Khajistan Propaganda Showcase & Film Screening: World Ka Centre at SculptureCenter, NYC
by Khajistan Cultural Desk
·
Sunday, July 6th, 2025
Join us for a unique opportunity to explore original propaganda materials and browse rare archival materials from the Islamicate world at our special Sunday event.
American War Propaganda Showcase
2:15 - 3:00 PM
Exhibit curator and archivist Saad Khan will present and discuss original war propaganda leaflets handed out by American military forces and the CIA in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya among other propaganda related to Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan. This rare showcase offers visitors the chance to examine these historical artifacts up close with expert commentary. Over 300 of these materials are housed at the University of Pennsylvania's Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts. For those interested in deeper exploration of this subject, visit our comprehensive publication: American War Propaganda Leaflets 1990-2022.
Film Screening
World Ka Center (“Center of the World”) (2002)
12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Runtime: 120 minutes
Country: Pakistan
Language: Urdu
Format: Short-feature telefilm
Directed and written by Faisal Rehman and Bilal Hasan Minto
This Sunday, the Khajistan screening room at SculptureCenter will loop World Ka Center for one day only, replacing our regular screening of Zinda Laash (1969).
World Ka Center is a fictional made-for-TV film about what was happening in Lahore on September 11, 2001. It aired only once on Pakistan's private Geo Television in the late-night hours because of its frequent male urination scenes and homosocial themes.
Set in Lahore on September 11, 2001, the film follows a group of working-class friends spending their final day together before one departs on a U.S.-bound flight that night. An affluent neighbor routinely picks up men at the chowk—much to his mother’s dismay—lavishing them with gifts and free weed. Their last hours unfold over bootlegged drinks, hash, a private screening of a pornographic film, and moments of male bonding, all under the watchful eye of a persistent, police-like presence. Meanwhile, a house wife remains confined at home, channel-surfing television and hunting VCD stores for Bollywood titles. In another household, a young girl devours Urdu paperbacks and blasts FM radio. Their quiet routines stand in sharp contrast to the men’s fleeting freedom.
Guided Exhibition Tours
Led by Saad Khan
- 1:00 PM - Full exhibition tour
- 5:00 PM - Full exhibition tour
Khajistan Bazaar
12:00 - 6:00 PM
The Khajistan shop is open, selling stickers, patches, t-shirts, hats, books, perfumes, and original art from the world of Khajistan.
This screening is part of the exhibition Spasial Program by Khajistan in the lower-level gallery of SculptureCenter from June 19 - July 28, 2025.
Address: 44-19 Purves St, Long Island City, NY 11101
