Lights. Camera. Access.
2026 GAAD Accessibility Film Festival
2026 Event Details:
UDST GAAD Accessibility Film Festival
Film Submission Deadline: May 28, 2026 (11:59PM)
Event Date: June 4, 2026
Time: 6:30PM - 8:00PM (check-in: 5:15PM - 6:30PM; post-event networking: 8:00PM - 8:30PM)
Location: UDST
GAAD Accessibility Film Festival
Join us for an exciting celebration of Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD)! Come watch a dynamic lineup of 1-to-4-minute short films created by local QID holders exploring themes of disability, accessibility, inclusion, and universal design.
Be the Judge: Participate in live voting to choose the Audience Choice Award winner!
Celebrate Allies: Join us as we honor our campus Accessibility Allies and announce the film competition winners live.
Connect: Enjoy interactive activities, fantastic networking, and light refreshments.
Filmmakers - Eligibility to Submit:
Eligibility: Open to anyone living in Qatar with a valid QID (all ages).
The Challenge: Submit a 1–4 minute short film that shines a light on disability, accessibility, or inclusion. Share a unique perspective or highlight the everyday lived experiences of individuals with physical, psychological, or learning-related conditions to help raise accessibility awareness in our community.
Submissions: Submit A Film Here (Film Submission Deadline: May 28, 2026, by 11:59 PM)
Eligibility to Attend:
UDST Community: Free for Students, Faculty, Staff, & Alumni.
Qatar Community: 25 QAR (All ticket proceeds go directly toward scholarships for UDST students with disabilities!)
Program:
Event Schedule June 4, 2026 - Check-in and Registration from 5:15PM - 6:30PM
| 6:30 - 6:40 PM | Welcome and Opening Remarks |
| 6:40 – 7:30 PM | Film Screenings |
| 7:30 - 7:40PM | Pre-Voted Awards and Accessibility Ally Awards |
| 7:40 - 7:45PM | Live Voting |
| 7:45 - 8:00 | Audience Choice Award and Closing Remarks |
| 8:00 - 8:30PM | Post-Event Networking, Photos, and Light Refreshments |
2026 GAAD Accessibility Film Festival Submissions & Award Information
Submission Deadline: May 28, 2026 at 11:59 PM (Submissions are open!)
Showcase your creativity and raise awareness! We invite you to submit a 1-to-4-minute short film (fiction or non-fiction) that explores themes of accessibility, perspective, and unique lived experiences as they relate to physical, psychological, or learning-related conditions.
First-time filmmakers are welcome! If you’ve ever made an Instagram Reel or a TikTok, you have the skills to make a short film. If you have a story that can spark a conversation, we want to see it.
Submission Eligibility:
Who: Open to anyone living in Qatar with a valid QID (all ages).
Teams: Both individual and group submissions are welcome.
Originality: Films must be original works created by the submitter(s).
Campus Filming: Planning to shoot on the UDST campus? Email us at [email protected] so we can help you secure the necessary permissions.
Film Criteria:
- Length: 1-4 minutes
- Format: MP4
- Orientation: Horizontal (landscape) orientation is highly recommended
- Language: Any language is welcome
- Subtitles: Required - English subtitles for all films (including those with English audio). Closed captioning is highly encouraged.
Inspiration and Sample Films:
- #Disability is when the world isn't designed for everyone..!
- What It Feels Like To Be A Woman Diagnosed With ADHD Later In Life
- 2025 GAAD Film Festival Submission: Temperance
Award Categories and Prizes:
All winners will receive a cash prize, an engraved trophy, and a digital film badge.
- Audience Choice Award: Voted on by the live audience during the event!
- Inclusive Storytelling Award: Recognizing authentic storytelling and diverse perspectives.
- Breaking Barriers Award: For films that open minds and challenge societal misconceptions.
- Accessibility in Action Award: Honoring films that make their content brilliantly accessible to all audiences.
- Student Voice Award: Recognizes an outstanding film that highlights the UDST student perspective. (Limited to individual UDST students or groups where all members are UDST students).
Special Notes:
- Filmmakers must register to attend. Please use the registration link to reserve your space - Registration will open soon.
- If you plan to film on the UDST campus, please let us know ( [email protected] ) so that we can assist with obtaining permissions.
2026 Submission Deadline: May 28, 2026 (11:59PM) (submissions are currently open)
2025 GAAD Film Festival Submission Sample - Temperance
Filmmakers, don't forget to register by clicking here.