“The Glassworker” Marks a New Era in Pakistani Cinema

Mark your calendars! Pakistan’s first hand-drawn animation film, “The Glassworker” or “Sheeshagar”, arrives in cinemas on July 26th. This ten-year labor of love, directed by Usman Riaz and produced by Mano Studios, is a first for the country, drawing inspiration from the renowned Japanese studio –  Studio Ghibli. Get ready to be transported to a world of wonder!

Set in a time of war and social divides, “The Glassworker” tells a heartwarming tale of friendship blossoming between Vincent, a young apprentice glassblower, and Alliz, the daughter of a high-ranking military officer. Despite their contrasting backgrounds, a strong bond forms, but it’s tested by their families’ opposing views.

The film weaves a beautiful metaphor using the art of glassblowing. Glass, like life, is exquisite yet delicate, highlighting the fragility of beauty in a world consumed by conflict.

The story starts with Vincent and Alliz as adults, then rewinds to explore their childhoods and the events that molded their future. This structure of presentation unveils the roots of their characters and the challenges that shaped their present relationship.

Beyond the two characters, the film also explores themes like the tension between nationalism, class distinctions, freedom of speech, and artistic pursuits, reflecting the challenges Riaz and many others from his generation faced growing up in post-9/11 Pakistan. 

Director Riaz draws inspiration from his own experiences and those of others growing up in Pakistan to craft a story about political turmoil. The unique twist? The film is set in a Western landscape but infused with Pakistani values and themes.

“The West so often takes characters from the East and westernizes them, I just thought it would be cool to take Western characters and make the landscape and living situation like Pakistan and make these characters speak in Urdu,” Riaz said.

The Journey:

Meant to be a 90-minute-long feature, the film served as a passion project for Riaz, fueled by a desire to showcase the potential of animation as a platform for rich storytelling and cultural exploration.

The movie’s creation wasn’t without its challenges. Building a team of skilled animators required dedication. Riaz actively sought out passionate talent, fostering a creative atmosphere and even conducting workshops across Pakistan to cultivate a new generation of animators.

One of the most distinctive features of “The Glassworker” is its commitment to showcasing Pakistani culture. The backgrounds are bursting with details reflecting Karachi’s life, from colonial architecture to traditional clothing. This dedication to authenticity extends to the music as well. Riaz collaborated with international composers to create a sweeping orchestral score that complements the film’s emotional core.

The making of “The Glassworker” has been documented in a 12-episode series titled “The Making of The Glassworker”. This insightful docuseries offers a glimpse into the studio’s journey, the animation process, and the struggles and triumphs faced by the team.

Cannes Film Festival And Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2024:

The Glassworker was presented at the Cannes Film Festival in May, where the filmmakers were asked to talk at the press conference inside the American Pavillion. 

The hand-drawn animated feature is set to be unveiled at the Cannes Film Market and compete in the prestigious Contrechamp category at the 2024 Annecy Festival. “This journey began 10 years ago, in 2014,” Riaz told Variety. “No one thought it could be done. To have our film premiere at Annecy alongside the world’s best animation is indescribable. It’s a mix of joy and disbelief. Creating a hand-drawn feature in Pakistan was uncharted territory – for a reason! It’s incredibly difficult. But through sheer hard work and dedication, our team made the impossible possible. I’m incredibly grateful to the Annecy team for recognizing ‘The Glassworker’ not just for its artistic merit, but for what it symbolizes: the power of perseverance.”

The Cast:

The movie is set to be broadcast in both English and Urdu. The English version consists of a spectacular cast including Art Malik playing the role of Tomas Oliver, Sacha Dhawan playing Vincent Oliver, and Anjli Mohindra playing Alliz Amano.

The Urdu version boasts a stellar cast of voice actors, including Khaled Anam as Tomas Oliver, Mooroo bringing Vincent Oliver to life, and Mariam Paracha voicing Alliz Amano.

All the dedication and artistry poured into “The Glassworker” culminated in its grand arrival on Pakistani cinema screens on July 26th. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a landmark achievement in Pakistani animation! Watch the Urdu trailer below.