(Siraj Bhaagat)
Winter Tales an evening of cinema, ideas, music, and bonfire was held at the Indie Art Commune, Hyderabad, marking one of the city’s first open and public youth-led, collectively owned commune. The event brought together young artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers, and creators from Hyderabad and beyond, reclaiming shared spaces for creative expression and dialogue.
The event featured the screening of “Karmash” the first Pakistani short film selected for the 2025 Cannes Directors’ Fortnight, followed by an insightful conversation with filmmaker Aleem Bukhari and Irfan Noor, moderated by Halar Nawaz. The discussion explored independent cinema, storytelling, and emerging creative voices.
Live instrumental music added a rich cultural layer to the event, with folk instrumentalist Malhar Junejo performing traditional Sindhi wind instruments including Borrindo-recently inscribed on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding along with Alghoza and Nurr (centuries old traditional folk instruments of indus valley). A talk and musical performance by Nazar Shah of Positive The Band highlighted indie art, Sindhi music, youth spaces, and the fusion of folk traditions with contemporary sounds.
The Winter Tales concludedu with off-record bonfire conversations, networking, and a musical jam circle by artists from Hyderabad, fostering meaningful connections and collaboration.
As a youth-led, collectively owned space, Indie Art Commune have decided to hold at least one session every month aims to sustain creative bonds, strengthen networks, deepen connections among artists and creators and encourage community-led initiatives. Winter Tales stood as an inspiring reminder of the power of independent art and shared cultural spaces.
