Entertainment
Pakistan’s First Hand-Drawn Animated Film ‘The Glassworker’ Selected as 2025 Oscars Entry
In a historic moment for Pakistani cinema, The Glassworker, produced by Geo Films in collaboration with Mano Animation Studios, has been officially selected as Pakistan’s submission for the 2025 Academy Awards in the International Feature Film category. The film marks the country’s first-ever hand-drawn animated feature, bringing an anti-war storyline to life.
Directed by Usman Riaz, the film is a result of ten years of dedicated work by the team at Mano Animation Studios. Speaking to Geo.tv, Riaz shared his excitement, stating, “I’m honored that we’ll be competing alongside some of the finest films, proudly showcasing our craft.” He added, “This recognition means more to me than I can put into words—not just for myself, but for the entire team who poured their hearts and souls into this project.”
When asked about what this milestone means for the shrinking Pakistani cinema industry, Riaz humbly remarked, “I’m not sure what this will mean for Pakistani cinema, but I do know one thing: I will give it my all and keep moving forward.”
The selection of The Glassworker has sparked excitement among filmmakers and audiences, as it represents a significant leap for the local animation industry. The film has been critically acclaimed for its artistry, with high praise for its storytelling, animation, music composition, and voice-over performances.
Taking to Instagram, Usman Riaz expressed his gratitude, writing, “We are proud to announce that The Glassworker has been selected as Pakistan’s submission for the International Feature Film category at the 2025 Oscars. This marks the first time a 2D hand-drawn animated film from Pakistan has been chosen for this prestigious honor.” He also included a statement from the Pakistani Academy Selection Committee, which lauded the film’s exceptional storytelling and artistry, calling it a groundbreaking achievement for animation in Pakistan.
The film tells the story of Vincent, a young boy who works in his father Tomas’ fine glass workshop. Their peaceful lives are disrupted by an impending war, which complicates matters further when an army colonel and his daughter, Alliz, enter the picture. As Vincent and Alliz form a bond that blossoms into love, they must navigate their fathers’ opposing views amidst the chaos of war.
The Glassworker received critical acclaim upon release, with audiences praising its cinematic quality and heartfelt narrative. With this submission, Usman Riaz and his team hope the film will not only make waves internationally but also inspire future generations of Pakistani filmmakers and animators to push the boundaries of creativity and storytelling.
