EKHON|GUWAHATI: The Habitats Trust (THT), a not-for-profit, in collaboration with Dusty Foot Productions (DFP) an organisation focusing on wildlife and environment films, education and communication across India launched a compelling short documentary series, Stories from the Ground: Northeast India, during a special screening on Thursday in Guwahati. This series of 50 short films, created by local filmmakers, produced by THT and DFP shines a spotlight on the extraordinary biodiversity and cultural richness of Northeast India.
The series spans 28 districts across the eight states of Northeast India and features films in 22 dialects and local languages, with English subtitles. Covering a diverse range of themes, including unique habitats, endangered species, traditional ecological knowledge, agro-biodiversity, scientific research, and innovative solutions for sustainability, the films showcase the interconnected challenges and opportunities within the region.
Talking to EKHON, Rushikesh Chavan, who heads The Habitats Trust said the focus of Stories from the Ground is on the diverse biodiversity of Northeast. He noted, “People have heard about it; researchers and enthusiasts have known about it but the general public of this country and international really haven’t seen it and so this is a great opportunity to bring that forward. The culture is so rich and so diverse and when the films are made by the local youths, the flavor that comes out of it is a different experience to have about rather than reading books or seeing documentaries made by somebody who is not from Northeast. It brings the real culture, and it puts spotlight on people who have been working really hard. The outcomes we are expecting is that people should know about it, people should start appreciating it and support this film makers as much as they can,” he further added.
With Stories from the Ground, The Habitats Trust aims to bring forth compelling stories from within the region, capturing the interconnectedness of its natural ecosystems and human societies. By collaborating with local storytellers, the films authentically portray the deep connection between people and the environment, offering insights essential to crafting effective, region-specific conservation strategies.
Green Hub project is a fellowship for youth from across the Northeast States to use video as a tool for conservation action and social change. Rita Banerjee, Founder of Green Hub, remarked, “Through these films, we want to focus on Northeast’s rich ecological and cultural heritage in a way that is both empowering and authentic. Each story is a testament to the resilience, wisdom, and deep-rooted connections of the people here to their land.
Imrana Khan, Director Dusty Foot Productions and Executive Producer of Stories from the Ground added “It is our hope that this series sparks meaningful conversations and tangible action for the region’s conservation. Made by youth from the region itself helps amplify local narratives and local voices.”
As part of its broader mission, The Habitats Trust uses films to build empathy for the natural world, raise awareness about conservation, and engage diverse audiences through compelling storytelling. All films from Stories from the Ground are available for free on THT’s YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/@thehabitatstrust), alongside more than 150 other films in multiple Indian languages, including Hindi Marathi. This extensive collection highlights the tireless efforts of scientists, researchers, communities, and grassroots conservationists dedicated to protecting our planet’s species and habitats.
The Habitats Trust’s commitment to regional expertise and collaboration extends beyond storytelling.
Here are some of the Youtube links.
The Habitats Trust was founded in 2018 by Roshni Nadar Malhotra, the Chairperson of HCL Technologies and Trustee of the Shiv Nadar Foundation, and Shikhar Malhotra, the Vice Chairman of HCL Healthcare and Trustee, Shiv Nadar Foundation, The Habitats Trust is working towards protecting natural habitats and their indigenous species of flora and fauna through strategic partnerships, sustainable on-ground efforts, engaging technology for conservation and generating conservation awareness. The Trust aims to conserve and restore ecological functionality as a pathway towards human well-being. It works with a special focus on the conservation of lesser-known species and habitats that are threatened but often neglected and are in urgent need of conservation attention.
For further information, please contact:
Shruti Saxena shruti-saxena@hcl.com; 9654356487
Priyanka Naithani priyanka.naithani@hcl.com; 7011374010
