Pakistan’s rapidly growing animation industry has made a significant leap onto the global stage with The Glassworker, an animated feature directed by Usman Riaz, which has earned a place on the longlist for the 97th Academy Awards. Produced by Mano Animation Studios, the film is competing for recognition in two prestigious categories: Best Animated Feature and Best International Feature Film.
This marks a historic moment as The Glassworker becomes the first animated film from Pakistan to be considered for an Oscar. The film is one of 31 contenders for the Best Animated Feature award, alongside major releases like Pixar’s Inside Out 2, DreamWorks’ Kung Fu Panda 4, Despicable Me 4, and Japan’s Kensuke’s Kingdom.
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In the Best International Feature category, The Glassworker is up against 85 films worldwide, including India’s Laapata Ladies and Palestine’s From Ground Zero, an anthology focusing on the Gaza conflict, among others.
The inclusion of The Glassworker in these two categories underscores the growing recognition of Pakistan’s creative industries and signals the country’s emerging influence in global cinema. Set in South Asian-inspired landscapes, the film follows Vincent, a young glass artisan, and his emotional journey with Alliz, the daughter of one of his clients. The film explores themes of love, coming-of-age, and the impact of war.
Featuring intricate hand-drawn animation and a moving score, The Glassworker has garnered widespread acclaim, positioning it as a standout contender. Its place on the Academy’s longlist is a testament to the rising global visibility of Pakistan’s animation sector, which, despite its youth, has already captured international attention.
As the Oscar race progresses, the path to recognition remains challenging. Films in the Animated Feature category are evaluated by members of the Academy’s Animation Branch, while those in the International Feature category must meet specific viewing requirements.
The Academy’s shortlist will be announced on December 17, 2024, with the final nominations to follow on January 23, 2025. For The Glassworker, reaching the Oscars longlist is already a monumental achievement, marking a pivotal moment for Pakistan’s film industry on the global stage.
