Written by: Sehrish Mustafa
Posted on: November 21, 2019 | 
Ali Sethi Performing (Photo Credits to Faiz Foundation Trust)
The Faiz International Festival has its fifth iteration last weekend at the Lahore Arts Council, to commemorate the famous Urdu socialist poet, Faiz Ahmed Faiz (1911-1984). This three-day festival has become a cultural hub, not just to celebrate Faiz, but also to encourage creativity, dialogue and talent amongst the people of Pakistan. Spread across the entire Arts Council, Faiz Fest has successfully brought together art, music and literature, folk nights and free talks for the public to attend.
Faiz Ahmad Faiz’s name represents both the man, and the ideology for which he stood. Born in Sialkot, he became a vital pillar for literature and activism as the editor of the Pakistan Times, Vice President of the Pakistan Trade Union Federation. He was a member of both the Progressive Writer’s Movement and the Afro-Asian Writer’s Association. Some of his notable awards include the Nishan-e-Imtiaz (the Government of Pakistan’s highest civilian award), the Lenin Peace Prize, and a nomination for the Nobel Price Award in Literature.
Faiz Festival at Alhamra Arts Council (photo credits to Abid_k_Abro on Instagram)
Faiz festival aimed to keep his legacy alive and to allow him to inspire a newer generation of writers, poets, singers and activists. Over the years, the festival has contributed enormously in the popular spread of Urdu literature and the continuation of cultural melas (fesitvals) in Pakistan.
Faiz Fest kicked off by Faiz Foundation Trust Chairperson, Saleema Hashmi, who opened with two talks. One focused on the past, which talked about Faiz and his contemporaries. The other feathered present-day events, such as Baba Guru Nanak’s 550th anniversaries. The past, present and future were addressed simultaneously in an informative and nuanced fashion.
Salima Hashmi at the Festival's Inaguration (Photo Credits to Faiz Foundation Trust)
Alongside this, the opening day witnessed a performance by Ali Sethi, titled “Guloon Mein Rang Bharay”, which simply enthralled the audience. Ajoka Theatre also performed their latest play, “Saira aur Maira”, their deeply powerful and moving tribute to the late Asma Jehangir.
Throughout the next two days, Faiz festival organized talks and performances which ranged from social to political and historical topics. One such talk was, “Stardom with Responsibility”, which included Mahira Khan, Sarmad Khoosat and Mira Hashmi. They talked about the importance of fans who engage and support the artist’s work, and of the artist’s duties towards their fans. Outside, there was an interactive drum circle, in which strangers of all ages came together to create an improvised melody.
Mahira Khan at a Panel (Photocredits to nowlollywood on Instagram)
Some of the well known panelists at Faiz Fest included Ahsan Khan, Asghar Nadeem Syed, Simi Raheel, Anjum Altaf, Amjad Islam Amjad and Israr Chishti, to name a few. Another popular performance was that of Sarmad Khoosat and Nimra Bucha, who gave a moving performance of Amrita Pritam’s “Rasidi Ticket”, which dealt with the heartbreak that arose from post-Partition violence.
Sarmad Khoosat's Performance (Photo Credits to Olomopolo Media)
Most of the talks were a much-needed discussion on increasing awareness and understanding of societal issues. When controversial issues are openly and candidly discussed from different points of views, it leads to constructive engagement, something that has become increasingly rare in the currently charged atmosphere.
(L to R) Qasim Jafri, Zehra Nigah, Dr. Arfa Zehra
Most notably, this iteration of the event saw a rise in the participation of young people. Previously, the language barrier has been a concern amidst the organizers. However, the interactive and discussion based activities have encouraged young people to participate and relate to Faiz’s ethos. As the recent viral video of young student activists passionately reciting Faiz whilst demanding their rights shows, Faiz still resonates with those who wish to protest against injustice and demand a better future.
The Drum Circle (Photo credits to shotsbyarasha on Instagram)
Faiz’ legacy of protest and equality has helped lay the foundation for activism in Pakistan. And Faiz Fest hopes to further encourage the people and intellectuals to come forward, to talk, engage and collaborate on important political and societal problems. Faiz stood for a more egalitarian and democratic society, and this festival is a testament to his revolutionary spirit.
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