The Focus on Ability Short Film Festival has officially opened its call for entries for 2026, marking 18 consecutive years of cinematic storytelling.
Presented by NOVA Employment, the festival continues its mission to challenge global perceptions by spotlighting the talents and lived experiences of people with disabilities.
This annual event has grown into a significant international platform, attracting millions of views and participation from filmmakers around the world.
It serves as a creative bridge, connecting storytellers with a global audience eager for inclusive and diverse narratives that celebrate unique abilities.
Funding and benefits
This year’s competition features a substantial incentive for creators, with sponsors contributing over $100,000 in cash and prizes.
These rewards are specifically designed to empower individuals and provide the necessary resources for filmmakers to continue sharing their unique narratives.
Beyond the financial rewards, the festival offers immense professional visibility, with previous highlights including national broadcasts on SBS.
Furthermore, the festival remains free and accessible to all participants, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent important stories from being told.
Application requirements and eligibility
Organizers are inviting filmmakers to submit short films that explore, celebrate, or reflect stories with a disability theme.
The festival encourages a wide range of formats, from heartfelt documentaries to creative shorts, all aimed at sparking conversations and inspiring social change.
The call for applications is inclusive, welcoming submissions from professional filmmakers, schools, and local communities alike.
This broad eligibility ensures the festival captures a diverse array of perspectives, from youth-led projects to seasoned cinematic productions.
Potential applicants must complete the official entry form available through the festival’s online portal.
The submission process also requires filmmakers to adhere to specific terms and conditions outlined by the organizers to ensure eligibility for the judging phase.
Deadline
The submission window is currently active, but filmmakers are encouraged to begin their projects early to meet the mid-year cutoff.
All entries for the 2026 Focus on Ability Film Festival must be received by 1 July 2026.
To apply, visit The Focus on Ability call page. Visit our global opportunity page for more.
Summary not available at this time.
