For the 16th consecutive year, NOVA Employment proudly presents the Focus on Ability Short Film Festival, a vibrant festival which invites filmmakers to celebrate the abilities of people with disabilities, sharing powerful stories that can captivate audiences around the globe.
This year has been nothing short of spectacular, with generous sponsors contributing over $100,000 in cash and prizes to inspire filmmakers and empower individuals with disabilities to share their unique narratives.
Founded in 2009 by NOVA Employment’s CEO Martin Wren, the festival is built on a belief in the remarkable capabilities of people with disabilities. Martin envisioned film as a transformative medium, capable of reshaping perceptions and attitudes toward these individuals worldwide. Alongside Paula Duncan AM, a luminary in the Australian film and television industry with a deep commitment to supporting people with disabilities, they have tirelessly championed this festival.
Past films have been both educational and inspirational, reaching audiences in over 170 countries and engaging more than 4 million film views. Viewers have shared how these entries have profoundly changed their attitudes and perceptions.
Ahead of this weekend’s festival Red Carpet Awards, where the remarkable talents and stories of these individuals will be celebrated for their power of perseverance, creativity, and resilience, Peter Gray spoke with ambassador – and Australian screen legend – Paula about her involvement with the organisation, what past films have stood out for her, and what she hopes the industry will take away from such an event.
How long have you personally been an ambassador for the festival?
14 years. I didn’t know anything about (the festival), but I contacted Martin Wren because, at the time, I was donating my time to the Special Olympics. I was heavily involved, and I rang Martin to ask if NOVA Employment would sponsor the Special Olympics. We ended up meeting, and he told me about this project. He said that they needed someone like me, someone who had a great deal of experience in the (film and television) industry who might want to get behind it.
He presented the idea of the festival essentially around the story that “the kid who so often gets bullied is the hero.” I thought (that idea) of helping these (people) with disabilities was so brilliant. I thought we could take it nationally, to New Zealand, across the world. So, over the years we just kept moving it and moving it and moving it, and we have a great creative director named Ryan Goodwin, who’s a terrific navigator and wonderful marketer, and because (the festival) is online, even through COVID it kept going. A lot of festivals didn’t, but we did, and we did the awards virtually through that period of time. It’s been a great, gradual growth. I mean, we did peak at 465,000 people on line in 65 countries. I think that’s pretty incredible.
I was going to ask about its progression. Has this gone beyond what you ever envisioned?
Oh, absolutely, yes! Who ever would’ve thought that this little concept born in the Western suburbs would attract that many people? It’s all ages, you see. It could be the parents (making a short) about their child. It could be a family talking about what they had to overcome to get to where they are. Parents get online and see what it’s about, and if they have a child with mental health issues, or Aspergers, they look to see if they can find ways to cope. Then you have schools that collaborate, and corporates that employ people with disabilities and they tell their stories. You have sporting groups, and drama groups, and it’s all genders (too). There’s nothing political about the festival. All nationalities. There’s no bias intent at all. You can be any age. The only criteria is that (your film) has to be no longer than 5 minutes.
Talking of the criteria of the films, looking back at the films in general, has there been any that have stood out for you?
Oh, yes. There was this beautiful film called “Bumblebee.” It was about this boy who was severely on the spectrum, and he dreamt of meeting his childhood sweetheart. He sets it all up in his mind, and they discuss how they’ll recognise each other when they meet. She says she’ll bring a balloon so he can spot her…it’s just so gorgeous. And they called it “Bumblebee” because bumblebees mate for life.
I imagine with a festival like this, one of the things you really hope it impacts is the industry at large in the way they approach inclusivity?
Absolutely. To change people’s attitudes. To be accepting of diversity. We’re also disabled in some way. I’m terrible at math, for instance. I wish I was good at it, but I’m not, and it’s the same with some people being good at sport or dance…we’re not all good at everything. I think if we, as human beings, focus on our abilities and just instill some hope. You watch these films and you come out feeling that way. It’s so easy to get despondent with everything going on in the world.
Focus on Ability Short Film Festival will be running in-person from 1pm (AEST) at The Concourse Chatswood, NSW, Australia, before streaming online from 2pm (AEST) for those who can’t make attendance. For more information about the festival, head to the official site here.
