Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government’s Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) Department will organise a national-level short film festival titled Samarthya-2026, aimed at showcasing inspiring success stories of persons with disabilities and promoting inclusion through cinema.
Announcing the initiative at a press conference in Bhubaneswar on Friday, officials said the festival is designed to provide a national platform for filmmakers to highlight achievements, struggles and journeys of persons with disabilities. This year’s theme is “Success Stories of Persons with Disabilities.”
The Minister concerned said the state government would extend all necessary support for the successful conduct of the festival. Senior officials of the SSEPD Department, along with film personalities, jury members and panel experts, attended the briefing and underlined the significance of the initiative.
The festival has been entrusted to RR Events and Cine Production for execution and management.
Filmmakers, including producers, directors, media students and independent creators from across the country, have been invited to participate. Entries must be short films with a maximum duration of five minutes, focusing on the life, struggles and achievements of a person with a disability.
Organisers have made accessibility features mandatory for all submissions. Each film must include audio description, sign language interpretation, and subtitles or closed captions.
Interested participants can submit entries through www.shortfilmfestodisha.in. The last date for submission is July 7, 2026.
The films will be evaluated by a distinguished jury on July 8, 2026, and the winners will be announced on July 11, 2026. Selected entries will be screened during the festival, with awards presented in national and Odisha categories. All participants will receive certificates.
The festival aims to celebrate the talent, capability, and achievements of persons with disabilities while promoting awareness, inclusion, and a more positive societal attitude toward disability through short films.
