Focus On Ability Red Carpet Awards

Walk the red carpet. Watch the winning films on the big screen. Meet the filmmakers behind them.
The Focus on Ability Short Film Festival Red Carpet Awards is the festival finale — an afternoon where filmmakers, families, judges, sponsors and film lovers come together to celebrate the year’s standout stories.
On Sunday 18 October 2026, The Concourse in Chatswood will host the winning and finalist films as they were meant to be experienced: large, loud and in front of a live audience.
Guests can walk the red carpet, have photos taken on arrival, watch the films on the big screen and see the winning filmmakers called up on stage to receive their awards in person.
This year’s awards will be presented by a line-up including Lynne McGranger, John Jarratt, Christie Dawes, Gerard O’Dwyer, James Stewart, Ada Nicodemou, Emma Myers, Nick Hardcastle and Tony Bonner.
You do not need to have entered a film to attend. Whether you have watched the films, voted, supported a filmmaker, taught a class that entered, or simply want to experience an uplifting afternoon of cinema and celebration, the invitation is open.
Refreshments are included, the venue is accessible, and there is nothing to pay at any point.
Sunday 18 October 2026
1pm–5pm
The Concourse, Chatswood
FREE — registration required
Come along for an afternoon of film, red carpet moments, remarkable stories and the people who made them.