April 12, 2025 at 5:45:00 PM

AFS Cinema

Texas Premiere

The Glassworker

Pakistan, Spain, USA | Narrative Feature

2024 | 98 mins | English,Urdu

Recorded Q&A with writer-director Usman Riaz

Preceded by the short films Da'Lit Kids and Ouroboros.

TICKETS

International South Asian Film Festival of Canada
Annecy Intl. Animation Film Festival
Hong Kong Kids International Film Festival

A young, gifted Vincent and his father Tomas run the finest glass workshop in the country and find their lives upended by an approaching war in which they want no part. The arrival in their town of an army colonel and his young aspiring violinist daughter, Alliz, shakes their reality and tests the

relationship between father and son. As the love develops between Vincent and Alliz, they will need to gather up their courage to confront their fathers.

About the Artist

Usman Riaz is the Co-Founder of Mano Animation Studios, Pakistan’s first hand-drawn animation studio. A multifaceted talent, Usman has made significant strides in various creative fields. A recipient of a full scholarship at Berklee College of Music, Usman’s musical journey is marked by his albums ‘Flashes & Sparks’ and ‘Circus in the Sky,’ both released with EMI Pakistan. His prowess extends to filmmaking, having written, directed, and scored notable short films like ‘RUCKUS’ and ‘The Waves,’ with the latter being an Official Selection at the 2013 New York City Independent Film Festival.

His ambitious project, ‘The Glassworker,’ showcases his storytelling and animation skills, promising to be a significant addition to his portfolio. Under Usman’s leadership, Mano Animation Studios has become a beacon of cultural storytelling and artistic excellence. The release not only marks a significant moment in Pakistani cinema but also elevates traditional animation on the global stage, showcasing its enduring charm over transient CGI trends. Usman Riaz’s artistic contributions continue to inspire a new generation of creators and storytellers worldwide.