Pakistan’s First Hand-Drawn Film Heads to the Oscars

Pakistan’s film industry has achieved a remarkable milestone with its very first 2D hand-drawn animated film, The Glassworker, set to represent the country at the 97th Academy Awards. The announcement was made by the film’s director, Usman Riaz, who expressed his pride on social media. He shared, “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 groundbreaking nomination marks the first time Pakistan has sent a 2D animated film to the prestigious event.

The Glassworker is currently playing in theatres across Pakistan and will be competing for a spot in the highly competitive International Feature Film category. Last year’s submission, In Flames, did not make the shortlist, making this year’s entry even more significant for the country’s growing film industry.

A Decade of Passion and Perseverance

Usman Riaz, who has poured over ten years of work into this project, shared his gratitude for the recognition, stating, “The Glassworker represents a decade of passion and perseverance. I am deeply humbled by the selection and hope this story resonates with audiences everywhere, showcasing the talent and creativity Pakistan has to offer.”

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The film tells the story of a young glassblower, Vincent Oliver, and Alliz Amano, two characters deeply intertwined as they navigate life, love, and the chaos of war. Set against the backdrop of a country on the brink of conflict, the narrative explores the human experience through delicate, hand-drawn animation, a rare feat in today’s digital world.

International Recognition and Support

The Glassworker has already garnered international attention, with clips screened at both the Cannes Film Festival in 2023 and the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in 2022. These prestigious showcases highlight the film’s international appeal and artistic merit.

Produced by Khizer Riaz and Manuel Cristóbal, and with a screenplay written by Moya O’Shea, the film is the result of a collaborative effort to bring Usman Riaz’s vision to life. The Pakistani Academy Selection Committee expressed their excitement over the selection, commenting, “Usman and Mano’s work has demonstrated exceptional storytelling and artistry while breaking new ground for animation in Pakistan. This achievement will be remembered in our cinematic history.”

A New Chapter for Pakistani Cinema

As Pakistan continues to expand its presence on the global cinematic stage, The Glassworker stands as a testament to the creative potential within the country. It reflects not only a new direction for Pakistani animation but also the perseverance of artists dedicated to telling their stories through unique and artistic means.

This official submission to the Oscars marks an important chapter for the Pakistani film industry, one that has seen its share of challenges but is now being recognized for its innovation. With a heartfelt story, stunning animation, and international acclaim, The Glassworker represents a bright future for the country’s filmmakers.

The journey to the Oscars has just begun for The Glassworker, and whether or not it takes home the award, its contribution to Pakistan’s cinematic landscape will not soon be forgotten.

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