Usman Riaz's Annecy selection 'The Glassworker' has released its first trailer. The film will also be screened at the Cannes Film Market and its release date in Pakistani theaters has also been confirmed.
The animated film will debut in Annecy's Contrechamp line. Aimed at a family audience, the film is set in locations somewhat inspired by Pakistan and tells the story of young Vincent and his father Thomas, who runs Pakistan's premier glass workshop, whose lives are upended by the looming war. It's possible. part time job. When an army colonel and his young, talented violinist daughter Aliz arrive in their village, their reality is shaken and the relationship between father and son is tested.
The voice cast includes Art Malik (“Man Like Mobeen”), Sacha Dhawan (“Wolf”), Anjli Mohindra (“The Lazarus Project”), and Tony Jayawardena (“Ackley Bridge”). Produced by Pakistan-based Riaz's Mano Animation Studios, it is Pakistan's first hand-drawn animated feature film and Awedacious Originals, a global production arm led by 'Delhi Crime' producer Apoorva Bakshi.
Producers include Manuel Cristobal (“Wrinkles”) and Khizer Riaz, with Bakshi serving as executive producer.
Charades is responsible for international sales and will be targeting buyers at the Cannes Market on May 14th and 15th.
Usman Riaz said: “I started this journey 10 years ago in 2014. No one believed it was possible. Having a film premiere at Annecy 2024 alongside some of the world's best animated films is an indescribable feeling. I am very happy and in awe. No one in Pakistan had ever attempted to make a hand-drawn animated film, and for good reason. That was impossible. We all worked extremely hard to make this possible. I am grateful to the Annecy team for believing in ‘The Glassblower’ not just as a film, but for what it represents: the power of perseverance.”
Khizer Riaz added: “We have created a studio with films in Pakistan through grit and passion for technology. What started as Usman's idea has snowballed into a full-fledged studio and will hopefully be the start of a new name in the animation industry. Being recognized in the international animation industry is a dream come true. We look forward to continuing to tell original South Asian stories through Mano’s unique perspective.”
Bakshi said: “'The Glassworker' is a testament to the boundless creativity and dedication inherent in the hand-drawn techniques of Japanese animation. Usman's tireless dedication and storytelling ability go beyond simple regionalism and show that this art form is an emotion in itself. The origins of war, rooted in an understanding of its complexities, have sparked a universal call for action for peace. The film's technical brilliance is matched by a profound emotional core. We believe audiences around the world will resonate with this powerful message.”
Watch the trailer here: