In a historic first, The Glassworker has been announced as Pakistan’s official submission for the 2024 Academy Awards. Directed by Usman Riaz, the animated feature is being submitted in the International Feature Film category, making it the first animated film ever to represent Pakistan at the Oscars.
“This selection marks a historic milestone, as The Glassworker is Pakistan’s first 2D hand-drawn animated feature and the first animated film to ever be submitted for the Oscars. Usman and Mano’s work has not only demonstrated exceptional storytelling and artistry but has also broken new ground for the animation industry in Pakistan. This is an achievement that will be remembered in the annals of our cinematic history,” said Mohammed Ali Naqvi, chairman of the Pakistan Academy Selection Committee.
Usman Riaz, the film’s writer and director, expressed his gratitude for the recognition. “The Glassworker represents a decade-long journey of passion and perseverance. This film is a love letter to cinema, and it was my passion for the art form that drove me to create a film like this in a country where such artistic endeavors are rare,” he said. “I am deeply humbled by the trust and faith the selection committee has placed in our film. I hope this story resonates with audiences everywhere, transcending borders and showcasing the depth of talent and creativity that Pakistan has to offer.”
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Produced under the banner of Riaz’s Mano Animation Studios, The Glassworker took years to create. Released in Pakistan on July 26, the film is set in a war-torn country and tells the story of a young glassworker, Vincent Oliver, who forms a bond with violin prodigy Alliz Amano. As they grow older amidst the turmoil of war, the pair must navigate their dreams, relationships, and the personal and collective impacts of the conflict. The film explores themes of artistry, love, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
In addition to Riaz’s direction, the film features a screenplay by Moya O’Shea and music by Carmine DiFlorio and Riaz himself. It was produced by Khizer Riaz and Manuel Cristobal, with associate producer Mariam Paracha and executive producers Azhar Hameed, Art Malik, Ameed Riaz, and Apoorva Bakshi.
The selection committee for this year’s submission was chaired by Naqvi and included notable figures such as filmmaker Saqib Malik, producer Abid Merchant, actors Mohib Mirza, Humayun Saeed, Vasay Chaudhry, and Alina Khan, as well as directors Kanwal Khoosat, Anam Abbas, and Afia Nathaniel. Grammy-winning artist Arooj Aftab, producer Fizza Ali Meerza, former PTV general manager Moneeza Hashmi, and Film Fund founder Akbar Hamid were also part of the committee.
The Glassworker is poised to not only showcase Pakistan’s talent on an international stage but also open new doors for the country’s animation industry.
