Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) Accessibility Film Festival

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Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD) Accessibility Film Festival

GAAD Accessibility Film Festival

Event Details: 

UDST GAAD Accessibility Film Festival 
Film Submission Deadline: May 10, 2025
Event Date: May 21, 2025
Time: 12:30PM – 2:30PM (check-in: 12:00-12:30)
Location: UDST

Eligibility to Attend:

  • UDST Students

  • UDST Staff

  • UDST Faculty

  • Submitters (students, staff, or faculty) from other colleges and universities in Qatar

  • Up to two (2) guests of submitters

Attendance is FREE! Register Now!!

Join us for an exciting afternoon of short films (1-5 minutes) created by university students, faculty, and staff. The films will explore the lived experiences of individuals with physical, psychological, or learning-related conditions, raising awareness about accessibility issues and advocating for inclusion and improvement.

In addition to the film screening, there will be networking opportunities, learning opportunities, and light refreshments to enjoy. Plus, you can participate in live voting to choose the Audience Choice Award winner!

Winners will be announced at the event!

Let's come together to celebrate creativity, awareness, and inclusion!

Event Schedule (May 21, 2025)

12:30 – 12:35 PM

Opening Remarks / الكلمة الافتتاحية

12:35 – 12:40 PM

Event Introduction / مقدمة عن الفعالية

12:40 – 12:45 PM

Guest Speaker / المتحدث الضيف

12:45 – 1:35 PM

Films Screening / عرض الأفلام

1:35 – 1:45 PM

Pre-Judged Awards Presentation / تقديم الجوائز المُحكّمة مسبقًا

1:45 – 1:50 PM

Live Voting for Audience Choice Award / التصويت المباشر لجائزة اختيار الجمهور

1:50 – 1:55 PM

Audience Choice Award Presentation / إعلان الفائز بجائزة اختيار الجمهور

1:55 – 2:00 PM

Closing Remarks / الكلمة الختامية

2:00 – 2:30 PM

Networking, Light Bites & Exhibition / التواصل، مقبلات خفيفة، والمعرض

GAAD Accessibility Film Festival Submissions & Award Information

Calling all participants, submit your short film (Deadline to Submit: May 10, 2025, 11:59PM)!

Showcase your creativity, raise awareness, and advocate for inclusion! We invite you to submit a short film (1-5 minutes) that explores themes of accessibility, challenge, resilience, and innovation as it relates to physical, psychological, or learning-related conditions. "Short" submissions can be fiction or non-fiction, and must be original works created by the submitter(s). 

  • First-time filmmakers are welcome!
  • If you've made an Instagram reel, you can make a "short."
  • If you have a story to tell related to accessibility, we want to hear it!

Short Film Examples: 

Who can submit? 

  • University Students in Qatar (any institution)
  • University Faculty/Staff in Qatar (any institution)
  • Note: Individual and group submissions will be accepted

Submission Criteria:

  • Film Length: 1-5 minutes
  • Format: MP4
  • Language: Any
  • Required: English subtitles required for all films, including films with English audio
  • Recommended: Horizontal orientation 

Award Types:

  • Audience Choice Award: Voted by the live audience
  • Inclusive Storytelling Award: Recognizing authentic storytelling of diverse perspectives
  • Breaking Barriers Award: For films challenging societal norms and inspiring change
  • Accessibility in Action Award: Honoring films that make content accessible to all audiences
  • Student Voice Award: Recognizes a film that effectively raises the student voice (limited to individual student or student group submissions)

Winners Receive: 

  • A digital film badge
  • An engraved trophy
  • Gift certificate

Special Note: 

  • If you plan to film on the UDST campus, please let us know ( accessibility@udst.edu.qa ) so that we can assist with obtaining permissions. 

Submission Deadline: May 10, 2025 (11:59PM)

GAAD Accessibility Film Festival Links