World Culture Festival 2025: Celebrating Global Harmony Through Art and Performance

By: Aziz Khatri

Karachi: The 11th day of the World Culture Festival 2025 was a vibrant celebration of art, film, and music, marked by an array of engaging events. Notable highlights included the discussion session “Global Harmony: Art as a Universal Language,” the Latin American Shorts Showcase featuring seven diverse films, an interactive workshop led by renowned Canadian DJ Mixwell, and a captivating theatrical performance titled “Erisychthon” by the West Midlands Stage Group.

The day commenced with a thought-provoking session on the power of art as a universal form of communication, featuring contributions from esteemed international artists, including Eva Klesse from Germany, Mixwell from Guatemala/Canada, Karen Houge from Norway, and Liboi from Kenya. Moderated by Kaif Ghaznavi, the discussion explored how music and art transcend cultural boundaries.

DJ Mixwell shared his insights, stating, “Musicians collectively create a note that we feel deeply. Every culture has its own rhythm, but the sounds we hear evoke the essence of nature and our surroundings... Each beat serves a distinct purpose.” Liboi emphasized the spiritual connection between instrumentals and cultural identity, expressing, “Through my art, I represent Kenya to the world.” Karen Houge remarked on the importance of harmony and awareness in performance, while Eva Klesse captured the essence of collective musical expression, highlighting the adaptability of her art according to mood and audience response.

The Latin American Shorts Showcase featured seven compelling films that reflected the cultural, artistic, and political narratives of Latin America. Films included “LOLO” (Mexico) by Ana Gabriela Gutiérrez Salgado, “The Boy, The Recruit and The Sergeant” (Brazil) by Daniel Chagas Martins, and “Women of Thread” (Bolivia) by Neysa Rivadineira and Dino Garzoni, among others. Each film presented profound themes of tradition, dreams, and creative resistance, captivating audiences with its storytelling.

Following the film showcase, DJ Mixwell led a dynamic music workshop where he introduced aspiring musicians to contemporary beat-making techniques and sound design. He emphasized the gradual building of energy in music: “A DJ must skillfully mix all elements with clarity and purpose,” he advised. The workshop drew enthusiastic participation, with many young musicians eager to learn from his experiences that spanned from classical to jazz.

The evening culminated in a mesmerizing theatrical performance by the West Midlands Stage Group, featuring a modern retelling of Ovid’s tale “Erisychthon.” Artists from the UK, Finland, New Zealand, and Germany delivered an emotionally charged story of greed and consequences, complemented by live oboe music. The performance resonated with contemporary environmental themes and was celebrated for its dynamic choreography and powerful storytelling.

As the audience applauded the performers, it was clear that the World Culture Festival 2025 continues to fulfill its mission of fostering global unity through the universal languages of art and culture.