World Culture Festival 2025 Comes Alive in Karachi with Art, Film, and Theatre

By: Aziz Khatri

Karachi: The 22nd day of the World Culture Festival 2025 transformed the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi into a vibrant hub of creativity and cultural exchange. The event featured the inauguration of an impressive international mural, captivating film screenings, and the stirring performances of three theatre plays.

The highlight of the evening was a soul-stirring benju performance by the renowned Balochi folk artist Ustad Noor Bakhsh, whose melodies resonated deeply with the audience. Enthusiastic fans of Balochi culture also joined in the traditional dance, Do Chapi, at the scenic Jaun Elia Lawn, celebrating the rich heritage of the region.

The day kicked off with the unveiling of a collaborative mural created by French and Pakistani artists, adorning the outer walls of the Arts Council. The mural was inaugurated by Consul General of France Alexis Chahtahtinsky and Mayor of Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab, alongside Arts Council President Muhammad Ahmed Shah. The artistic team, comprising French artists Nasty and Seth Globe, along with Pakistani artists Affan Tariq and Talal (Spray Therapy), brought the theme of “Peace and Freedom” to life using vibrant spray paint, significantly enhancing the visual appeal of the council’s exterior.

During his address at the inauguration, Consul General Chahtahtinsky expressed his pride in the collaboration, highlighting it as a meaningful gift to the people of Karachi. “Mural art fills empty spaces on walls, and it has the power to change people’s lives,” he remarked.

Mayor Wahab emphasized the need to beautify Karachi, stating, “Our walls are covered with vulgar messages and advertisements. We want walls glowing with beautiful colors.” He encouraged young artists to collaborate in beautifying the city, an initiative supported by both the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation and the Arts Council of Pakistan.

Arts Council President Muhammad Ahmed Shah acknowledged the French Embassy's ongoing support for the festival, noting that the event has evolved into a global celebration featuring artists from 142 countries. He urged attendees to take pride in their environment, stating, “Just as we keep our rooms clean, we must keep our city clean too.”

The festival's film screenings featured two acclaimed Lebanese films: “Lebanon by Night” and “In Out.” Furthermore, the theatre stage was graced by Bonnie J. Evans’ compelling play “Heroes of the Fourth Turning,” which showcased powerful performances by talented actors, including Hannah Di Bella and Alex Liu, among others.

Another theatrical highlight was Lebanon’s performance, “Stories from the Room,” where actors transformed real-life narratives into a dynamic theatrical experience. Moreover, in Auditorium I, the Urdu play “Khudkhushi se pehle,” written by Bee Gul and directed by Khalid Ahmed, captivated the audience with its multi-dimensional storytelling, enhanced by dialogue, movement, music, and poetry.

As the World Culture Festival 2025 continues, the collaboration of diverse artistic expressions stands as a testament to the unifying power of culture and creativity, leaving an indelible mark on Karachi's artistic landscape.