Odisha Govt Announces National Short Film Festival ‘Samarthya’ to Promote Disability Awareness

Bhubaneswar: In a landmark initiative to promote inclusion and awareness about persons with disabilities, the Odisha State Government’s Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) Department has announced a National Short Film Festival and Competition titled ‘Samarthya’. The festival aims to highlight the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, encourage their active participation in various sectors, and advocate for their rights and welfare.

Organized by RR Events & Cine Production, the festival is spearheaded by chief organizer Ramesh Barik and creative head Shyama Prasad Mishra. Renowned figures from the film industry, including Sabyasachi Mahapatra, Gadadhar Putty, Sritam Das, Pinki Pradhan, Harihar Mahapatra, and Archita Sahu, along with several national-level directors, will be part of the jury.

Event Timeline & Submission Details

• Film Submissions: February 17 – March 10, 2025
• Screening by Jury: March 13 – March 16, 2025
• Film Duration: 2 to 5 minutes
• Grand Award Ceremony: March 19, 2025

The festival will culminate in a grand award ceremony featuring prominent celebrities from Bollywood and Ollywood.

Prizes & Recognition

To honor excellence in storytelling and filmmaking, the Odisha government has announced a total prize fund of ₹10 lakh, which will be awarded across various categories.

A Platform for Advocacy Through Cinema

This initiative by the Odisha Government seeks to empower persons with disabilities by leveraging cinema as a powerful medium for storytelling, advocacy, and social change. The event will be promoted through a dedicated website and various media platforms to maximize outreach and participation.