Synopsis

Pakistan’s first fully hand-drawn animated feature, The Glassworker is a decade-long labour of love, reflecting both artistic devotion and a milestone achievement in the nation’s cinematic history. Taking place in an idyllic fictional reality blending European and Asian cultures, the story centres on a budding romance interrupted by an approaching war. Young glassworker Vincent is a pacifist who grapples with his beliefs in the face of war, which tests his relationship with his father and strains his friendship with Alliz, the daughter of an army colonel. With its sweeping visuals, lush worldbuilding, and strong anti-war themes, Riaz’s landmark animation has already earned comparisons to the work of Studio Ghibli.

Annecy International Animation Film Festival