Inspired by the works of Studio Ghibli, Pakistan’s first 2D animated feature The Glassworker is heading for a U.S. release, as Watermelon Pictures announces it has acquired distribution rights for the country. The deal was closed during Cannes Film Market by Hamza Ali for Watermelon Pics and Hélène Espeisse for sales agency Charades.
The coming-of-age drama marks the feature directorial debut of Usman Riaz, and was Pakistan’s first official submission for the Best International Feature and Best Animated Feature categories at the 97th Academy Awards. The Glassworker was presented as a Work-in-Progress at the 2022 Annecy International Animation Film Festival and made its worldwide premiere there in 2024, ahead of its theatrical run in Pakistan.
Synopsis: Young Vincent and his father, Tomas, run the finest glass workshop in the country and find their lives upended by an impending war in which they want no part. The arrival in their town of an army colonel and his young, talented violinist daughter, Alliz, shakes their reality and tests the relationship between father and son.
The film is produced by Mano Animation Studios in Karachi, led by founder Usman Riaz, co-founder Mariam Paracha and CEO Khizer Riaz. The English-language voice cast is led by Art Malik, Sacha Dhawan, Anjli Mohindra, Tony Jayawardena, Teresa Gallagher, Maya Soraya, Sham Ali and Mina Anwar.
Read more about the making of The Glassworker in Animation Magazine‘s feature story here.
[Source: Deadline]
