The ongoing World Culture Festival 2025 at the Arts Council of Pakistan (ACP) completed its 30th day on Saturday with the screening of a documentary by Malian dancer, an open mic session featuring artists of various countries, a theatre play, musical performances and a talk on Pakistani film Kamli.
Malian dancer and choreographer Lassina Koné presented a documentary titled “A Soulful Dance Journey” showing the fusion of tradition, emotion and the depths of human spirit in every movement of his dance.
Speaking at the presentation, the dancer said it took his students seven months to produce the film. He praised the World Culture Festival and added that behind every dancer stood a choreographer. He commended the Arts Council’s team and management and stated that they should take their commitment to arts and culture not only across Pakistan but to the entire world.
A large number of international artists participated in the open mic talk session, including performers from Oman, South Africa, Norway, Mali, Uganda, the United States, Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Türkiye, Iceland, Belgium and Bangladesh. Speakers noted that only 44 countries in the world were currently not engaged in conflict, while the rest were involved in some or other form of strife. They said events like the World Culture Festival allowed them not only to present their art but also to learn from others.
It was said that artists communicated with the public through their performances and the use of AI in dance was inappropriate.
Head of the ACP Dance Academy Mani Chao stated that the World Culture Festival had energised his students who felt excited to perform alongside international artists.
A dance workshop was conducted by Norway’s acclaimed dancer Navid Rezvani, who taught students various techniques. “Joy, independence and freedom hold great meaning in dance. Feel the magic of music within you, and you will enjoy the dance,” he advised the participants.
The film screening segment featured Sarmad Khoosat’s acclaimed film Kamli. Following the screening, Khoosat and Dr Umair Ahmed engaged in conversation.
The theatre staged on Saturday was Tennessee Williams’s famous play The Glass Menagerie, which was directed by ACP graduate Adil Shakir with Hassan, Sheryl, Fatima and Raza delivering emotionally moving performances that deeply touched the audience.
The day concluded with a musical concert.
