t took a journey of 10 years before The Glassworker (Sheesha Ghar), Pakistan’s first hand-drawn animated film, came to fruition. A product of Mano Animation Studios, the process began in 2014 and concluded in 2024. As Usman Riaz told Instep after the Karachi premiere, “I worked on it for a decade. From 2014 to 2019, we spent time on preparation, planning, and infrastructure. Full-scale production commenced from 2019 to 2023.”

At the Karachi premiere, The Glassworker (Sheesha Ghar) received a terrific response in every department, from its animation to cinematography, art direction, and voice-over performances by a multitude of actors.

During these 10 years, Mano Animation Studios was launched and young artists were hired who could draw. They took guidance from animation director Aamir Riffat and Usman Riaz, the director and animator par excellence. Apart from Usman Riaz, Mariam Riaz has been a part of the project since its inception, and Usman Riaz brought his cousin, Khwar Riaz, onboard as producer. As the project took shape, an international team of collaborators began to join. Charades, a film distribution company based in Paris, is handling global distribution rights.

Emmy award-winning Indian producer Apoorva Bakshi (known for Delhi Crime) serves as the executive producer, alongside Spanish producer Manuel Cristobal. Geo Films is onboard, as is Mandviwala Entertainment for domestic distribution on July 26.

The film’s Urdu dub features Khaled Anum, Mooroo, Mariam Riaz, Ameed Riaz, Faiza Kazi, Dino Ali, and even Usman Riaz. For its English dub, South Asian actors Sacha Dhawan, Anjli Mohindra, and Art Malik are part of the cast.

The story is inspired by life in Pakistan and what it was like for Usman, Mariam, and so many of us to grow up here. In an earlier interview with Variety, Usman said, “The Glassworker is a glimpse into how we grew up in Pakistan. It can be seen in the conflicts, the local legends, the characters’ clothing, the food they eat, and the colonial architecture. The art of glassblowing has never been depicted in any film.”

For those who don’t know, Usman witnessed this very art when he traveled to Europe many years ago, in Venice.

This film is more than just a cinematic experience; it’s a testament to the power of vision and innovation. The team behind it has not only crafted a remarkable story but has also built a sustainable film industry from the ground up. This is an extraordinary achievement that few have managed to replicate. Creating a single film is impressive, but establishing a complete cinematic ecosystem is truly groundbreaking.

This film is a must-see. It’s a stunning piece of cinematic history. In these challenging times, its impact is profound. You’ll find yourself deeply moved on both a conscious and subconscious level.