Bhubaneswar: The Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD), Government of Odisha, has announced Samarthya 2026, a national-level short film festival that aims to promote inclusive storytelling by showcasing the achievements, struggles, and inspiring journeys of people with disabilities.
The festival invites filmmakers, producers, directors, media students, and independent creators from across the country to submit short films of up to five minutes long based on the lives of successful people with disabilities. Accessibility is a mandatory criterion for all entries. Each film must focus on the life and achievements of a person with a disability, and include audio description, sign language interpretation, and subtitles or closed captions.
Entries can be submitted through www.shortfilmfestodisha.in until July 7, 2026.
Films will be evaluated on July 8, and winners will be announced on July 11.
Awards will be given in both the National and Odisha categories, while all participants will receive certificates.
The festival was launched in the presence of disability rights activist Jitendra Biswal, film producer Ramesh Barik, actress Sheetal Patra, and other guests. Speaking at the launch, SSEPD Deputy Secretary Sanyasi Behera said that cinema should be accessible to all and emphasized the Centre’s new accessibility norms for films.
Cinema should be for everyone, and accessibility should be an essential part of every film,” he said.
