DIRECTOR: Usman Riaz
STARRING: animation
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 38 minutes
LANGUAGE: Urdu, English
A young Vincent and his father Tomas run the finest glass workshop in the country and find their lives upended by an impending war in which they want no part. The arrival in their town of an army colonel and his young, talented, violinist daughter, Alliz, shakes their reality and tests the relationship between father and son.
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This is the directorial debut for Usman Riaz. The film had its worldwide debut at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June 2024. And it followed with a release across theatres in Pakistan in July 2024. The Glassworker is the first animated film to be submitted for the country. 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. Usman Riaz stated that the movie is comprised of 105,000 individual drawings. A total of 250 people worked on the film including national and international cast and crew.
The Pakistani Academy Selection Committee said Riaz and his team’s work demonstrated “exceptional” storytelling and artistry while “breaking new ground for animation” in the country which will be remembered in the country’s cinematic history as an achievement. “We are proud to announce that The Glassworker has been selected as Pakistan’s submission for the International Feature Film category at the 2024 Oscars,” Riaz said on Thursday, September 26th, in a social media post on Instagram. “This marks the first time a 2D hand-drawn animated film from Pakistan has been chosen for this prestigious honor.”
The film is produced by Riaz’s Pakistan-based Mano Animation Studios in collaboration with global production company Awedacious Originals.
The Glassworker is an animated drama.
To check out all previous submissions for Pakistan, click HERE.
STARRING: animation
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 38 minutes
LANGUAGE: Urdu, English
A young Vincent and his father Tomas run the finest glass workshop in the country and find their lives upended by an impending war in which they want no part. The arrival in their town of an army colonel and his young, talented, violinist daughter, Alliz, shakes their reality and tests the relationship between father and son.
***
This is the directorial debut for Usman Riaz. The film had its worldwide debut at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June 2024. And it followed with a release across theatres in Pakistan in July 2024. The Glassworker is the first animated film to be submitted for the country. 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. Usman Riaz stated that the movie is comprised of 105,000 individual drawings. A total of 250 people worked on the film including national and international cast and crew.
The Pakistani Academy Selection Committee said Riaz and his team’s work demonstrated “exceptional” storytelling and artistry while “breaking new ground for animation” in the country which will be remembered in the country’s cinematic history as an achievement. “We are proud to announce that The Glassworker has been selected as Pakistan’s submission for the International Feature Film category at the 2024 Oscars,” Riaz said on Thursday, September 26th, in a social media post on Instagram. “This marks the first time a 2D hand-drawn animated film from Pakistan has been chosen for this prestigious honor.”
The film is produced by Riaz’s Pakistan-based Mano Animation Studios in collaboration with global production company Awedacious Originals.
The Glassworker is an animated drama.
To check out all previous submissions for Pakistan, click HERE.
FILM REVIEW:
(This review contains spoilers.)
“It’s like the sun lives in there.”
The Glassworker is a breathtaking achievement, marking Pakistan's grand entry into the world of hand-drawn animation. Directed by Usman Riaz, the film stands as a powerful testament to the artistry and storytelling capabilities of Mano Animation Studios. It captures the essence of beauty, fragility, and the human spirit through a story that explores the delicate balance between creation and destruction. From the moment the film begins, the viewer is transported into a world of stunning visuals, rich symbolism, and profound emotional depth, making it an unforgettable cinematic experience.
The animation in The Glassworker is nothing short of mesmerizing. Every frame feels like a meticulously crafted painting, with attention to detail in everything from the architectural designs to the vibrant colours and character expressions. The film’s hand-drawn artistry brings the story to life in a way that feels both whimsical and raw, allowing viewers to connect deeply with the world on screen. The visual storytelling is complemented by the cultural authenticity embedded in the film, with elements like bustling bazaars, traditional Pakistani fashion, and beloved delicacies such as gulab jamun adding richness to the experience.
One of the standout aspects of the film is its incredible soundtrack. Usman Riaz, known for his musical talents, has composed a score that is nothing short of magical. The music enhances every scene, drawing out emotions and allowing the audience to feel the characters' internal struggles. The fact that music is also central to the storyline, particularly through the character of Alliz, a talented violinist, gives the soundtrack even greater significance. The way the film intertwines music with the visual elements elevates it from a mere animated feature to a deeply immersive emotional journey.
At its heart, The Glassworker is a story about love, art, and the human condition, set against the backdrop of a world affected by war. The relationship between Vincent, a skilled glassmaker, and Alliz, the violinist, is tenderly explored, with their artistic passions serving as metaphors for the beauty and fragility of life. The film also delves into themes of moral conflict, particularly through the relationship between Vincent and his father, as they navigate the horrors of war in a town torn apart by conflict. These themes are universal, yet the film’s unique cultural context makes it all the more compelling.
The film is a triumph of storytelling and animation, offering both visual splendour and emotional depth. The film not only marks a significant milestone for Pakistani cinema but also stands as a love letter to art, creation, and the power of human resilience. With its gorgeous animation, powerful soundtrack, and heartfelt narrative, The Glassworker is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates the beauty of hand-drawn animation and the timeless themes it so poignantly portrays.
(This review contains spoilers.)
“It’s like the sun lives in there.”
The Glassworker is a breathtaking achievement, marking Pakistan's grand entry into the world of hand-drawn animation. Directed by Usman Riaz, the film stands as a powerful testament to the artistry and storytelling capabilities of Mano Animation Studios. It captures the essence of beauty, fragility, and the human spirit through a story that explores the delicate balance between creation and destruction. From the moment the film begins, the viewer is transported into a world of stunning visuals, rich symbolism, and profound emotional depth, making it an unforgettable cinematic experience.
The animation in The Glassworker is nothing short of mesmerizing. Every frame feels like a meticulously crafted painting, with attention to detail in everything from the architectural designs to the vibrant colours and character expressions. The film’s hand-drawn artistry brings the story to life in a way that feels both whimsical and raw, allowing viewers to connect deeply with the world on screen. The visual storytelling is complemented by the cultural authenticity embedded in the film, with elements like bustling bazaars, traditional Pakistani fashion, and beloved delicacies such as gulab jamun adding richness to the experience.
One of the standout aspects of the film is its incredible soundtrack. Usman Riaz, known for his musical talents, has composed a score that is nothing short of magical. The music enhances every scene, drawing out emotions and allowing the audience to feel the characters' internal struggles. The fact that music is also central to the storyline, particularly through the character of Alliz, a talented violinist, gives the soundtrack even greater significance. The way the film intertwines music with the visual elements elevates it from a mere animated feature to a deeply immersive emotional journey.
At its heart, The Glassworker is a story about love, art, and the human condition, set against the backdrop of a world affected by war. The relationship between Vincent, a skilled glassmaker, and Alliz, the violinist, is tenderly explored, with their artistic passions serving as metaphors for the beauty and fragility of life. The film also delves into themes of moral conflict, particularly through the relationship between Vincent and his father, as they navigate the horrors of war in a town torn apart by conflict. These themes are universal, yet the film’s unique cultural context makes it all the more compelling.
The film is a triumph of storytelling and animation, offering both visual splendour and emotional depth. The film not only marks a significant milestone for Pakistani cinema but also stands as a love letter to art, creation, and the power of human resilience. With its gorgeous animation, powerful soundtrack, and heartfelt narrative, The Glassworker is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates the beauty of hand-drawn animation and the timeless themes it so poignantly portrays.
