he countdown to the release of The Glassworker, the inaugural project of Karachi-based Mano Animation Studios (MAS), has begun.

The film, a milestone as Pakistan’s first hand-drawn animation feature, will see a collaborative effort between Mandviwala Entertainment and Mano Animation Studios for its domestic release.

Scheduled for a summer 2024 release, MAS expressed their gratitude in a statement, stating, “We are honoured to partner with the prestigious Mandviwalla Entertainment as the official Pakistani theatrical distributor for our film. ‘The Glassworker’ is finally set for release, and we are thrilled to showcase our debut film in theatres across Pakistan this summer.”

Mr. Nadeem Mandviwalla shared his enthusiasm for the release, stating: “The Glassworker is a masterpiece crafted by Usman Riaz and Mano Animation Studios, and we are excited to bring it to Pakistani cinemas, presenting it in both Urdu and English. This film is a significant achievement for Pakistani Cinema; never before has the country produced a hand-drawn animated film of this caliber.”

Looking ahead, Usman Riaz revealed that the film’s trailer would soon hit cinemas, with an official release date anticipated in April for both theater and online platforms.

The Glassworker, directed by Usman Riaz, will be dubbed in Urdu and English as well. The film’s Urdu voice actors will be announced in the coming days, while the English dub features notable South Asian actors, including Sacha Dhawan (known for Hulu’s The Great, Marvel’s Iron Fist and Doctor Who) who will voice Vincent Oliver, Anjli Mohindra (recognized for The Sarah Jane Adventures, Doctor Who and BBC One’s drama Vigil), cast as the voice of Alliz Amano; and Art Malik (known for Sherlock and True Lies), who will voice Tomas Oliver. Emmy award-winning Indian producer Apoorva Bakshi (known for Delhi Crime) serves as one of the executive producers.

The film revolves around Vincent Oliver who learns the art of glassblowing from his father, Tomas Oliver. Set against the backdrop of war, the narrative explores the impact of conflict on their lives. Alongside Vincent, Alliz, a talented violinist, emerges as another key character, highlighting the effects of war on children from diverse backgrounds.

In a previous interview published on Golden Globes website, Usman Riaz reflected on the film’s genesis, stating, “I was interested in the idea of seeing two kids from different worlds grow up.

Two characters who will grow up with the war in the background and whose future is marked by the opinion of their respective parents.”

The Glassworker underscores themes of perseverance amidst adversity, reflecting the resilience of individuals navigating a world marked by turmoil. The film offers a poignant portrayal of life in Pakistan.

Beyond the subcontinent, The Glassworker boasts a diverse network of collaborators, including Spanish animation producer Manuel Cristobal.

Charades, a film distribution company based in Paris, is handling global distribution rights.