Pakistan’s burgeoning animation industry has taken a monumental step onto the global stage with The Glassworker - an animated feature directed by Usman Riaz -  earning a spot in the longlist for the 97th Academy Awards.

The film, produced by Mano Animation Studios, is vying for recognition in two prestigious categories: Best Animated Feature and Best International Feature Film.

This marks a historic achievement as The Glassworker becomes Pakistan’s first animated film to qualify for consideration at the Oscars. The film is one of 31 entries competing for the Best Animated Feature nod, alongside industry giants such as Pixar’s Inside Out 2, which is already lauded as the highest-grossing animated release of all time, and DreamWorks’ Kung Fu Panda 4. Also in the running are Despicable Me 4 and Japan’s Kensuke’s Kingdom.

In the International Feature Film category, The Glassworker is competing with 85 films from around the world, including notable submissions like Laapata Ladies from India, directed by Kiran Rao, and From Ground Zero, an anthology of short films by Palestinian directors exploring the ongoing Gaza conflict.

Other entries include Israel’s Come Closer, highlighting the diverse narratives represented in this year’s list.

The inclusion of The Glassworker in these two categories not only highlights the growing recognition of Pakistan's creative industries but also signals the country’s potential to make an impact on the global cinematic landscape.

Set against the backdrop of South Asian-inspired landscapes, the film follows the story of Vincent, a young glass artisan, and his relationship with Alliz, the daughter of one of his clients. As their bond deepens, the film explores the emotional complexities of growing up and the turbulence of war.

The intricate hand-drawn animation and evocative score have earned The Glassworker widespread acclaim, positioning it as a standout contender. Its inclusion on the Academy’s longlist is a testament to the growing influence of Pakistan’s animation sector, which, despite being in its early stages, has already garnered international attention.

As the Oscar race intensifies, the road to recognition remains a challenging one. In the Animated Feature category, films undergo rigorous evaluations by members of the Academy’s Animation Branch. In contrast, the International Feature category requires all Academy members to meet specific viewing requirements before casting their votes.

The Academy’s shortlists, which will narrow down the contenders, will be announced on December 17, 2024, with the final nominations set to follow on January 23, 2025. For The Glassworker, the journey to the Oscars has already been a momentous achievement, marking a key moment for Pakistan’s film industry on the world stage.