Guwahati: Assamese short film Omnipresent–A Story, directed by journalist, author and filmmaker Hemanta Sarma, has been officially nominated for the 17th Ahmedabad International Film Festival to be held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, from September 30 to October 2, 2026.
According to festival authorities, more than 4,700 films from over 150 countries were submitted for this year’s festival. After a rigorous evaluation process, only a limited number of films were selected for nomination and competition. The jury reportedly appreciated the film’s storytelling style and creative presentation.
Produced under the banner of Focus Media, Omnipresent–A Story is an environmental-themed short film inspired by the ideals of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. The film highlights issues such as plastic pollution, urban consumerism, and the environmental impact of human negligence through a symbolic narrative.
The film has been written, scripted and directed by Hemanta Sarma, while retired IAS officer Deba Kumar Kalita is the producer. The cast includes Dhruba Prasad Borah, Niharika Nath, Pranavi Mahanta, Dhiraj Das and Garima Das. Cinematography was handled by Gyan Gautam, editing by Manash Kashyap and music direction by Ovijeet Das.
Hemanta Sarma has previously received recognition for his debut short film To-Let, which won appreciation and awards at several national and international film festivals.
The nomination of Omnipresent–A Story among thousands of international entries is being viewed as a significant achievement for Assamese cinema and an encouraging milestone for the region’s independent filmmaking community. The film will be screened alongside selected entries from different parts of the world during the festival.
