‘The Glassworker’ Becomes Pakistan’s First Animated Film Submitted to Oscars

Pakistan has achieved a milestone in cinematic history with its first-ever animated film submission to the Academy Awards. The Glassworker, a hand-drawn animated feature written by Usman Riaz, has been included in the animated films category for the 97th Oscars, as announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Produced by Geo Films in collaboration with Mano Animation Studios, the film’s selection is a landmark achievement for Pakistan’s growing film industry. It stands among 31 animated features competing for nominations this year, including global blockbusters like Inside Out 2 by Pixar and DreamWorks’ Kung Fu Panda 4.

The Glassworker tells the story of Vincent, a young boy, and his father, Tomas, who runs a fine glass workshop. Their lives are disrupted by the threat of war, forcing them to confront personal and societal challenges.

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The film, 10 years in the making, has been praised for its storytelling, animation, music, and voice performances. Competing against industry giants, its inclusion showcases Pakistan’s potential in global cinema. The final Oscar nominations will be announced on January 23, 2024.