A film showcasing the talents of actors with disabilities is among the finalists for this year's Tropfest, as audiences increasingly expect to see all of the community reflected on their screens.

Rollercoaster theatre company's Comican't is one of 16 titles shortlisted at what is the world's largest short film festival.

Actor Andrew Tresidder said he hoped it would be a stepping stone for creating more opportunities for actors with disabilities.

"It made me feel really proud. It was like a dream come true," he said.

"I've been involved in other short films, but this is the first one I've starred in. The other times I've been an extra."

The cast and crew of Comican't, which is one of 16 Tropfest finalists. ( Supplied: Rollercoaster )

The film's artistic director, Sarah Sutherland, said the fact that each of the actors had a disability made little impact on the script.

"We wanted to make a film that had a cast of people with disabilities but wasn't about disability and didn't pay lip service to that," she said.

"With this particular film it could just as easily have been a cast of people without disabilities."

The film follows three friends as they attempt to make the journey to the pop culture convention Comicon.

Sutherland said the idea was based on the "true-ish" story of two of their actors.

"[Writer and director] Rory [Kelly] worked on the script which is basically a fantastical adventure comedy," she said.

"We worked with themes that were relevant for people with disabilities but are also universally relevant such as longing for connection, desire and loss.

"What I really wanted to do was make something that showcased their skills as actors."

Ryan New is one of the cast for the short film Comican't. ( Supplied: Rollercoaster )

Actor Melissa Slaviero is now part of a Tropfest-shortlisted project. ( Supplied: Rollercoaster )

Diverse range of talent

Rollercoaster was established more than 10 years ago as a not-for-profit creating opportunities for actors with disabilities.

"They came out of [drama school] and found that there just weren't any opportunities for actors with a disability," Sutherland said.

"I'm also an actor and that's something I can understand because there aren't many opportunities even for actors without a disability."

Tresidder said he loved being part of Rollercoaster and sharing stories with an audience.

"It's a really incredible theatre company and it felt really good to be included in this film," he said.

"We work hard and we try to achieve something great when we're telling stories.

"It's either out of laughter or sadness and really making the audience try to feel something when they see us and then they leave with a feeling in their heart."

He said the ensemble encouraged him to be the best actor he could be.

"I tend to give it my all and it just makes me feel absolutely great to tell stories to the public and see how they react to it.

"It makes me feel good when it's all done and dusted, hearing the applause."

Demand for better representation

Increased demands for more diversity in Hollywood in recent years had begun to spread to the rest of the industry, Sutherland said, adding that audiences wanted to see the whole community reflected on their screens.

"Diversity is something that people are really interested in," she said.

"People are really interested in seeing other people's perspectives and what they can do."

Actor Erin Pocervina is one of the founding members of Rollercoaster. ( Supplied: Rollercoaster )

She said the Tropfest nomination was an opportunity to celebrate a decade of hard work.

"We were so excited. All I could think was I can't wait to tell the guys," she said.

"Their responses were hilarious because they were like, 'well, yes, of course we're nominated'.

"I think it has been incredibly gratifying for them to be working with a proper film crew."

Tropfest founder John Polson said he was thrilled with the mix of finalists at this year's festival.

"These 16 films form a vibrant mix of stories and reflect a true cross-section of our collective identities, including actors with a disability, seniors and the LGBTQI community," he said.

"I can't wait to see them all on the big screen."

The Tropfest films will premiere on February 9 at Parramatta Park in Sydney.