"I hope this movie gets an Oscar."
Pakistan’s first 2D hand-drawn animated film, The Glassworker (2024), has been selected as the country’s official submission for the 2025 Academy Awards.
Directed by Usman Riaz, the film will compete in the prestigious International Feature Film category at the 97th Oscar ceremony.
Usman announced the exciting news on Instagram. He expressed his gratitude for the selection.
The filmmaker also highlighted the significance of this milestone for Pakistani cinema.
He said: “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 honour.”
Netizens reacted positively to the news.
One user said: “Great achievement – I hope this serves as a catalyst to revive the Pakistani film industry as a whole.”
Another added: “I hope this movie gets an Oscar for the best ending!
“I’m happy that our country has made this level of animation.”
The Pakistani Academy Selection Committee, stated:
“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.”
Currently screening in theatres across Pakistan, The Glassworker is the first film of its kind from the country.
The film narrated the story of a young glassblower who navigates love and life against the backdrop of war and political turmoil.
The Glassworker has already captured international attention, having been screened at major film festivals, including Cannes in 2023.
The film stood out among a line-up dominated by live-action films.
It was also screened in the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in 2022.
The screenplay, by Moya O’Shea, has been brought to life by an impressive voice cast.
This included Art Malik, Sacha Dhawan, and Anjli Mohindra.
The Glassworker was produced by Riaz’s Mano Animation Studios in collaboration with Awedacious Originals.
Mandviwalla Entertainment, known for distributing the blockbuster The Legend of Maula Jatt (2022), partnered to deliver this visually stunning and heartfelt film.
Reflecting on the film’s inspiration, Usman shared with Variety that The Glassworker provides a glimpse into growing up in Pakistan.
He said: “It can be seen in the conflicts, the local legends, the characters’ clothing, the food they eat, and the colonial architecture.
“The art of glassblowing has never been depicted in any film.
“With its vibrant colours and ever-changing forms, I feel it is a magical medium to explore with hand-drawn animation.”
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