA, Spain, Kenya, and the team presenting the winning films each year at The United Nations Economic Commission for Asia and Pacific.
Paula Duncan, Ambassador, says: “As Ambassador, I’m proud to support a festival that transforms perceptions and showcases the creative talents of individuals with a disability. In just 5 minutes, these films have the power to inspire and bring hope to people worldwide. I can’t wait to see the stories that this next generation of filmmakers will share.”
Martin Wren, Festival Founder, says: “It shows just how much people are concerned about inclusion; they are concerned about ensuring everyone gets a fair go. Focus on Ability highlights the skills and abilities of people with disability, and it is just a wonderful thing to be a part of.”
The Awards ceremony will be streamed live on YouTube HERE and the winning films shown on SBS for the International Day of People with Disability on December 3.
Full list of nationwide screenings 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 1.5 million viewers 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, EY, Department of Health & Aged Care and the Willoughby Council.
