‘Historic milestone: The Glassworker first animated film from Pakistan submitted for Oscars’

ISLAMABAD: The Glassworker has been announced as Pakistan’s official submission for the 2024 Academy Awards, here on Thursday.

As per the details, the animated film, directed by Usman Riaz, is being presented in the International Feature Film category, making it the first animated film 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 be nominated for an Oscar.

Usman and Manu’s work is not only extraordinary; has demonstrated storytelling and artistry but has also broken new ground for the animation industry in Pakistan.

Chairman of the Pakistan Academy Selection Committee Muhammad Ali Naqvi said that this is an achievement to be remembered in the history of our cinema.

Usman Riaz, the writer and director of the film expressed his gratitude for this honour. “Glassworker represents a journey spanning decades of passion and perseverance. The film is a love letter to cinema, and it was my passion for art that drove me to make such a film in a country where Such artistic endeavours are rare.” “I am 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 the talent and creativity that Pakistan has to offer.

Produced under the banner of Riyadh’s Manu Animation Studios, The Glassworker was years in the making. Releasing in Pakistan on July 26, the film is set in a war-torn country and tells the story of Vincent Oliver, a young glass worker, who forms a relationship with violinist Elise Amano. Amidst the turmoil of war as they grow older, the pair must navigate the personal and collective implications of their dreams, relationships, and conflict. The film explores themes of artistry, love, and the resilience of the human spirit in times 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 not only set to showcase Pakistan’s talent on an international stage but will also open new doors for the country’s animation industry.