Islamabad, 22 April 2025 – To commemorate the International Mother Earth Day, UNESCO, in collaboration with the Cultural Diplomacy Initiative of Serena Hotels, presented the premiere screening of the film “Hundan – An Echo of a Dirge” by Mr. Karamat Ali, founder and director of Rockwood Production & Resource Centre.The film, set in the high mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan and narrated in the UNESCO declared endangered Burushaski language, explores the profound interdependence between people, nature, language, and traditions. Through striking visuals and evocative storytelling, Hundan highlights the urgent need to protect both biodiversity and cultural heritage in the face of accelerating environmental change.As the lead UN agency with mandates in culture, and science, UNESCO underscores its commitment to environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and the preservation of intangible cultural heritage. Mr. Antony Kar Hung Tam, Officer-in-Charge of the UNESCO Office in Pakistan, stated that “Hundan – An Echo of a Dirge is more than a film, it is a moving tribute to the intangible heritage of Gilgit-Baltistan and the resilience of its people. By using the endangered Burushaski language to tell a story rooted in tradition and environmental awareness, the film exemplifies how cultural and creative industries can preserve and transmit memory. UNESCO is proud to support such powerful expressions of indigenous knowledge, which are essential in our collective efforts to protect both cultural diversity and the planet’s natural ecosystems.”By supporting films rooted in local knowledge systems and storytelling, UNESCO advances its global agenda to promote cultural diversity, sustainable development, and inclusive societies.The event served as a platform to reaffirm the shared responsibility of communities, cultural institutions, and governments to protect the planet’s natural and cultural wealth. It also spotlighted the role of cultural diplomacy and the cultural and creative industries in promoting sustainable livelihoods, identity, and resilience in vulnerable regions.
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