29th day of the World Culture Festival 2025 Dazzles with Artistic Showcase

By Aziz Khatri

Karachi: The 29th day of the World Culture Festival 2025, organized by the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, was a spectacular celebration of creativity, featuring an array of events including a fine arts workshop, film screening, musical performances, and two captivating theatre plays.

The day began with a vibrant dance workshop led by Singapore’s Maya Dance Company, which collaborated with children from Karachi’s Scinosa special education institution. The participants welcomed their guests with an impressive dance performance, highlighting the festival’s commitment to inclusivity. Kavita Krishnan, the driving force behind Maya Dance Company, commended President of the Arts Council Muhammad Ahmed Shah for fostering a welcoming platform for children with Down syndrome. She announced that these talented youngsters would exhibit their creative skills on November 30.

The artistic endeavors continued with a workshop by Icelandic painter Halldor, attended by an enthusiastic group, including Shahid Rassam and various international artists. Halldor shared insights into his artistic philosophy, emphasizing the importance of emotional reflection in art. "I even learn from my mistakes, and they delight me," he remarked, expressing admiration for the vibrant work of Pakistani artists.

The day culminated with Bazelah Mustafa’s gripping theatre production “X – Mysteriously Murderous Investigation,” set in a single room with a body and an intricate plot. Actors Ali Sher, Ashmal Lal Wany, Awais Khaira, Farhan Rahim, Kiran Siddiqui, and Ram Govind delivered stellar performances that left the audience in awe, earning them enthusiastic applause.

A highlight of the day was the screening of the film “Gunjal,” written by Nirmal Bano and directed by Shoaib Sultan. The gripping narrative follows journalist Shahbaz Bhatti on his quest for truth. Speaking via video link, Sultan emphasized cinema's transformative power in society, noting the unique joy the festival offers through a diverse array of artistic experiences.

Children were treated to the puppet-style theatre play “CHEF” presented by Belgian director-actor Ronnie Aelbrecht, which brought laughter and joy to young viewers.

The day’s musical offerings reached a crescendo with a special performance by American musician Elio Villafrance and Omani artist Shoomb. Joined by Pakistani musicians, the electrifying fusion of sounds captivated the audience.

The 29th day of the World Culture Festival 2025 undoubtedly succeeded in showcasing a rich tapestry of artistic expression, uniting individuals from various cultural backgrounds and highlighting the talent and creativity within the community.