The Glassworker is a newly released first-ever hand-drawn Pakistani animated movie by Mano Animation Studios.
This film took over 10 years to create as the director of this film Usman Riaz took the challenge to draw each and every frame of this ‘1h 38m’ film in an old-school way by hand. This film was initially released on 9th June at the 2024 Annecy International Animation Film Festival in Annecy, France.
The film was released in its hometown of Pakistan on 26 July 2024 and since then has received an absolutely amazing response from the audience who just simply loved every second of it.
Storyline of The Glassworker
The story of The Glassworker begins with the character of Vincent Oliver, the son of Tomas Oliver, a master glassworker who runs the most famous and finest glass workshop in the country. Everything seems to be just fine before their life is turned upside down by a war in which they want no part.
Then comes the arrival of Colonel Amano who is also the father of a young girl Alliz who Vincent has been slightly falling in love for a while. The love between the two develops tension as both of their father have quite opposite thoughts and views on life.
When the war between the two nations breaks Malik also confesses his love to Alliz, creating tension between her and Vincent. During the mix of the war, Alliz’s father goes missing which leaves her in great worry and fear.
Alliz then invites Vincent to one of her musical performances where he is barred from entering the tries to watch it from the roof. On the other hand, Colonel Amano is been brought back by Mailk who Alliz thanks and kisses in gratitude which absolutely heartbrokes Vincent.
How is the city going to collect itself and save all the people around it to help survive this ongoing war?
Characters and Cast
| Character | Urdu Artist | English Artist |
| Tomas Oliver | Khaled Anam | Art Malik |
| Vincent Oliver | Mooroo | Sacha Dhawan |
| Alliz Amano | Mariam Riaz Paracha | Anjli Mohindra |
| Colonel Amano | Ameed Riaz | Tony Jayawardena |
| Young Vincent | Mahum Moazzam | Teresa Gallagher |
| Nadia Amano | Faiza Kazi | Mina Anwar |
| Malik Khan | Dino Ali | Sham Ali |
| Penni | Aysha Sheikh | Maya Saroya |
| Principal Bhatti | N/A | Nila Aalia |
| Professor Ansari | N/A | Alex Jordan |
| Mrs. Popolzai | N/A | Bex Wood |
My Thoughts:
I have been a fanboy of animation and storytelling for so long and watching this film was a pure joy. Usman Riaz along with his entire team including Khizer Riaz and Mariam Riaz Paracha has done wonderful work in bringing this amazing story to life. The film itself is filled with so many easter eggs for anime and fantasy story fans.
If you haven’t seen the film yet, I really recommend that you check it out. Also if you have watched the film, let us know your thoughts in the comment below.
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