Usman Riaz, a distinguished member of the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) and a OneBeat fellow, has achieved another milestone with his animated film, The Glassworker. The Pakistan Academy Selection Committee has officially selected The Glassworker as Pakistan’s submission for the prestigious International Feature Film category at the 2025 Oscars. This makes it the first animated film from Pakistan to represent the country at the Oscars and a historic accomplishment for the local animation industry.
Usman Riaz’s dedication to storytelling and animation shines through in this groundbreaking film, which is the first 2D hand-drawn animated feature ever produced in Pakistan. Reflecting on this momentous occasion, Riaz shared, “This film is a love letter to cinema, and it was my passion for the art form that drove me to create a film like this in a country where such artistic endeavours are rare.” He expressed his deep gratitude to the selection committee and hoped that the film’s message would resonate with global audiences, highlighting Pakistan’s rich creative talent.
Posting on his official social media account on Instagram, Usman Riaz expressed his sentiments about the film, stating, “The Glassworker represents a decade-long journey of passion and perseverance. This film is a love letter to cinema, and it was my passion for the art form that drove me to create a film like this in a country where such artistic endeavors are rare.” He added, “I am deeply humbled by the trust and faith the selection committee has placed in our film. I hope this story resonates with audiences everywhere, transcending borders and showcasing the depth of talent and creativity that Pakistan has to offer.”
The The Glassworker was produced under the banner of Riaz’s Mano Animation Studios and released in Pakistan on July 26, after years of hard work. Set in a war-torn country, it tells the story of a young glassworker, Vincent Oliver, and violin prodigy, Alliz Amano, as they navigate their dreams and relationships amidst the chaos of war. The film is a touching exploration of love, artistry, and human resilience in times of adversity.
The film has earned widespread acclaim for its artistry, with notable contributions from international and local talents. Written and directed by Usman Riaz, with a screenplay by Moya O’Shea, the film’s music was composed by Carmine DiFlorio and Riaz. The production team includes Khizer Riaz and Manuel Cristobal as producers, and Mariam Paracha, Azhar Hameed, Art Malik, Ameed Riaz, and Apoorva Bakshi as executive producers.
The Pakistan Academy Selection Committee, led by Mohammed Ali Naqvi, includes prominent figures such as Saqib Malik, Humayun Saeed, Vasay Chaudhry, Alina Khan, and Grammy-winning artist Arooj Aftab, among others.
Usman Riaz’s The Glassworker is not just a landmark for Pakistani cinema but also a testament to the country’s growing creative potential. This monumental achievement serves as an inspiration to budding artists and filmmakers in Pakistan, proving that with passion and perseverance, creative dreams can reach global platforms.
