Focus on Ability 2026
Red Carpet Awards
One afternoon, on a big screen, in front of a room that came to watch. The films that won this year's festival are screened and their awards are handed over in person, to the people who made them.
- When
- Sunday 18 October, 1pm to 5pm
- Where
- The Concourse, Chatswood NSW
- Cost
- Free — registration required
The night itself
The Red Carpet Awards is how the festival finishes. Filmmakers, families, judges, sponsors and the crews who spent months on a five-minute film all end up in the same room, and the films are shown the way they were meant to be shown — large, loud, and with an audience reacting around you.
Most of the people accepting an award have never been to something like this before. That is rather the point. There is a red carpet at the front, photographs on arrival, and every winning filmmaker is called up by name.
You do not need to have entered a film to come. If you have watched the films, voted, taught a class that entered, or simply want to see what a year of this looks like on a big screen, the invitation is open.
How the afternoon runs
- Arrivals Doors open and guests walk the red carpet. Photographs are taken on arrival and shared afterwards.
- Welcome The festival opens the afternoon and introduces the year's competition.
- Screening The finalists and winning films are shown on the big screen, grouped by category.
- Awards Each award is announced and presented on stage, with filmmakers invited up to accept.
- Refreshments Food and drinks are served, and there is time to meet the filmmakers, judges and guests.
The afternoon runs from 1pm to 5pm.
Refreshments
Refreshments are provided and are included - there is nothing to pay on the day. Let us know about any dietary requirements when you register.
Getting there
The Concourse
409 Victoria Ave
Chatswood NSW
Dated 2024 in the 2026 screenings document. Confirm the real date before publishing.
The venue is accessible. If there is anything you need to be there comfortably, say so when you register or get in touch and it will be arranged.
Come along
The event is free. Registration is only so we know how many seats and how much food to put out — there is nothing to pay, at any point.
Every other festival screening is free too, and there are dates around the country.