Vision Australia Radio is proud to continue its media partnership with The Other Film Festival (TOFF) as it celebrates its 21st anniversary in 2025. This collaboration underscores our shared dedication to making arts and culture accessible to all, particularly for deaf and disabled communities.
A trailblazing festival
Founded in 2004 by Arts Access Victoria, TOFF is Australia's first international disability film festival. It was established in response to the lack of opportunities for deaf and disabled individuals to view stories reflecting their lived experiences. TOFF has since become a leader in the global disability screen advocacy movement, championing deaf and disabled-led and authored work.
Purpose and impact
TOFF places deaf and disabled people at the centre of the Australian screen industry, aiming to transform how the screen industry values and includes these communities. The festival offers a platform for high-quality and compelling events, including screenings, talks, industry panels and professional development opportunities. All films are captioned and audio described, ensuring universal access for audiences.
Highlights from past festivals
Over the years, TOFF has showcased a diverse range of films that highlight the self-determination of deaf and disabled people. For instance, the 2024 program, titled 'Agency', focused on the self-determination of deaf and disabled individuals, exploring themes of power and agency in storytelling.
In 2023, the festival presented 'Resistance’, a program that celebrated the resilience and creativity of deaf and disabled filmmakers. These programs, among others, have played a crucial role in shifting narratives and providing a platform for underrepresented voices in the screen industry.
Vision Australia Radio's role
A print disability radio network, Vision Australia Radio has been a steadfast supporter of TOFF. Through our media partnership, we have helped amplify the voices of deaf and disabled filmmakers and ensured that their stories reach a broader audience, providing our radio programs as a platform for the event organisers, film makers and supporters to share their role in the festival.
Recently, Conrad Browne, manager of Vision Australia Radio and Audio (as well as cohost of JOY 94.9’s queer film show ‘Out Takes’), spoke to The Other Film Festival’s Artistic Director Fiona Tuomy to discuss their ground-breaking disability-led program for 2025, as well as their unique collaboration with Melbourne Queer Film Festival at this year’s event.
Looking ahead
TOFF's 21st anniversary in 2025 marks a significant milestone in its journey toward cultural equity for deaf and disabled people. The festival continues to push boundaries, advocating for inclusive production structures and processes, including paid employment opportunities and career pathways for deaf and disabled screen practitioners and performers.
Vision Australia Radio remains committed to supporting TOFF and its mission, ensuring that the stories of deaf and disabled communities are heard and celebrated. Keep listening to our radio and podcast programs as we bring you more in the lead up to this year’s TOFF.
For more information about The Other Film Festival 2025, including screening dates, special events and accessibility options, visit The Other Film Festival.
Learn more about JOY 94.9 and its Queer film program Outtakes.
