18th Day of the World Culture Festival 2025: A Celebration of Arts and Cultures in Karachi

By Aziz Khatri

Karachi: The 18th day of the World Culture Festival 2025 marked a vibrant celebration at the Arts Council of Pakistan, featuring an array of cultural activities, including captivating film screenings, fine arts workshops, a music session, and the thought-provoking Urdu theatre play “The Dead River.”

The event was graced by the presence of the French Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Nicolas Galey, and his wife, Camelia Galey. Upon their arrival, they were warmly welcomed by the President of the Arts Council, Muhammad Ahmed Shah, who guided them through various sections where cultural activities were in full swing. Also in attendance were French Consul General H.E. Alexis Chahtahtinsky, Director of Alliance Française Karachi Emmanuel Bruerec, and Chairman of Alhamra Arts Council Razi Ahmed.

Ambassador Nicolas Galey expressed his appreciation for the festival's role in connecting disparate cultures through its artistic offerings. He commended the Arts Council for its efforts, highlighting a mural by the French artist Shifoome that symbolizes the enduring friendship and cultural harmony between Pakistan and France.

The day began with an inspiring workshop led by Kenyan artist Onesmus Okamar, who introduced students at the Arts Council to innovative painting techniques. President Muhammad Ahmed Shah celebrated the talent of these young artists, emphasizing the rarity of such promising individuals throughout the country.

The festival showcased five remarkable films hailing from Portugal, Bulgaria, Albania, Denmark, and Italy. The Portuguese entry, “Midnight, Blue,” directed by Henrique Mesquita Montes, beautifully depicted the themes of silence and solitude. Bulgaria’s “Beaujolais,” an experimental film by Irena Grigorova Daskalova, explored the complex nature of memories. Albania's “Through Xhelo’s Eyes,” directed by Besa Tusha, narrates the poignant story of a visually impaired child. Denmark presented the lighthearted short film “Service Bus,” directed by Elmer Mikael Lødemel, while Italy's “Invisible Threads” illustrated the hidden connections among strangers in today’s digital age.

A music workshop was also held, led by Kenyan musicians Liboi and Komora. Their session infused the Arts Council with vibrant musical colors. Liboi shared her passion for incorporating traditional African instruments into her music, drawing parallels between Pakistani and African musical traditions. Komora added lively cultural rhythms on his guitar, likening “Chand” to spiritual traditional music and noting that being in Pakistan felt like home.

The day's events concluded with the staging of the Urdu tragedy “The Dead River,” directed by Shah Nawaz Bhatti, which drew an audience that included Provincial Minister for Education Syed Sardar Ali Shah. The Minister praised the festival as a significant achievement, emphasizing its importance in countering religious extremism. He discussed the historical connotations in the play, based on Abdul Qadir Junejo’s novel, and addressed the impact of colonialism on the rivers of Sindh and their significance to local heritage.

The performances, featuring talented artists such as Zubair Baloch, Yasmeen Usman, Mati Mukhtalif, Tooba Naeem, Omeed Akbar, and Ali Bakhsh, mesmerized the audience, bringing to life the painful tale of a river’s decline—serving as a powerful metaphor for loss and continuity in society.

As the festival continues, it stands as a testament to the importance of cultural exchange and the arts in fostering understanding among diverse communities.