The Glassworker Nominated for Oscar Award, a groundbreaking Pakistani animated film, has made headlines by being selected as the country’s official submission for the 2025 Oscars in the International Feature Film category. This remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s animation industry and highlights the film’s potential on a global scale.
A Cinematic Journey
The Glassworker had its world premiere at the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival, where it garnered both national and international acclaim. Since then, it has captivated audiences worldwide, setting a new standard for animated storytelling in Pakistan. This hand-drawn animated feature, produced by Mano Animation Studios, is the first of its kind in Pakistan to make it to the Oscars, showcasing the immense talent and creativity within the country.
With a decade of dedication behind it, The Glassworker has achieved notable recognition, including a nomination for Best Film at Annecy and the prestigious Best Animation Film award at the Shanghai International Film Festival. The creators are now excited to compete for recognition at the esteemed Academy Awards, solidifying their place in the cinematic landscape.
Director’s Pride
Director Usman Riaz took to Instagram to share his excitement about this remarkable achievement, stating, “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 historic selection signifies the first time a 2D hand-drawn animated film from Pakistan has been honored with such recognition.”
He emphasized the importance of this nomination, adding, “The Pakistani Academy Selection Committee remarked: ‘Usman Riaz 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.'”
In a heartfelt message, Usama Riaz expressed his gratitude: “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 immense talent and creativity Pakistan has to offer.” He encouraged fans to “Stay tuned for updates as The Glassworker embarks on its journey toward the 2025 Oscars.”
A Compelling Story
The Glassworker tells the poignant story of Vincent Oliver, an aspiring glassblower navigating the challenges of love and war while embracing his family legacy. The film features compelling characters such as Tomas Oliver, Vincent’s anti-war father and mentor, and Alliz Amano, Vincent’s beloved, whose father is a colonel commanding an ongoing war. The narrative is enriched with supernatural elements, adding depth to its already captivating story.
As the Olivers grapple with societal rejection due to their refusal to enlist in the war, complications arise when Colonel Amano and his soldiers confront Vincent’s father, forcing him to make a heart-wrenching decision: enlist and leave his son behind or produce weapons for the military.
A Step Toward the Future
In 2022, The Glassworker was featured in the ‘Work In Progress’ category at the Annecy International Animation Festival, a prestigious honor that often serves as a precursor to future awards and box office successes. Previous films in this category have included blockbusters like Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse, Klaus, and How to Train Your Dragon 2, all of which further underscore the potential success of The Glassworker.
The studio’s website highlights that this film is the culmination of the hard work of a diverse team of talented individuals, with a median age of 27 and over 52% of the crew consisting of women. The Glassworker is described as a project full of surprises, promoting diversity in animation. Mano Animation has built a collaborative network extending across borders, with contributions from artists in Malaysia, the Philippines, Japan, Peru, Argentina, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Also Read: ‘The Glassworker’ Breaks Box Office with Rs 25 Million
As the world eagerly anticipates the 2025 Oscars, The Glassworker stands as a beacon of hope and creativity for Pakistani cinema. This nomination not only elevates the film’s profile but also serves as an inspiration for future filmmakers and animators in Pakistan, showcasing the potential for artistic excellence on the global stage.
