Pakistan’s first hand-drawn film 'the Glassworker' chosen for 2025 Oscars submission

The Glassworker has made history as Pakistan’s first animated film to be submitted for the Academy Awards.

Pakistan’s groundbreaking 2D hand-drawn animated film, The Glassworker, has been selected as the country’s official submission for the 2025 Academy Awards.

Directed by Usman Riaz, the film will compete in the prestigious International Feature Film category at the 97th Oscars.

Usman Riaz shared the news on Instagram, expressing his gratitude and excitement over the historic selection.

 

 

 

 

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Currently playing in theatres across Pakistan, The Glassworker is the first film of its kind from the country.

The story follows a young glassblower navigating love and life amidst the backdrop of war and political upheaval.

Usman Riaz described the project as a decade-long labor of passion and perseverance, with the film representing the creativity and talent emerging from Pakistan.

A clip of The Glassworker was previously screened at major international film festivals, including Cannes in 2023 and the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in France in 2022.

The screenplay, written by Moya O’Shea, is brought to life by an impressive voice cast that includes Art Malik, Sacha Dhawan, and Anjli Mohindra.

The film is produced by Riaz’s Pakistan-based Mano Animation Studios in collaboration with global production company Awedacious Originals.

While last year’s entry, In Flames, did not make the Oscars shortlist, there is renewed hope that The Glassworker will put Pakistan on the map for animated storytelling.

The Glassworker' set for summer release in theatres across Pakistan

The Glassworker, Pakistan’s first hand-drawn animated feature, is set to make waves this summer with its highly anticipated release in theatres across the country.

Directed by Usman Riaz and produced by Mano Animation Studios, the film marks a milestone in Pakistan’s animation industry.

Mandviwalla Entertainment, known for distributing the blockbuster The Legend of Maula Jatt, has partnered to bring this visually stunning and heartfelt story to audiences nationwide, promising a cinematic experience unlike any other.

The film has already garnered international attention, with a special screening at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023.

Usman Riaz and the producers showcased exclusive footage to industry insiders, standing out in a lineup dominated by live-action films. Speaking to the media, Riaz expressed his gratitude for representing Pakistan’s emerging animation talent on such a prestigious stage, further elevating the global recognition of The Glassworker.

Reflecting on the inspiration behind the film, Riaz told Variety that The Glassworker offers a glimpse into growing up in Pakistan, from the local legends to the food, clothing, and colonial architecture depicted in the film.

The narrative, while deeply rooted in Pakistan’s heritage, presents a universal story that resonates with audiences beyond borders.

With its hand-drawn animation and compelling themes, The Glassworker not only showcases Pakistan’s creative potential but also marks a significant leap forward for the country’s animation industry on the global stage.