The Pakistan Academy Selection Committee has chosen Usman Riaz’s The Glassworker as Pakistan’s official submission for the International Feature Film category at the 2025 Oscars.
Committee chairman Mohammed Ali Naqvi highlighted the film’s significance: “The Glassworker is a milestone as Pakistan’s first 2D hand-drawn animated feature at the Oscars. Usman and his team at Mano Animation Studios have showcased exceptional storytelling and artistic skill, pioneering a new era for Pakistan’s animation industry.”
Usman Riaz shared insights into the film’s creation: “The Glassworker emerged from a decade-long commitment to cinema. This film reflects the deep passion behind its creation, a rare endeavour in a country not known for such artistic projects.”
Produced by Mano Animation Studios, The Glassworker premiered in Pakistan on July 26 after extensive development. The narrative is set in a war-torn country and chronicles the lives of Vincent Oliver, a young glassworker, and Alliz Amano, a violin prodigy. As they navigate their youth amid war and personal upheaval, their story beautifully explores their dreams, relationships, and the impact of conflict on their lives.
