The Glassworker, Pakistan’s first-ever hand-drawn animated film, has officially made its way to cinemas across the United States. This milestone screening comes after U.S.-based distributor Watermelon Pictures acquired the North American rights to the film earlier this week.
According to Al Arabiya, The Glassworker initially premiered in July last year and is the brainchild of Pakistani animator Usman Riaz, who not only directed but also conceptualized the entire story. The film represents a landmark achievement in Pakistan’s animation industry.
Crafted with meticulous detail, the film comprises 1,477 individual cuts and features animated drawings of over 2,300 characters. The narrative centers around the lives of two young individuals from contrasting backgrounds. One is a gifted young boy who works at his father’s glass workshop, while the other is the daughter of a military colonel.
Set against the backdrop of wartime, the story explores how external conflict strains the bond between the two protagonists. The cast includes over 230 voice actors, both local and international, underscoring the film’s global appeal.
In a recent Instagram post, Watermelon Pictures expressed pride in distributing the first Pakistani animated feature to be screened in the United States, with expectations of it soon reaching American theaters nationwide.
Additionally, The Glassworker has been selected as an official contender for the 2025 Academy Awards, further cementing its position as a groundbreaking project in South Asian cinema.
Hamza Ali, co-founder of Watermelon Pictures, remarked, “This is an emotional story that will resonate with audiences across cultures. We are honored to bring such a beautiful piece of art to American screens.”
