Lights, Camera, Inclusion: The 2025 Focus on Ability Red Carpet Awards

Mark your calendars for Sunday 16 November 2025!

Key points:

At 1 pm, the 2025 Focus on Ability Short Film Festival Red Carpet Awards will roll out at The Concourse, Chatswood, and you’re invited to attend.

Admission is free, with the event shining a spotlight on short films and documentaries created by or featuring 286 finalists from 26 countries, each with disability, celebrating talent, creativity and inclusion from around the world.

“Congratulations to all the wonderful filmmakers involved in this year’s Focus on Ability Film Festival,” said Senator Jenny McAllister, Minister for the NDIS of the event.

“This event is an excellent opportunity to showcase and celebrate the creative talents of Australians with disability.

“This recognition is crucial to creating a more inclusive, diverse society.”

“This recognition is crucial to creating a more inclusive, diverse society,” said Senator Jenny McAllister.

An event to remember

Far from a standard awards ceremony, alongside screenings and prizes, enjoy live entertainment by MC Wheels plus a set from the iconic duo Rogue Traders.

Judging is in expert hands, featuring the likes of Travis Jeffery, Cinzia Coassin, Nick Hardcastle, Tsu Shan Chambers, David Cameron, Lisa Duff, Yiana Pandelis and Isaac Elliott.

Hope 103.2 is proudly supported by

Presenters include Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Ada Nicodemou, James Stewart and Craig Bennett OAM.

With this lineup, it’s sure to be an incredible night.

Why this event matters for inclusion and opportunity

This festival is about much more than red-carpet glamour; it aligns with key goals around disability inclusion, meaningful participation and community contribution.

According to Disability Gateway, employment and work opportunities are vital for people with disability to live with independence and purpose.

Similarly, NOVA Employment emphasises the fact that people with disability are capable of award-wage employment and long-term careers.

These messages tie directly into what the festival champions: ability, creativity and belonging.

The festival champions: ability, creativity and belonging.

Local support and community impact

Backed by the local city government, there is a strong emphasis on the fact that inclusion can’t just happen in isolated pockets, but happens when community, business and government work together.

“The Focus on Ability Red Carpet Awards shine a spotlight on stories that inspire, empower, and break down barriers,” said Willoughby City Mayor Tanya Taylor.

“At Willoughby City Council, we are deeply committed to fostering inclusion, celebrating diversity, and creating opportunities for every member of our community to thrive.

“I’m so proud that Willoughby is home to this incredible event, which brings people together in such a powerful way.”

“The Focus on Ability Red Carpet Awards shine a spotlight on stories that inspire, empower, and break down barriers,” said Willoughby City Mayor Tanya Taylor.

How you can take part

Joining in with this event is simple. Tickets are free but registration is vital.

Visit focusonability.com.au for more information and to reserve your spot.

Other ways to get involved include:

Tickets are free but registration is vital. Visit focusonability.com.au for more information and to reserve your spot.

Anything is possible!

“Every year, the Focus on Ability Film Festival reminds us just how powerful storytelling can be,” said Ambassador Paula Duncan.

“These films don’t just entertain — they move us, challenge perceptions, and open hearts.

“I’m continually inspired by the creativity, courage, and determination of our filmmakers.

“The Red Carpet Awards are a celebration of talent and inclusion — an event that proves when we focus on ability, anything is possible.”

“The Red Carpet Awards [prove that] when we focus on ability, anything is possible,” said Ambassador Paula Duncan.

A celebration of ability and a call to action

This red-carpet event is a celebration of what has been achieved, but it’s also a call to keep moving.

When people with disability see their stories told well, when they see their creativity recognised, when they see roles of value and contribution, inclusion becomes real.

Come along to Chatswood on 16 November, celebrate the talent, applaud the creativity, listen to the stories.

Then ask: how can I support inclusion in my circle? How can I lift up ability today? Because when passion meets purpose, community is stronger, and everyone belongs.

This article was prepared with AI assistance and carefully reviewed by our Digital team.

Feature image: Supplied (Focus on Ability)