Amidst the glitz and glamour of the 77th Cannes Film Festival, Indian actor Sobhita Dhulipala stepped out not for a film but for a brand. Sharing snippets of her Cannes adventure on Instagram, one particular snapshot caught the eye – a moment captured with Usman Riaz, the visionary behind Pakistan’s first hand-drawn animation studio, Mano Animation Studios.
Alongside them stood Khizer Riaz, CEO of Mano Animation Studios, and Mohammad Ali Naqvi, a renowned New York-based Pakistani filmmaker. In her Cannes diaries, Sobhita reflected, “This time around, though I was there with a brand and not a film, the quiet wonder remains. As does the boisterous laughter and my baguette admiration.”
Fans couldn't contain their excitement at them crossing paths. One eagerly commented, “She is my favourite actor! Can’t wait for The Glassworker.” Another expressed surprise, exclaiming, “Usman from Pakistan? Say what?”
Meanwhile, the animator himself offered a behind-the-scenes peek into their Cannes experience with an Instagram Reel, showcasing the picturesque streets of Cannes and the proud moment of presenting The Glassworker project.
Reflecting on the whirlwind at Cannes, Usman shared, “The Cannes Film Festival was a whirlwind. It was an honour to present Mano's journey at Cannes. The Glassworker represents a decade of dedication, teaching me invaluable lessons about following one's dreams. A huge milestone for Pakistan and for Mano Animation Studios ahead of The Glassworker world premiere at Annecy 2024. Thank you to the Pakistan Crescent Collective and Mohammad Naqvi.”
The Glassworker, a heartwarming tale of two unlikely friends, Vincent the glassworker and Alliz the prodigious violinist, is poised to grace Pakistani screens on July 26.
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