2024 Entries Open

The Focus on Ability™ annual International Short Film Festival challenges filmmakers to create a short (5-minute) film that celebrates the achievements and abilities of people with disability.

We are now taking entries for the 2024 festival and will have over $100,000 in cash and prizes. Entries close July 12, 2024.


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Keyword Cloud

View themed keywords to search the catalogue. It's a great way to get into the minds of the filmmakers.

The Focus Story

This 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.

Films are judged by a professional judging panel and subject to an online voting process, with separate prizes for each category.

Meet the Team

The Focus on Ability film festival is involves a huge amount of effort from a large number of talented individuals. Meet some of those people here.

FOA Creator, Martin Wren
Martin WrenIn 2009, Martin began the festival with a belief in the ability of people with disability, and the goal of bringing that belief to the world through the medium of film.
FOA Ambassador, Paula Duncan
Paula DuncanPaula Duncan, known for both her success in the Australian film and television industry and passion for supporting people with disability, has worked tirelessly to bring this festival to the world.
Creative Director, Ryan Goodwin
Ryan GoodwinRyan Goodwin studied as a journalist and has used his curiosity and ability to talk to people to encourage film makers from all walks of life to tell their story via the medium of film.

Focus Blog

FOCUS MUSIC - I've got the music in me
Could you live without music? No? Me neither. Whether you're a singer, musician or playlist maestro, music keeps many of us joyful. In these short films we meet people who are thriving due to their ...

FOCUS ON LOVE: FAMILY
These five films show the positive and lasting impact of families - how a sibling or a parent can make all the difference when it comes to overcoming life's challenges and growing up to become capable ...

FOCUS ON LOVE: WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS
Friendship comes in many forms. Whether you're in school or out in the wider world, friends can help us share our talents, see the funny side in life, and find solutions to tricky problems. Sometimes ...

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