World Culture Festival 2025: A Day of Artistic Celebration and Reflection

By Aziz Khatri

  Karachi: The 28th day of the highly anticipated World Culture Festival 2025 was marked by a vibrant array of artistic expressions, hosted by the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi. The event featured engaging film screenings, enlightening discussions, and the inauguration of the much-anticipated "Peace & Pieces – Volume 5" art exhibition, in addition to two theatre plays that captivated audiences.

The day commenced with a thought-provoking film talk session led by Kanak Mani Dixit, a renowned Nepali publisher, editor, and filmmaker, with Dr. Umair Ahmed serving as the moderator. Dixit highlighted the importance of a clear vision in the film industry and addressed the potential for documentary filmmaking in Pakistan, emphasizing the beauty of the country. "Pakistan is a beautiful country. We should produce documentary films on Islamabad and Dhaka, though perhaps we lack the budget," he remarked. Furthermore, he expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with the Arts Council Karachi at the upcoming Nepal Film Festival, underscoring the council's role as a cultural hub.

The film screening featured "Noya Manush," a poignant narrative directed by Sohel Rana Boyati, that explored the tumultuous journey of a man grappling with his religious identity versus the pursuit of personal happiness.

A highlight of the day was the inauguration of the "Peace & Pieces - Volume 5" art exhibition at the Ahmed Pervez Art Gallery. Minister Saeed Ghani, alongside Arts Council President Muhammad Ahmed Shah, officiated the event, which showcased artworks from both international and Pakistani artists. Notable contributors included Adeela Suleman, Moeen Faruqi, Qamar Siddiqui, and several others. Minister Ghani commended the efforts of Ahmed Shah in organizing such a grand festival, emphasizing the significance of cultural venues like the Arts Council in South Asia. “This is the people’s money being spent on the people,” he stated, adding that the Arts Council deserves a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for its remarkable initiative.

President Muhammad Ahmed Shah further elaborated that the festival is a one-of-a-kind event that uniquely brings together artists from various disciplines, promoting equality and cultural revolution. “More than 80% of the participants came on self-funded tickets,” he noted, praising the support from the Government of Sindh in facilitating the participants' journeys and experiences.

The festival also featured powerful theatre performances, beginning with the South African play “Don’t Shoot,” directed and written by Busisiwe Mazibuko. The gripping narrative follows four men escaping a brutal political detention camp, forced to confront life-altering decisions. The play was met with enthusiasm from attendees, reflecting on its powerful themes.

The day concluded with the Ugandan production “The Invoice,” directed by Philip Luswata. The ensemble cast, comprising Keith Divine, Walter Asiku, Juma Kayondo, Shanitah Akandinda, and Viola Najjuko, delivered stellar performances that humorously illustrated the struggle of African artists in reclaiming their creative freedom, earning standing ovations from the audience.

The World Culture Festival 2025 continues to be a testament to the richness of global art and culture, uniting diverse voices and fostering creativity in a truly unique celebration of the arts.