Cannes, France – May 21, 2024 – The glamorous world of the Cannes Film Festival witnessed a historic event as the Pakistan Crescent Collective made its grand entrance, hosting a panel that will be remembered for years to come. Featuring the innovative minds behind Mano Animation Studios, this panel delved into the creation of Pakistan’s pioneering hand-drawn animated film, “The Glassworker.” As anticipation builds for its debut at the Annecy World Premiere, attendees were treated to an exclusive sneak peek into this groundbreaking project.
Behind the Magic: The Glassworker’s Creative Journey
Moderated by the acclaimed filmmaker and Chairman of the Pakistani Academy Selection Committee, Mohammed Ali Naqvi, the discussion offered a deep dive into the artistic and logistical challenges faced during the making of “The Glassworker.” Director Usman Riaz and Producer Khizer Riaz shared personal anecdotes and insights, painting a vivid picture of their journey from conception to realization.
The Story That Captivates
Set in a world inspired by Pakistan, “The Glassworker” tells the poignant story of a father and son who manage a glass workshop. Their peaceful lives are disrupted by the looming threat of war and the arrival of an army colonel and his musically gifted daughter, Alliz. The film’s voice cast includes notable talents such as Art Malik, Sacha Dhawan, Anjli Mohindra, and Tony Jayawardena, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.
Usman Riaz on Cannes Recognition
Expressing his excitement, Usman Riaz said, “It is an honor to be presenting our journey at Cannes. For our first film ‘The Glassworker’ to receive so much love and wonderful support from our peers is truly special.”
Producer Khizer Riaz on International Acclaim
Khizer Riaz, the visionary behind Mano Animation Studios, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the significance of this recognition. “To be acknowledged and supported by the international film industry at the world’s most prestigious film festival is truly a dream come true,” he remarked.
Amplifying Pakistani Voices: Mohammed Ali Naqvi’s Perspective
Mohammed Ali Naqvi underscored the importance of platforms like the Pakistan Crescent Collective in elevating Pakistani narratives. He emphasized, “Our films are breaking barriers and narrating our own stories, in a world where marginalization of stories from the global south and rampant Islamophobia still persist. We are determined to change that very narrative. This year, we’re excited to unveil ‘The Glassworker’ by Usman Riaz and Mano Animation Studios, a young team drawing inspiration from Japan’s legendary Studio Ghibli.”
Collaboration at Its Finest: Apoorva Bakshi’s Reflections
Apoorva Bakshi, Executive Producer from Awedacious Originals, reflected on the collaborative spirit that drove the project. “It’s a testament to the power of collaboration and strife to achieve excellence born from a shared dream,” Bakshi stated.
Looking Ahead: The Glassworker’s Release
“The Glassworker,” a labor of love and dedication, is set to enchant audiences when it releases on July 26 in Pakistan, distributed by Geo Films and Mandviwala Entertainment. On the international front, Charades will handle sales, ensuring the film reaches a global audience. The event at Cannes was generously sponsored by Zareen’s Restaurant, adding a touch of culinary delight to the cinematic celebration.
In essence, this historic panel at Cannes not only spotlighted the incredible talent and creativity emerging from Pakistan but also set the stage for “The Glassworker” to captivate the world. With its rich narrative and stunning animation, this film is poised to be a landmark achievement in the global film industry.