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Breaking: A new English-language trailer has been released for The Glassworker, the critically acclaimed 2D-animated feature film produced entirely in karachi, Pakistan. The film is set to premiere in the United States on August 15th,distributed by Watermelon Pictures.
The Glassworker, directed by Usman Riaz and produced by Mano Animation Studios, marks a critically important milestone as Pakistan’s first entirely 2D-animated feature film. It garnered attention at the annecy International Animation Film Festival in 2023 and was submitted as Pakistan’s entry for Best International Feature at the 97th Academy Awards.
The story centers on Vincent, the son of a glassmaker, and Alliz, a violinist and the daughter of a colonel, whose burgeoning romance is threatened by societal divisions and familial tensions in their unnamed town. The film explores themes of love, family, and artistic integrity against a backdrop of conflict.
Evergreen Context: The film’s painterly aesthetic and anti-war themes have drawn comparisons to the works of Studio Ghibli, renowned for classics like Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke. Usman Riaz, the director, and his brother Khizer Riaz, the producer, have been lauded for their dedication to creating a high-quality animated feature within Pakistan, overcoming significant infrastructural and financial challenges. Mano Animation Studios, founded in 2013, has previously worked on international projects and music videos, building a foundation of expertise that culminated in The Glassworker.
The official synopsis details: “In a town divided by duty and class, Vincent, a glassmaker’s son, and Alliz, a violinist and the colonel’s daughter, fall in love.As their bond deepens, rising tensions between their families threaten to pull them apart. Brought to life through stunning hand-drawn animation, The Glassworker is a poetic tale of first love, family, and the price of staying true to your art.”
Further insights into the film’s production and the filmmakers’ vision can be found in an interview with Usman and Khizer Riaz: