A group of community members from Mambourin’s Werribee community hub have been named finalists in the 2026 Focus on Ability Film Festival for their short film, A Magical Dining Experience.

The film follows a group of magicians backstage after a performance. When only one slice of pizza remains, they use their magical powers to battle for it.

From backup plan to festival finalist

The group originally planned to submit a different film. When unexpected setbacks left them short on time, they quickly came up with a new idea.

“A Magical Dining Experience was our backup movie,” filmmaker Dylan said.

“It was one set and one day of filming, with minimal lines, so we could finish what was needed and send it to the festival before the cut-off date.”

The simple idea became a funny story about magicians using their powers to claim the last slice of pizza.

Creating the film together

Roimata, Dylan, Luke, Susan and Michael made the film during one of Mambourin’s alternative school holiday programs.

Together, they developed the story, chose costumes, prepared props, performed in the film and helped write the theme music.

Dylan enjoyed acting and setting up the props. He also learnt how acting and filming techniques can create the effect of something magically disappearing.

For Michael, the highlight was playing one of the magicians.

“I acted as one of the magicians, eating pizza and using a wand to make the last slice disappear,” Michael said.

His favourite part was trying to use magic to take the pizza from his fellow magicians.

There were also plenty of laughs along the way. Dylan said forgotten lines created some memorable moments that would make a great blooper reel.

Sharing a love of filmmaking

Dylan and Michael have taken part in previous Focus on Ability Film Festivals. They have enjoyed seeing their work at Melbourne screenings, meeting other filmmakers and sharing their films with family, friends and the Mambourin community.

Their experiences inspired Roimata, Luke and Susan to join them for this year’s project.

Dylan said he was impressed when he saw the finished film and excited to be part of the festival. Michael described being selected as a finalist as making him feel “very excited” and “happy”.

Dylan hopes people enjoy watching the film. He would also like to make more music videos and create a documentary about his life for his YouTube channel.

Congratulations to Roimata, Dylan, Luke, Susan and Michael on bringing their creativity, teamwork and magical movie idea to the screen.

Follow the festival results

The festival winners will be announced at the Focus on Ability Red Carpet Awards on Sunday 18 October 2026.

Attend the Melbourne screening

Voting has closed, but you can still support the filmmakers at the Melbourne festival screening on Tuesday 9 March 2027, from 10.30 am to 1.30 pm, at Crown Conference Centre in Southbank.

View the screening details and book your seat.