AbilityFest2005 – India International Disability Film Festival was held in July 2005 at Chennai, India. Over 20 feature films and documentaries by and about people with disabilities were screened at a leading cinema theatre with total focus on access. There were also interactive sessions with visiting filmmakers who not only shared their thoughts and experiences with the audience but also imbibed new ideas for their future projects.

The inaugural film from Poland “Jumping over Puddles Again”, threw a deep insight on the trials and travails of a little boy affected by polio. The positive message of this masterpiece set the mood for the festival.

The feature films and documentaries, made by well known masters of the craft, were all positive in their message. Each of the films made the audience realize that persons with disabilities are no objects of pity.



Theme 2005 - "An Inclusive Society"

The Jury:

•  Adoor Gopalakrishnan
•  Jaya Bachchan
•  Nandita Das
•  Mani Ratnam
•  Rajiv Menon
•  Samuel Mani
•  Paresh Palicha