Bhubaneswar: The Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) is organising ‘Samarthya-2026’—a national-level short film festival—in Odisha.

The goal of this festival is to bring the inspiring success stories of persons with disabilities to the national stage. Each short film must be a maximum of 5 minutes long. This year's theme is ‘Success Stories of Persons with Disabilities’. The state government will provide all necessary support for this event, said the SSEPD Department.

Senior officials from the SSEPD Department highlighted the importance and relevance of this national-level short film festival during a press conference in the capital city on Friday.

Renowned film personalities, jury members, and panel experts were also present at the presser. The SSEPD Department has invited film producers, directors, media students, and independent filmmakers from various states across the country to the event. The event will showcase short films based on the success, struggles, and inspiring life stories of persons with disabilities, added the department.

“The short films must be based on the success stories of persons with a disability. Audio description and sign language interpretation along with subtitles or closed captions are mandatory for the short films,” said the department while elaborating the guidelines.

Interested producers and directors can visit www.shortfilmfestodisha.in for detailed information. The last date to submit entries is July 7.

The submitted films will be evaluated by a distinguished panel of jury members on July 8 and the awards will be announced on July 11. The selected films will be screened at the festival, and the best films will win awards in both national and regional (Odisha) categories. All participants will receive certificates, it added.

“The main goal of ‘Samarthya-2026’ is to showcase the extraordinary talent, capability, and success of persons with disabilities to society. It also aims to create awareness, promote inclusion, and foster a positive attitude towards disability,” stated the department.