Students from the School of Emerging Media, Communication & Film Studies (SMCF), SGT University, brought immense pride to the institution by achieving remarkable success at the UP International Film Conclave 2026, held on 30–31 March at Sangeet Natak Akademi.
The national-level conclave witnessed an overwhelming response with over 100 short film entries from 12 states, 16 cities, and 20 universities and institutions across India. Out of these, only 23 films were officially nominated in the student category, making the competition highly competitive and prestigious.
Demonstrating excellence in storytelling and technical craftsmanship, SMCF students secured top honours in multiple categories, emerging as one of the most recognized teams at the conclave. Their achievements highlight the department’s strong emphasis on practical learning, creativity, and industry-oriented training.

Here are the outstanding achievements of SMCF students at the UP International Film Conclave 2026:

• Second Prize (Best Film Category) – “Umeed (Hope)” Written & Directed by Sandeep Kaur
• Best Editing Award – “The Survival” Written by Ishita Hota Directed by Rohan Shivan and Anshit Kathuria

The short film “Umeed (Hope)” presented a deeply emotional narrative of a university student dealing with academic and personal challenges, who rediscovers hope through small acts of kindness. The film was widely appreciated by the jury for its meaningful storytelling, strong cinematography, and impactful social message. Its recognition on IMDb further reflects its growing reach and visibility beyond the festival circuit.
“The Survival”, a motivational sports drama, portrayed the journey of a former boxer who, after facing injustice, finds renewed purpose by mentoring a young fighter. The film stood out for its technical brilliance, particularly in editing, along with its compelling narrative and emotional depth. The jury acknowledged its seamless narrative flow and high-quality post-production work, awarding it the Best Editing honour.
The students’ participation and achievements not only showcased their creative and technical competencies but also reflected their ability to conceptualize, execute, and present meaningful cinema on competitive national platforms. From socially relevant storytelling to technical finesse, the young filmmakers demonstrated a holistic understanding of the filmmaking process.
Such recognitions serve as a testament to the dedication, innovation, and collaborative spirit of the students, further motivating them to contribute meaningfully to the evolving landscape of cinema and media.
Dr. Abhishek Dubey, Dean SMCF, congratulated the team, stating, Our students have once again proven that they are among the best emerging talents in the country. These victories mirror our emphasis on hands-on learning, real-time exposure, and industry-relevant training.