Asian Pop-Up Cinema: The Glassworker شیشہ گر - Pakistan

Pakistan, USA, S. Korea, Lithuania, Spain, Canada, The Philippines | Animation | 2024 | 98 minutes

In English

Director: Usman Riaz

Screenwriters: Usman Riaz, Moya O’Shea

Starring: Art Malik, Sacha Dhawan, Anjli Mohindra

Film Source: Charades

SYNOPSIS:

Vincent and his father Tomas run the finest glass workshop in the country, until an approaching war upends their lives. However, Vincent ends up falling in love with Alliz, an army colonel’s daughter. As their love blossoms, the young lovers must find courage to confront their respective fathers.

Pakistan’s first hand-drawn animated film is a vibrant and colorful star-crossed romance inspired by the visual style of Studio Ghibli. Like the Japanese animation studio’s films, the groundbreaking film — which took a decade to produce — takes a fantastical approach to a sobering question: Can love blossom even in the chaos of war?

Usman Riaz, Director 

Usman Riaz is the Co-Founder of Mano Animation Studios, Pakistan’s first hand-drawn animation studio. A multifaceted talent, Usman has made significant strides in various creative fields. A recipient of a full scholarship at Berklee College of Music, Usman’s musical journey is marked by his albums ‘Flashes & Sparks’ and ‘Circus in the Sky,’ both released with EMI Pakistan.

His prowess extends to filmmaking, having written, directed, and scored notable short films like ‘RUCKUS’ and ‘The Waves,’ with the latter being an Official Selection at the 2013 New York City Independent Film Festival.

His ambitious project, ‘The Glassworker,’ showcases his storytelling and animation skills, promising to be a significant addition to his portfolio. Under Usman’s leadership, Mano Animation Studios has become a beacon of cultural storytelling and artistic excellence. The release not only marks a significant moment in Pakistani cinema but also elevates traditional animation on the global stage, showcasing its enduring charm over transient CGI trends. Usman Riaz’s artistic contributions continue to inspire a new generation of creators and storytellers worldwide.

Host or Publisher Asian Pop-Up Cinema