Legendary composer AR Rahman joined fellow jury members in unveiling AbilityFEST 2025, India’s foremost disability inclusive film festival, at a press conference in Chennai. Organized by the Ability Foundation, the ninth edition of the India International Disability Film Festival will run from 7th-10th July, showcasing a powerful slate of films that challenge societal norms and spotlight diverse lived experiences of disability.
Described by organizers as more than just a film festival, AbilityFEST is a celebration of access, awareness, and advocacy, with every screening featuring accessibility elements like subtitles, audio descriptions, and barrier-free venues. It’s a rare cinematic space where stories of disability are told to evoke sympathy, but rather to foster understanding, dialogue and a truly inclusive future.
Speaking at the event, AR Rahman reflected on the meaning of disability in a broader human context.
“In a way, we are all disabled. We aren’t able to control anger, so we are disabled. We commit vices, so we are disabled,”
AR Rahman was joined on the festival jury by actor Simran, lyricist and screenwriter Madhan Karky, para-swimming champion Mohammed Shams Aalam Shaikh, and amputee fitness expert Tinkesh Kaushik, all of whom bring unique perspectives to the judging panel.
Festival director Jayshree Raveendran and actor-director Revathy, who serves as the festival chairperson, stressed that the event is rooted in equity, not pity.
“We have watched some amazing films. The festival aims to make films accessible to all as cinema is the most popular medium.”
This year’s festival theme, “60 seconds to fame”, encourages young filmmakers to enter the All-India One Minute Film Competition, a format that demands clarity, impact, and emotional resonance..
Global and Local, Fiction, and Documentary
The international line up for AbilityFEST 2025 includes acclaimed titles such as, Upside Down (Italy), Zomeracht (Netherlands), Working Differently (UK), Dancer (Magnolia), Daruma and Thunder Roles! The World of Blind Baseball (USA) and more from other countries.
On the Indian films, Tourist Family (Tamil) and Sitaare Zameen Par (Hindi) will be screened with audio descriptions, followed by interactive sessions with the filmmakers, making the experience inclusive for visually impaired audiences.
Since its launch in 2005, AbilityFEST has carved out a bold space in India’s film landscape, consistently championing stories that break stereotypes and amplify underrepresented voices. This year marks its ninth edition, and organizers are doubling down on making cinema accessible to all.
With an ever-growing movement towards equity in the arts, AbilityFEST 2025 promises not just films but connections and a reminder that inclusivity is not optional, it’s essential.
Sources: Cinema Expresss
