Pakistan's 'The Glassworker' enters the Oscars race

Usman Riaz's animated feature is longlisted in two categories

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled its list of eligible films for the 97th Academy Awards, spotlighting a diverse range of contenders across multiple categories. Among them is The Glassworker, a groundbreaking animated feature from Pakistan that has officially qualified for consideration in two categories: Animated Feature and International Feature Film.

Produced by Mano Animation Studios and helmed by director Usman Riaz, The Glassworker represents a historic milestone as Pakistan's first animated film submitted for the Oscars. It stands among 31 entries vying for the Animated Feature category and 85 films in the International Feature category. The inclusion of The Glassworker marks a significant achievement for Pakistan's nascent animation industry on a global stage.

The Academy's longlists reflect a blend of commercial heavyweights and independent projects, creating an intensely competitive field. Shortlists narrowing the contenders will be announced on December 17, with final nominations set to follow on January 23, 2025.

In the Animated Feature category, The Glassworker competes against industry giants such as Pixar's Inside Out 2, a film already celebrated as the highest-grossing animated release of all time, and DreamWorks' Kung Fu Panda 4. Other notable entries include Despicable Me 4 and Japan's Kensuke's Kingdom.

In the International Feature category, The Glassworker shares the spotlight with submissions from 84 other countries. Notable entries include India's Laapata Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao, and From Ground Zero, a powerful anthology of 22 short films by Palestinian directors exploring the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Interestingly, the list also features Israel's submission Come Closer, underscoring the stark contrasts in narratives represented in this year's lineup.

Set against a backdrop of South Asian-inspired landscapes, The Glassworker tells the poignant story of Vincent, a young glass artisan, and his deepening bond with Alliz, the daughter of one of his clients. As the narrative unfolds, their relationship is tested by the turbulence of war and the emotional complexities of growing up. The film's intricate hand-drawn animation, evocative score, and thoughtful storytelling have earned widespread praise, positioning it as a standout contender in its categories.

The journey to Oscar contention is an arduous one, particularly for submissions in the Animated and International Feature categories. While members of the Academy's Animation Branch assess entries for the former, the latter requires all participating members to meet specific viewing requirements before casting their votes.