Hi everyone,
I just joined Stage 32 today and wanted to introduce myself. I’m a writer with a deep passion for storytelling, especially stories rooted in culture and mythology.
I come from the Maldives, and one of the things that drives my writing is how little Maldivian folklore is known outside our islands. Our traditions are filled with unique legends, spirits, heroes, and cautionary tales that have been passed down for generations, yet they’ve rarely been explored in global storytelling. Through my work, I hope to bring these unheard stories and characters to a wider audience and give them a new life on the page and hopefully someday on screen.
I’m here to learn, connect with other creatives, and grow as a writer. I’m especially interested in meeting people who value original voices and stories from underrepresented cultures.
Looking forward to being part of this community and getting to know you all.
Best,
Fahud.
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welcome
Thank you, Beckham. I appreciate the warm welcome.
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Hi Fahud Saleem - welcome to the site, and want to wish you all the best on your writing journey. And an aside: loved my visit to your islands many years ago - the Maldives is a magical collection of islands, and I'd love to return some day. Here if I can be of any further support.
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Hi Phil, thank you so much — I really appreciate your message and encouragement. I’m glad you got to experience the islands, and I hope you get the chance to return someday. There’s a quiet magic there that often goes untold. I grew up listening to folklore and stories that shaped how I see things, and beyond the beauty people usually associate with the Maldives, there’s so much more depth to the culture that deserves to be shared. I feel like these stories also bring a fresh perspective that people haven’t really seen before. I hope that one day these stories and the voices behind them find the recognition and attention they truly deserve.
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I still can picture the hooded women of the islands sweeping the leaves.
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Yes, that’s still a tradition, my grandmother is definitely part of the hooded leaf sweepers club, armed with her ekel broom every morning hehe. Some things on the islands never change.
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Hi Fahud and welcome to Stage 32! It's great to have you here!
Today, at 12 PT, we have a community open house. Our community leader, Ashley Smith, does a monthly free webinar to explain how to use the platform. It's a great resource for when you first join! And if you can't attend the live, registering for it puts it in your library for rewatch.
Here's a link to register: https://www.stage32.com/education/products/stage-32s-february-2026-commu...
Glad you've joined us and I look forward to seeing you around the lounges!
I work with a foundation that supports emerging creatives through funding, strategic partnerships, and industry connections. We’re selecting artists serious about long-term growth and structured development. If that aligns with you, I’d be glad to share .
Well, it's just a setup that's aimed at Growing ideas of setup and Talents.
We have Funded and assisted Farm setups and transport business form scratch and are now flourishing.
It's funded and All controlled by Lexie brown and all based on charity.
Let us know If you'd need funds or any connections to work on your movies
mail us shelexiebrowngmail.com and let us know how we can help with funds or Connection
That’s wonderful! It’s such a beautiful and special place to visit. I hope you get the chance to experience it someday. If you ever plan a trip, I’d love to share recommendations. : )
Elle Bolan Thank you so much for the warm welcome! I really appreciate the information. Looking forward to exploring the platform and connecting in the lounges.
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Welcome Fahud Saleem !! Sounds like you have some good stories to tell!
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Hi Fahud Saleem
Welcome to the community!
Thank you James Doane ! I really appreciate that. I’m excited to start sharing some of these stories and seeing how they resonate.
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Hi P. Oken , thank you for the warm welcome!
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Welcome! Make sure you sign up to be part of the Open Houses when they are on. They are free to join and some of the senior management attend sometimes. Keep being active in the lounges so people can get to know you and build relationships with you! Good luck!
Thanks so much, Lauren Hackney . I really appreciate the heads-up. It’s great to know there are genuine opportunities here to connect and build meaningful relationships. I’m looking forward to getting more involved.
Hi Fahud Saleem, welcome to Stage 32. I’m Ashley, Head of Community here, and I’m so glad you introduced yourself.
Bringing Maldivian folklore to a global audience is such a powerful mission. I’d definitely encourage you to spend time in both the Authoring & Playwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/playwriting) and the Screenwriting Lounge (https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting). The Authoring Lounge is a wonderful space to connect with other writers exploring cultural storytelling and myth-based narratives, while the Screenwriting Lounge will help you shape those stories for potential adaptation and connect with filmmakers who value original voices.
If you’re looking for a more industry-facing environment as you grow, the Writer’s Room can be a strong resource. It offers open writing assignments, professional feedback, and direct Zoom access to working executives and producers. You can explore a free month here if you’d like to see if it’s a fit:
https://www.stage32.com/writers-room/plans-vip