By Jon Donnis
Arriving in UK and Irish cinemas on 19 September, The Glassworker is already turning heads as Pakistan's first-ever hand-drawn animated feature and the country's official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 2025 Oscars. With a story that blends love, art and the looming shadow of war, this striking debut sets a new standard for animation coming out of South Asia.
The film is set in a picturesque seaside town, where glassblowing is both a livelihood and a tradition. Vincent, a young apprentice, works alongside his father Tomas in their renowned workshop. Tomas is a pacifist, and the calm of their craft reflects the peace of the world they've built together. But that peace begins to unravel when war approaches, and a strict army colonel arrives in town with his daughter, Alliz, a violinist. As Vincent and Alliz grow close, their relationship is tested by rising tensions, family expectations and the stark pull of patriotism. The personal and the political begin to blur, and the young couple are forced to face the realities of conflict, love, and the transformative power of art.
Voiced by a talented cast that includes BAFTA nominee Art Malik, RTS winner Sacha Dhawan and Anjli Mohindra, the film brings a British presence to its international production. Behind the scenes, writer and director Usman Riaz makes his feature debut under the mentorship of Geoffrey Wexler, the veteran producer known for his work with Studio Ghibli and Studio Ponoc. That influence can be felt in the film's visual style and storytelling approach, which have drawn comparisons to directors like Hayao Miyazaki and Makoto Shinkai.
The early reception has been strong. Next Best Picture called it "easily the best animated film of the year," while The Guardian praised the craftsmanship, noting that "every hand-drawn frame is handled with the utmost care." Variety highlighted how the film "feels at once familiar and fresh," recognising the way it draws from a tradition of animation while building something entirely its own.
At its heart, The Glassworker is a story about the collision of ideals and emotions, told through carefully animated detail and rich character work. It's a film that doesn't just mark a technical milestone for Pakistani cinema, but also signals the arrival of a distinctive new voice in global animation.
Dazzler Media presents The Glassworker in UK and Irish cinemas from 19 September.