Bhubaneswar: The Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) Department of the Government of Odisha successfully organised ‘Samarthya 2026’, a national short film festival, at the MMIT Auditorium in Bhubaneswar today. Filmmakers, officials, artists, and social workers gathered to celebrate the talent, willpower, and achievements of persons with disabilities through cinema.

While previous editions focused mainly on raising awareness about disability, 'Samarthya 2026' highlighted the confidence, success, and positive contributions of persons with disabilities to society. The festival aimed to break old social stereotypes by showcasing stories of overcoming hardship.

The festival received a total of 62 film entries from across the country, including 20 national-level and 42 regional films.

After a two-stage evaluation by 'RR Events and Cine Production', 38 films were selected for the final screening. To keep the messaging focused and impactful, each film was capped at a maximum length of 5 minutes. Additionally, films included 'Audio Description' and 'Sign Language' to ensure accessibility for visually and hearing-impaired audience members.

The jury committee was headed by Veteran Cinematographer Jugal Debata, alongside Tripura Mishra and disability rights activist Jitendra Biswal, who selected the final winners.

National Category Winners

Best Film (Joint): Tune of Life and Medal

Best Director, Best Actor (Sahu Jaysinghrao Sabekar), & Best Prop Use: Tune of Life

Best Film (Panel Expert Committee) & Best Cinematography: A Little Big Dream

Best Story/Screenplay & Best Actress (Atreyee Banerjee): Plea

Odia Category Winners

Best Film (Joint): Antardrashti and Leak

Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Actor (Bikram Keshari Mohanty), & Best Actress (Deepika Tripathi): Leak

Special Awareness Award: Antahswara

Panel Expert Committee Honors: Chandrarohana and The Wheel

The event was attended by notable guests, including Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das, SSEPD Special Secretary Rajani Jani, Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Bratati Harichandan, and Financial Advisor Jayashree Tripathi.

Festival Brand Ambassador and actress Sheetal Patra, along with senior SSEPD officials and students from various educational institutions, were present to support the participants and make the event a success.