THE KARACHI ARCHIVE

Building on over a decade of filmic-ethnographic work by Jürgen Schaflechner in Karachi (2012–present), The Karachi Archive is a growing collection of short films that explore the city. Ranging from three to seven minutes, these intimate portraits draw inspiration from the work of the two Austrian filmmakers Elisabeth T. Spira and Ulrich Seidl. Each film captures a distinct part of daily life in Karachi—protest, dance, addiction, sport, mobility, security, women's rights, religion, crisis, healing, and more. Viewed together, they form a dynamic mosaic that brings the city to life—an attempt to approach this ever-evolving megacity's simultaneous diversity and constant motion.

The films are thematically structured and tagged with keywords, allowing intuitive navigation through the archive. You'll find a list of these keywords on the left side, offering different entry points into the material and inviting viewers to explore Karachi's complexity through a wide range of perspectives and topics.

The archive, presented in a linear narrative form, serves as an approach to representing the city of Karachi. It is embedded within a larger project that explores the city and its diversity and critically engages with the concept of representation itself. In an associated project, the individual films are broken down into smaller segments and thematically restructured. This results in a Korsakow film, created by Christoph Marx and Jürgen Schaflechner. Korsakow films are generative, interactive, and non-linear, allowing for a flexible, rule-based structure where the viewer's interaction determines the sequence of content. Unlike traditional linear narratives, this non-linear form invites the audience to actively participate in the storytelling process. By juxtaposing the Korsakow film's dynamic, viewer-driven approach with the more fixed, linear archive, the project offers an exploration of how the complexity and vibrancy of the city can be represented and experienced. The Korsakow film is coming soon.

  • SUSPICION

    SUSPICION

    Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) is an influential Islamist organization with a complex history, marked by calls for "jihad" and fervent opposition to perceived Western influences, including the U.S. and India.

  • QUOTE

    QUOTE

    On 8th March, a police station in the city hosts a celebration of International Women’s Day, honoring the resilience and service of female officers.

  • GAMBLING

    GAMBLING

    In a modest apartment in DHA, a man discusses his long struggle with gambling addiction.

  • DEFENSE

    DEFENSE

    Hindu thinker, offered a measured and thoughtful reflection on identity, belief, and coexistence.

  • INSTINCT

    INSTINCT

    In a gym near DHA, a seasoned coach sharpens the skills of a focused young boxer.

  • COMMON

    COMMON

    Dr. Faisal Mamsa treats the hidden struggles of addiction, offering therapy that goes beyond medication.

  • SMELL

    SMELL

    In the quiet streets of DHA, a woman recounts her life behind closed doors—a marriage marked by alcohol addiction, violence, and the crushing weight of unspoken trauma.

  • DIFFERENT

    DIFFERENT

    In a crowded fashion market, a clothing store named HITLER sparks controversy with its bold branding, blurring the lines between marketing, ignorance, and provocation.

  • CUTTING

    CUTTING

    From the buzzing roads of Malir to the quieter lanes of Cantt, Irfan weaves through Karachi’s traffic in his rickshaw, offering more than just rides—he shares glimpses of a city in motion.

  • DISCO

    DISCO

    A Hindu community bursts into vibrant celebration as Holi fills the air with music, color, and dance.

  • UNITY

    UNITY

    In a solemn protest, Christians stand side by side with other religious minorities, raising their voices against terrorism and persecution.

  • CROW

    CROW

    Outside the Press Club, a couple endures harsh living conditions in a small tent, staging a relentless protest against the land grabbing that has cost them their home.

  • DARK STUFF

    DARK STUFF

    A group in Karachi organizes underground techno parties, creating a space for young adults to connect through music, dance, and creative expression. With electronic beats, drums, and vibrant lights, these parties embrace the freedom of a subculture.

  • GOALIE

    GOALIE

    In the heart of Lyari, a dedicated boxing coach channels his passion into training street children, offering them a path to rise above a life of violence and limited opportunity.

  • NEIGHBOURHOOD

    NEIGHBOURHOOD

    Over the past decade, Lyari has transformed from a neighborhood gripped by gang violence, crime, and frequent police clashes into a vibrant community known for resilience and cultural pride.

  • PROGRESS

    PROGRESS

    An estimated 5 million street children face harsh living conditions, vulnerable to exploitation, trafficking, and child labor. These children often work in dangerous jobs, from tobacco selling to sex work, surviving enduring poverty, addiction, and harassment.

  • TOUCHING

    TOUCHING

    At a vast Pentecostal healing event, a foreign team leads a crowd in powerful prayers and moving speeches, their voices rising with belief in divine miracles.