Karachi festival offers a cultural feast

Participants Kaleab Alemayehu, Petra Kaltenbach, Yip Yew Chong, Domi Forest and Nelson Ijaka discussed contemporary art, artificial intelligence (AI) and the role of artistic expression in promoting cultural identity and understanding. Alemayehu said art could transcend political divisions and connect people, while Kaltenbach emphasised dialogue and self-transformation as tools for positive change.

Yip spoke about using his artwork to introduce Pakistan's beauty to audiences abroad, while Forest called for greater love and solidarity. Ijaka described art as a means of shaping cultural narratives and building national pride.

The festival also featured a music workshop, 'Beyond the Bassline', by Japanese guitarist Juna Serita, who demonstrated the bass guitar's potential as a lead instrument and introduced young musicians to improvisation techniques. Brazilian dance group Cia Livre De Danca Da Rocinha conducted a workshop on traditional Brazilian and Samba styles, while an open mic session showcased young singers.

Eight films were screened under the 'Arab and North African Shorts' programme, exploring themes including Palestinian identity, displacement, memory, family struggles, social injustice and psychological conflict. The theatre programme featured Italian performer Tom Corradini's 50-minute physical comedy 'Shaolin Clown', which explored self-discovery through movement and humour.

Pakistani production 'Taleem-e-Balighan', written and directed by Farhan Alam Siddiqui, offered a satirical take on social decline through the chaotic encounters of students at an adult education centre. Both productions received an enthusiastic response, bringing the festival's fifth day to a lively close.