Chan, who was one of 297 entries from 28 different countries, received his prize at the gala awards night at The Concourse in Chatswood before a crowd of 650 people, thanking lead actor, Peter, and his mother, who he said had strongly supported his career.

He also thanked the organiser, NOVA Employment, saying: “We’re raising awareness together.” 

“Bus Trip” is a film about bullying and the courage and conviction required to stand up to bullies, with the inner life of the main character, who has a hearing disability, portrayed through sensitive flashbacks.

Chan says he shot it in one day on the bus.

He wins tickets to American Film Market, a Universal Studios tour, meetings with international judges for mentorships, live studio tapings, tickets to the Media Access Awards Acknowledgement, the Australians in Film Gala Dinner, and $5000 in immigration services from Raynor & Associates, a return flight to Los Angeles and four-weeks accommodation.

Focus on Ability was created by NOVA CEO Martin Wren to focus on the abilities of people with disability. Films of five-minutes entered must reflect this theme in the competition, which is open to all, free to enter and free to attend.

“Bus Trip” can be viewed at focusonability.com.au/FOA/films/1573.html