Cultural diversity allows for societies to innovate, to expand economically, and to demonstrate a concrete support of human rights. In mid-August 2023 the UNESCO-Khalili foundation released a new short-film titled 'A Thousand Colours'. The main focus of this film is placing recognition on the importance of differences between cultural expressions. It highlights the impact artists can have on the communities that they engage in. It supports the statement made by UNESCO that 'cultural diversity "is as necessary for humankind as biodiversity is for nature"'. It also addresses the concern that those whose work is primarily that of cultural expressions – such as artists and musicians – are often not valued for their labor. It speaks to the worry that these laborers are often made invisible or not given the access they require.

'A Thousand Colours' begs the question: Would we be humans without art? The film provides many answers to this question. Some say that society requires a soul in order to fully function, and it is all types of art that feed that soul. Art is a way of creating space in order to fully experience the beauty of humanity and as is well known, there is not one singular way to achieve this. Cultural expressions allow for different perspectives of life to be shown in every way. Artists within the film warn against the dangers of only having one perspective. They argue that a singular focus leads to the erasure of groups, ideologies, and identities. It is vital to include those who have been pushed aside before their cultural expressions are lost. According to the film, the loss of a cultural expression can be damaging and once it is gone it is incredibly hard, if not impossible, to retrieve.

This almost 20 minute film summarizes the importance of understanding the differences in cultural expressions, while also seeing them as parts to the whole of humanity. The creation of communities through the use of art, music, and literature is vital to the maintenance of the soul of human society. The connections established and maintained by cultural expressions only seeks to shorten the distance between physical people. 'A Thousand Colours' captures the unique experience of being human and trying to find ways to understand it. 

We at CD4Peace appreciate the use of film as a medium for expressing the need for cultural diversity. It highlights the importance of understanding the use of art as a way of evaluating culture and cultural interactions.

'A Thousand Colours':

https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/new-short-film-thousand-colours-celebrates-our-cultural-diversity