Pakistan’s first-ever hand-drawn animated feature film, The Glassworker, is all set to make its much-anticipated release in the United States, marking a historic milestone for the country’s animation industry.
Directed by Usman Riaz and produced by Mano Animation Studios, The Glassworker has already captured attention for its breathtaking visuals, intricate craftsmanship, and universal storytelling. The film, entirely hand-drawn frame-by-frame, stands as a unique artistic achievement in a world increasingly dominated by 3D and computer-generated animation.
Set in a fictional, war-torn country, The Glassworker tells the poignant story of a young glassblower named Vincent and a violinist named Alliz. The film explores themes of love, art, and the impact of conflict on the lives of young people.
Usman Riaz, a multi-talented artist and filmmaker, began working on the project nearly a decade ago. The film gained international recognition early on through a successful Kickstarter campaign and has been praised for its Studio Ghibli-inspired aesthetic and deep emotional resonance.
Speaking about the U.S. release, Riaz said, “It’s a dream come true to bring a story from Pakistan to a global audience through the timeless art of hand-drawn animation. We hope it inspires other creatives from our region to tell their stories fearlessly.”
The Glassworker is scheduled to hit select theaters across the U.S. later this year, with a wider release expected based on initial reception. The film has already generated buzz in international film circuits and is considered a landmark achievement in South Asian animation.
