The Glassworker: Pakistan’s Pioneering Hand-Drawn Animated Film

 The Glassworker, Pakistan’s first hand-drawn animated feature film, represents a watershed moment in the nation’s cinematic history. Directed by Usman Riaz and produced by Mano Animation Studios, this film has been nearly a decade in the making and is set for its release in Pakistan on July 26, 2024, following its global premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.

Image courtesy of Mano Animation Studios © GLASSWORKER LLT 2024

The film, a coming-of-age story, centers on Vincent, an apprentice glassblower, and Alliz, a young violinist, whose lives and burgeoning friendship are set against the backdrop of a society fraught with class tensions and the looming specter of war. Vincent, learning the craft of glassblowing from his father, finds his world intertwined with that of Alliz, the daughter of a colonel. As their relationship deepens, they face the challenges posed by their contrasting backgrounds and the discord between their fathers’ worldviews. The narrative explores the perseverance of love and innocence amidst turmoil, using glass as a metaphor for the fragility and beauty of life.

Usman Riaz’s journey to bring The Glassworker to life began in 2014. During a visit to Tokyo, Riaz, already an established musician and artist, was inspired by Studio Ghibli’s animation style. This inspiration spurred him to envision creating a hand-drawn animated film that would reflect his cultural heritage. Recognizing the lack of an animation industry in Pakistan, Riaz and his cousin Khizer Riaz co-founded Mano Animation Studios in Karachi. They faced the monumental task of establishing an animation studio from scratch, including training a new generation of Pakistani animators. Workshops were set up in art schools and universities to foster this nascent talent.

Creating The Glassworker involved over 2,500 drawings and 1,477 individual storyboard shots, produced by a dedicated team of 500 members over four years. The film’s production benefited from the mentorship of Studio Ghibli, which provided critical guidance and validation, helping the project stay on track. The Glassworker draws stylistic inspiration from Japanese animation, particularly Studio Ghibli, but stands apart through its vibrant depiction of Pakistani culture, including traditional architecture, fashion, folklore, and cuisine. This cultural representation is pivotal, offering a fresh perspective on Pakistan’s identity and traditions through the medium of animation.

The film’s cast for the English version includes notable actors such as Art Malik, Sacha Dhawan, Anjli Mohindra, Teresa Gallagher, and Mina Anwar, who bring depth to the characters. The voice cast’s diverse backgrounds reflect the film’s universal appeal and the intention to reach a global audience.

The Glassworker has already begun to make an impact on the international stage. Its trailer debuted at the Cannes Film Festival's Marché du Film, and its premiere at Annecy placed it among some of the world’s top animated films. Geo Films has partnered with Mano Animation Studios for the film's Pakistani release, further indicating the significant expectations for its success.

Usman Riaz’s vision, supported by his team at Mano Animation Studios, has culminated in a film that not only introduces Pakistani animation to the world but also tells a universally relatable story of love, war, and societal divisions. The Glassworker is set to bridge cultural gaps and foster a greater appreciation for South Asian stories in global cinema. For those interested in the film’s decade-long development journey, a 12-episode mini-documentary series on Mano Animation Studios' YouTube channel provides a detailed behind-the-scenes look.

The creation of The Glassworker stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and creative vision, marking a new era for animation in Pakistan and offering a rich, culturally resonant narrative that promises to captivate audiences worldwide.