The Glassworker: Pakistan’s First Hand-Drawn Animated Feature Film
Ten years ago, musician Usman Riaz picked up a pencil and started sketching, not knowing that it would lead him to make history. That initial drawing evolved into The Glassworker, Pakistan’s first-ever hand-drawn animated feature film.
The story follows young Vincent and his father Tomas, who run a glass workshop, amidst a looming war that threatens to disrupt their lives. Vincent’s relationship with Alliz, a violinist and the daughter of a military colonel, tests the bond between father and son. The film explores the theme that life is beautiful yet fragile, akin to glass.
Usman describes The Glassworker as an “anti-war film” set in a fantastical world inspired by his home country. Despite the lack of government support for creatives in Pakistan, Usman pursued his passion project, founding his own studio, Mano Animations, after a successful crowdfunding campaign.
The painstaking process of hand-drawing every frame has been a labor of love for Usman, who has yet to make any money from the project. However, industry figures like Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy see the potential for The Glassworker to ignite Pakistan’s animation scene.
Despite challenges such as censorship and limited resources, there is optimism that The Glassworker could pave the way for more home-grown animation in Pakistan. Usman hopes the film will put Pakistan on the map and showcase its talent on a global scale.
As The Glassworker prepares for its general release, Usman eagerly anticipates the audience’s reaction to the culmination of his 10-year journey. He believes that the film has the potential to stand toe-to-toe with international animation productions, marking a significant milestone for Pakistani cinema.
