The Focus Story
For the 13th consecutive year NOVA Employment presents the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival. 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. Despite all the challenges we faced in 2020 our film makers continued the push and we had an amazing 267 entries. This has laid the foundations for a 2021 festival which is set to be the biggest yet, and our generous sponsors have donated over $100,000 worth of cash and prizes to encourage film makers and people with disability to tell their stories.In 2009, CEO of NOVA Employment Martin Wren 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. Martin recognised the power of film to challenge people"s fixed beliefs and perceptions about the lives and abilities of people with disability around the world.
NOVA, together with Paula Duncan, known for both her success in the Australian film and television industry and passion for supporting people with disability, have worked tirelessly to bring this festival to the world.
The Focus on Ability Film Festival is for people of all talent levels with many first time film makers taking out major prizes.
Previous years films have been both educational and inspirational and have been viewed in 168 countries across the world and voted on by over 1,00,000 people. Feedback from people who have viewed the films has shown that these entries have the power to change attitudes and challenge perceptions.
In 2020, 267 films were entered from 19 countries.
2020, 11 films were screened across Australia"s free to air television station SBS and 100 films aired on Foxtel through Aurora TV.
The audience capacity is well over 1,000,000 people and continuing to grow, providing unmatched exposure for up and coming film makers and for people with disability to bring their message to the world. Films are judged by a professional judging panel and subject to an online voting process, with separate prizes for each category.
For full festival details and to view the over 1,400 films from years past head to www.focusonability.com.au
In 2009, CEO of NOVA Employment Martin Wren 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. Martin recognised the power of film to challenge people's fixed beliefs and perceptions about the lives and abilities of people with disability around the world.
Paula 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.
Ryan 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.