The Glassworker Coming to UK and Ireland Cinemas

 

Not so long ago, animation came primarily from a handful of countries. And while countries such as the United States, Japan, The United Kingdom and France still produce the majority of the output, more and more nations are producing their own animation. A perfect example is The Glassworker, the first ever hand-drawn animated feature to come out of Pakistan.

The film was Pakistan's entry for Best International Feature Film at the 2025 Oscars, and has drawn comparisons with Studio Ghibli. And that's no mistake as debut director Uzman Riaz worked under the mentorship of Studio Ghibli and Studio Ponoc producer Geoffrey Wexler. It's very clearly influenced by the work of Hayao Miyazaki, both in its artwork and its themes.

The film will be released in UK and Irish cinemas this September by Dazzler Media. They describe the film: "In a picturesque seaside town rich in sand and tradition, Vincent, an apprentice glassblower, works alongside his pacifist father Tomas at their renowned workshop. Their serene world destabilises when war looms, and a strict army colonel and his violinist daughter Alliz arrive. As Vincent and Alliz forge a deep bond, conflicting family allegiances and patriotism test their love, forcing them to confront the brutality of war and the power of art."

The English language version of the film features the voices of BAFTA-nominee Art Malik, RTS-winner Sacha Dhawan and Anjli Mohindra.

The Glassworker opens in UK and Irish cinemas on September 19, UK certificate 12A.