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Pakistan’s first hand-drawn animated feature film, The Glassworker, has been screened in the United States, marking another milestone for the country’s animation industry.

Originally released in Pakistan in July last year, the film is written and directed by Usman Riaz. The Glassworker tells the story of two individuals navigating life amidst poverty. One of the central characters is a talented young boy who works at his father’s glass shop, while the other is a girl whose father serves in the military.

Earlier, The Glassworker was also selected for the eligibility list of the 97th Academy Awards (Oscars) in the category of Best International Feature Film for the 2025 ceremony — a significant achievement for Pakistani cinema on the global stage.

Pakistan’s first hand-drawn animated film, The Glassworker, has been eliminated from the race for the prestigious Oscar Awards.

Released in July 2024, The Glassworker was selected by Pakistan’s Oscar selection committee in September 2024. However, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has now announced the shortlisted films for the 97th Academy Awards in various categories, including Best International Feature Film, and The Glassworker did not make the cut.

The film was competing alongside over 90 films from more than 90 countries, including India’s The Last Ladies, for the Best International Feature Film category. Out of these, 15 films were shortlisted for the next stage.

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