On May 30, the Lahore Digital Arts Festival (LDF) made a notable representation of Pakistan along with the broader South Asian digital art scene at the 2025 International Image Festival, which took place in Bogota and Manizales, Colombia.
It was the initial instance where a Pakistani digital creator received official recognition at this prominent Latin American event that delves into the convergence of art, science, and technology.
The LDF presented evocative video creations by the futuristic Pakistani artist Omar Gilani, who used speculative visuals to envision a cyberpunk version of Pakistan’s urban landscape. By merging traditional elements with technologically infused concepts, Gilani’s artwork sparked discussions about digital identity, localized futures, and the influence of South Asian narratives from a postcolonial perspective.
It was profoundly humbling to witness how my work ignited such curiosity and conversation among different cultures,” stated Omar Gilani. “Displaying a future-oriented perspective of Pakistan with a localized viewpoint—in an environment that encourages experimentation and fusion—highlighted the strength of envisioning futures grounded in our own pasts and identities.
His creations struck a powerful chord with global viewers, paving the way for extensive discussions about digital art and cultural futurism originating from South Asia.
“This participation marked a significant milestone not only for our organization, LDF, but also for enhancing Pakistan’s presence within international discussions about digital art,” stated Najam-Ul Assar, who founded LDF. “Omar Gilani’s creations resonated strongly with viewers in both Bogota and Manizales, indicating an increasing interest in sophisticated, forward-looking stories originating from South Asia.”
The event in Colombia highlighted the significance of artistic exchanges between countries of the Global South, linking communities that are collaboratively reshaping their future trajectories. With LDF being the sole participant from South Asia, its involvement lent greater prominence to a region frequently marginalized within the international digital arts scene.
This involvement is a key aspect of LDF’s larger dedication to enhancing global recognition for digital creators from Pakistan and throughout South Asia, building connections among different cultures via innovation, creativity, and conversation.
