Shortlist Announcement: Otibeguni Indigenous Storyteller’s Fund 2025
Oct 02 2025We are happy to announce the shortlisted projects for the 2025 Otibeguni Indigenous Storytellers Fund. However, we are also deeply concerned by the reports of increasing violence and insecurity facing Indigenous communities across the country. We recognise that in times of crisis, the work of cultural preservation can feel impossible when the urgent needs of personal and community safety are at risk.
In light of this, we are making a small change:
💬 Shortlisted applicants can convert their proposal into an emergency relief request. These funds can be redirected to support the essential medical and legal representation costs of fellow community members affected by the recent violence and unrest.”
Without further ado, here are the shortlisted projects:
🎨 Art & Crafts
- Hill Brushes : Mro culture traditions and stories - Nebai Eung khumi (Green Milieu)
- Jakha Mara: Hajong traditional fishing practices - Newton Hajong
- Ukyanu Artlab - Showcasing Marma Culture - Ukyanu Marma
🎭 Music & Live Theater
- Jumful Theatre: Chakma Theater workshop and live performance - Nirupam Chakma (Founder)
- Bawmram: Patriotic Song in Bawm language - Stephen Bawm (Tiva Band)
- Theater adaptation of তংনাকব্রা গ্রাম - Rana Tanchangya
🎬 Documentary & Short Film
- Thang-Ta: Traditional Manipuri Martial Arts - Sushil Singha
- Documentary on the Netrokona Munda Community - Md Abdullah Sabid
- Tripura Folklore Video Podcast - Pritimoy Tripura
🛖 Folklore Collection
- Santal Bapla Reak’ Sedae Katha - Prince Hemonta Tudu
- Rakhine Folklore Collection - Tun Nyo
- Garo Folklore & Sangsarek Religion - Jadil Mri
We’d also like to finance one more project from our own operational budget. The project will be selected from one of these three:
- The Legend of Khamba-Thoibi: A Manipuri Epic Retold - Nishamoni Sinha
- Gojen Lama : Chakma Hymn Book - Prottoy Chakma
- Indigenous Folklore Comic - Mahfuz Salekin