The Glassworker, Pakistan’s first 2D hand-painted animated film, has made history by earning a nomination for the 2025 Oscars in the International Feature Film category. Written and directed by Usman Riaz, this achievement marks a major milestone for Pakistan’s animation industry on the global stage.
Produced by Manu Animation Studios in partnership with Mandviwala Entertainment, The Glassworker consists of 14,777 cuts and 2,500 hand-painted frames, brought to life by a talented team of young artists. The film, released in theaters on July 26, tells a moving story of love, war, and freedom of thought, set against a backdrop of social and political upheaval.
Expressing his excitement on Instagram, Director Usman Riaz called the nomination “a decade of passion and perseverance” and hopes the film will resonate with global audiences, showcasing Pakistan’s creative potential.
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The film has already received international recognition, premiering at the Shanghai Film Festival, competing at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2024, and being screened at Cannes earlier this year.
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